Since its founding in 1960 by educator D. Nancy McCormick Rambusch, the American Montessori Society has grown to be a foremost advocate for Montessori education. AMS’s primary focus is ensuring the highest standards through accreditation of Montessori schools, the affiliation of teacher education programs, and the creation of professional development resources. AMS also advances Montessori education by supporting related activities—including research and public policy—and by creating a global community of education professionals, families, and policy makers. By these actions, AMS ensures that the Montessori approach is a positive and growing force in education throughout the world. AMS is not-for-profit and member-supported. It is headquartered in New York City. The organization’s nearly 12,000 members (teachers, school administrators, teacher education program directors and adult learners, parents, child rights advocates, and more) are located in 50 countries worldwide.