About The College of Modern Montessori
The College of Modern Montessori (CMM) was founded in London, United Kingdom, in 1981 by Alan and Patricia Darby. More than four decades later, the College continues to prepare Montessori educators from its South African base through full-time, part-time, online and distance-learning study.
Our methods of delivery have changed enormously since 1981. Our purpose has not: to prepare knowledgeable, confident Montessori educators who understand the child, the philosophy of Maria Montessori and the principles behind the Montessori environment.
Our story
The story began in 1977, when Alan and Patricia Darby enrolled their daughter, Olivia Darby, at Gatehouse Montessori in London.
Inspired by Olivia's experience, Alan approached Gatehouse principal and Montessori educator Phyllis Wallbank about developing Montessori teacher education that could reach students unable to attend conventional residential training.
Wallbank developed a comprehensive correspondence programme, and in 1981 Alan and Patricia established The College of Modern Montessori in London.
The College expanded to Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1989.
From correspondence to distance learning
Distance education is not a recent addition to CMM. The College's original correspondence course evolved into what became known as Home Study and, with changing technology, today's Distance Learning programme.
The way students communicate, access learning materials and interact with tutors has transformed. The principle behind it remains much the same: making serious Montessori teacher education accessible to students wherever they live.
A family legacy
The history of The College of Modern Montessori now spans two generations of the Darby family.
Alan Darby and Patricia Anne Darby
Founders
Alan Darby and Patricia Anne Darby (Pat Darby) founded The College of Modern Montessori in 1981 and devoted decades to the development of Montessori teacher education.
In 2021, Patricia Anne Darby received MACTE's Wisdom of the Elders Award, recognising a lifetime of dedicated service to Montessori education.
Olivia Darby
Director of Studies
Olivia Darby, whose childhood Montessori experience helped inspire the College's creation, is today Director of Studies and is independently identified by MACTE as Program Director of The College of Modern Montessori.
Contact: 082 375 7536.
Adam Darby
Registrar
Adam Darby serves as Registrar, supporting the administration and continued development of the College.
Contact: 082 896 6162.
45 years at a glance
- 1977Olivia Darby begins Montessori education at Gatehouse Montessori, London.
- 1981Alan and Patricia Darby establish The College of Modern Montessori in London.
- 1989The College establishes its Johannesburg operation.
- 2021Patricia Anne Darby receives MACTE's Wisdom of the Elders Award.
- TodayCMM continues Montessori teacher education in South Africa and internationally.
Accreditation and recognition
The College of Modern Montessori has a long-standing relationship with the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).
Detailed information about our current programmes, accreditation and how to independently verify our status is available on our dedicated accreditation page.
Our academic faculty
The academic faculty is made up of the Director of Studies, Course Directors, Senior Lecturers, Junior Lecturers and Field Supervisors. Every member of the faculty:
- holds accredited early childhood Montessori teaching qualifications;
- has early childhood Montessori instruction experience with both children and adults;
- is committed to life-long learning, attending workshops and training courses periodically to update and expand their knowledge;
- is a registered assessor (online programme faculty).
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The great teacher inspires.”
— William Arthur Ward, the maxim our faculty subscribes to
Our mission and ethics
Mission — the College
To educate students to be imbued with the spirit and ideals of Montessori principles.
Mission — the Schools
To provide each child with a well-rounded, individualised educational and developmental experience that is grounded in Montessori principles and that nurtures an enduring love of learning. We guide the child towards independence and self-confidence, creating a strong foundation on which to build future learning.
Code of ethics
The principles and ideas of Montessori on the integrity and needs of children underpin every aspect of our work. Students, pupils, academic and administrative staff strive to apply these same principles in their work and relationships with each other. All members are expected to act with integrity and dignity and to respect each other.
Non-discrimination policy
Discrimination is against South African law. Students and staff are appointed on merit. Our work is rooted in the belief that all people, regardless of race, colour, language, creed and gender, are of equal worth and are treated equally in selection for and the conduct of our courses and schools. We conform absolutely with the Constitution of South Africa.
The College & School of Modern Montessori. Registration number CK94/21728/2.
An independently verifiable history
The history of The College of Modern Montessori exists beyond our own website. Independent records include:
MACTE
Official records for The College of Modern Montessori and Patricia Anne Darby's Wisdom of the Elders Award.
View The College of Modern Montessori's official MACTE record View MACTE's Wisdom of the Elders Award recipients
Independent Online (IOL)
A 2005 historical article documenting Alan and Pat Darby, the College's London origins, Olivia's Montessori education and the involvement of Phyllis Wallbank.
The Phyllis Wallbank Educational Trust
Records Wallbank's development of the Montessori correspondence programme associated with Modern Montessori.
The Montessori Foundation
Independently records Patricia Anne Darby's 2021 MACTE Wisdom of the Elders Award.
Montessori teacher education since 1981
From correspondence lessons posted from London to modern classrooms and online learning, much has changed. Our commitment to preparing thoughtful Montessori educators has not.
The College of Modern Montessori — established in London in 1981.