SAMA has a three tier level membership (Initial, Progressive or Full tier level). This is a member school’s self-evaluation process, guided by a SAMA Tier Representative.

SAMA provides the required Montessori practice guidelines (Annexure C part 1, 2 & 3). It is the responsibility of each member school to ensure they implement the requirements and request a visit by the Tier Representative at each level.

 The SAMA Code of Conduct & Fundamental Principles offer member schools guidance with specific emphasis on fully implementing authentic Montessori education.

The three membership levels recognise that schools are at different stages of Montessori implementation and regulatory compliance. They provide a pathway for schools to access support, inspiration, and engagement, in collaboration with the Association and its other member schools, while progressing towards the full implementation of the fundamental principles of Montessori best practice.

The Executive Committee is currently in the final stages of concluding the final, more formal level: Montessori Quality Assurance processes for member schools.

 Schools on Full level membership will be subject to a more formal Montessori Quality Assurance Framework, conducted every five years.

Should there be any changes to school membership (i.e. ownership/management change, and/or lapsed membership for longer than 2 years) or premises change at any stage, they will be required to do a self-evaluation & then request a Rep visit to confirm their former tier status. If they then no longer meet the previous tier level criteria, they can downgrade accordingly.

Initiate Membership

All new or previously lapsed members, and/or schools facing economic challenges, will start at this level. Emergent schools will benefit from interaction with the Association and mentorship from more established schools and experienced Montessorians.

In order to move to Progressive level, schools would require the first contact visit or a reconnection visit by a tier representative.

Progressive Membership

 For schools who have participated in at least one visit and who are working towards compliance with all the requirements (implementing the 6 Fundamental Principles) for Full tier membership. It is expected that most schools will achieve Full membership within three years.

In order to be considered for Full membership, schools would require a follow-up visit after submitting a completed self-evaluation (Annexure C part 2 and Essential materials list) for each environment they cater for.

Full Membership

For schools committed to following globally accepted best practices in Montessori pedagogy, interpreted within the South African context. Evidence that they meet regulatory compliance, or are in the process, or have made every effort, must be submitted at the time of their membership renewal.

The Full level member school signs a commitment that they will advance to the Montessori Quality Assurance Framework within 18 months (or whatever SAMA decides is a reasonable timeframe), and thereafter every 5 years, whilst continuing implementation of all SAMA fundamental principles.