Southwest Montessori Academy is proud to announce that it has officially earned full initial accreditation from the American Montessori Society, the highest level of recognition a Montessori school can achieve.
News release from the Southwest Montessori Academy:
Southwest Montessori Academy Earns Full Initial Accreditation from the American Montessori Society
Fort Wayne, Indiana (November 26, 2025) — Southwest Montessori Academy (SMA) is proud to announce that it has officially earned full initial accreditation from the American Montessori Society (AMS), the highest level of recognition a Montessori school can achieve. The school received its official certificate this fall, marking a significant milestone in SMA’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional Montessori education.
AMS accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year process focused on reflection, growth, and continuous improvement. SMA completed a comprehensive self-study and hosted an AMS Verification Team this past spring. After observing classrooms and evaluating school practices, the team confirmed that SMA meets every AMS standard. The AMS Board of Directors then granted full accreditation.
Michelle Seyller, Chair of the AMS Onsite Accreditation Team, praised SMA’s commitment to excellence: “It was clear that every member of the SMA staff invested a great deal of care, time, and energy in the self-study process. The depth of reflection and commitment to continuous growth speaks volumes about the culture of professionalism and passion within SMA.”
“We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated staff, board members, families, and supporters,” said SMA Head of School, Karrin Marquell. “This achievement belongs to all of us.”
The accreditation also carries special significance for SMA’s founder, Vyju Kadambi: “It was always a vision of mine to see SMA be accredited by the American Montessori Society. With that vision in mind, many decisions along the way helped us move toward this moment. I feel overcome with joy that the values established in the beginning have endured and continue to be lived out by Karrin and the staff.”
As SMA looks ahead to welcoming more students and expanding its impact, this accreditation strengthens its foundation. It reinforces the school’s mission, deepens accountability, and reflects the strength and commitment of the entire SMA community.
Southwest Montessori Academy celebrates this moment as both a culmination of years of hard work and a and a foundation for future growth as the school expands and increases access to this vital educational option. SMA is proud to be the first nonpublic Montessori school in Fort Wayne to earn AMS accreditation.
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