Black Montessori

Education Fund

Making Montessori more accessible for the Black community.

Invest in equitable access to holistic education

Montessori education has become synonymous with privilege, whiteness, and the higher class—but this was not what Dr. Montessori had in mind when she developed her revolutionary educational method more than 110 years ago in the slums of Italy. Yet, in the modern-day US, Montessori schools severely lack diversity. In fact, Black children make up only 6% of the population in Montessori schools.

We aim to change that and to bring Montessori back to its roots by removing the financial barrier that contributes to the under-representation of Black educators, children, and families in Montessori programs. We actively work to provide resources, mentorship, advocacy, and safe spaces for Black educators, educational pioneers, and families in Montessori.

Learn More

Increase diversity and inclusion in Montessori

Currently, only 9% of Montessori educators in the US identify as Black — and Black children in the US are more likely to attend high-poverty schools with nearly half attending schools where 75% of the population qualifies for free and reduced lunch.

Your support will directly contribute to ensuring Black children and teachers get access to quality education and enriching Montessori teacher training programs and schools around the world. The BMEF is committed to supporting aspiring Black Montessori teachers, students, administrators, and researchers through our scholarship opportunities.

Click the button below to learn more and see our current opportunities.

Scholarships

Donate today to help us create a more equitable future for Black educators, children, and families

US$20.00

US$50.00

US$100.00

Custom Amount

Hear from our recipients

"As a bilingual pre-k teacher, Dr. Maria Montessori’s absorbent mind discovery clicked for me —I can apply the sponge-like nature of early language learning to all areas of learning! In 2010, I pursued Montessori AMS Early Childhood training. Then 10 years later, after teaching in varied NYC Montessori primary schools. I followed a need to bring Montessori & language learning back into a home environment like Dr. Montessori's original Children's House. I opened a small in-home bilingual French Montessori childcare program. I am so pleased to receive this award in order to purchase a wagon that will enable our 3 enrolled toddlers to visit nearby parks."

Jacquelyn Newton
“The Black Montessori Education Fund has been a God-send to our family. We are so grateful for their generous contribution to our children's tuition and education. Because of BMEF, our children were able to continue their education at the only Montessori school in our city that was also founded by a wonderful black woman. The impact that BMEF has had on my family and our community is immeasurable. I will always be a supporter of BMEF and the amazing work that they do. On behalf of my family, thank you!”

Camilla Jones
“As a committed proponent of Montessori education, I recognize the pivotal role that high-quality training materials play in the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs, especially for those who may not have the opportunity to practice in well-resourced Montessori settings.The funds from this grant will be strategically used to purchase key Montessori materials that are essential yet often inaccessible due to cost constraints. These materials are not merely educational tools; they embody the Montessori method's core principles, allowing for hands-on learning and development of practical skills that are crucial for future educators.”

Myriam Barros
“We are so grateful to be the recipients of this scholarship. We will apply these funds toward our daughter's tuition! These funds will allow us to put more money aside for future tuition payments. It will be so nice to have a small cushion as we will soon begin paying for our son to start at the same Montessori as our daughter this fall. We are extremely dedicated to keeping both of our children in Montessori until they are too old to attend, and taking a bit of the stress off of making our monthly tuition payment is a blessing. Thank you again!”

Amia Banks
"I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for awarding Logan the Black Montessori Education Fund Scholarship for the second time. This scholarship will go towards Logan's tuition for the upcoming school year. Logan has had a very productive year at Mountaintop Montessori. He transitioned to the Children's House Program from the Toddler Program and has made many strides in his education journey. As one of the youngest children in his class, his confidence has grown. He continues to love language and geography, and being in his new class gives him access to new materials that foster his desire to learn new things. It is a joy to be a part of this community, and I will continue to share information about the BMEF."

Logan Curry
“Education, to me, is more than just the transfer of knowledge; it's about unlocking the unique potential of each child. I aspire to be part of a community that values and cultivates every child's individuality, encourages curiosity and creativity, and fosters a love of learning. I will use this funding towards both my tuition and application fee. I am greatly honored to receive this opportunity and look forward to working with the BMEF. I truly appreciate your support in my Montessori journey.”

Erica Willard

Some of Our Sponsors

Ella Jo Baker "Transforming Systems" Sponsor

“An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of humans, the enhancement of their value as individuals, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”

—Dr. Maria Montessori