Black Montessori 
Education Fund

Opening doors to and through Montessori.

Invest in Montessori's original promise

Montessori education was born in the margins—not in privilege. Over 110 years ago, Dr. Maria Montessori developed her revolutionary method working with children in the slums of Rome. Her goal was liberation and equity—not elitism. Yet today, Montessori in the U.S. is too often associated with whiteness, wealth, and exclusivity.

New national data tells a more complicated story. In public Montessori programs, where access is free, 23.3% of students are Black and 26.8% are Hispanic. When financial barriers are removed, Black families choose Montessori. The gap is not about interest or fit. It is about cost and access.

In private Montessori, the picture is different. Black students remain significantly underrepresented, and fewer than 1 in 10 Montessori teachers identify as Black. These disparities are not accidental. They reflect systemic inequities and financial barriers that exclude Black children, families, and educators from programs they deserve to be part of.

We are committed to reclaiming Montessori's justice-centered roots by removing those barriers, through funding, community, professional development, and a strong network of support for Black educators, children, families, and pioneers in Montessori.

True Peace Education includes everyone

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that education was the pathway to peace—and that peace required justice. Montessori education, therefore, cannot fully serve its mission of peace and human development without intentional diversity and inclusion.

When Black children and educators are excluded or underrepresented, the entire learning environment suffers. Representation matters—not just for equity, but for the quality and integrity of Montessori education itself.

We are reclaiming Montessori’s radical roots. We support Black teachers, leaders, students, and researchers through scholarships, program funding, and resources to ensure that Montessori education is not just inclusive in theory—but liberatory in practice.

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

3% Cover the Fee

Hear from our recipients

Some of Our Sponsors  

“We are against the artificial programs that make man a slave…The child, a free human being, must teach us and teach society order, calm, discipline, and harmony. When we help them, love blossoms, too. The love of which we have great need to bring humans together and create a happy life.”

- Dr. Maria Montessori, Education and Peace

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