LEARNING AT THE BALLYHOUSE

The Academy at the Ballyhouse

From an initial introduction to Montessori education through to the internationally recognised AMI diploma course, the Academy at the Ballyhouse supports parents, education professionals and aspiring Montessori educators throughout their individual learning journeys.
Practical, compatible with professional commitments and taught within an active Montessori environment in Schönenwerd, near Aarau.

Academy

Montessori training — the Academy at the Ballyhouse

The Ballyhouse is not only a Children’s House. It is also a place where adults learn — from interested parents to aspiring AMI-qualified Montessori educators. Our Academy is open to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of Montessori education and early childhood development.

Three levels of commitment — from a single evening session to professional training. Each has its place, and each is equally valuable.

Which pathway is right for you?

Tier 1

Foundation course

For young people starting out in Montessori settings

For interns and trainees working in Montessori settings who wish to build their practice on a strong foundation in Montessori education.

Foundation course: online theory and in-person practical training

20 hrs.

Tier 2

Professional Development

For education professionals

A practical introduction to Montessori education. Ideal for anyone wishing to become familiar with its principles and foundations without requiring previous experience.

Playgroup professional development course (Spielwerk)

Practical module: 60 hours

Tier 3

AMI professional diploma training

For aspiring Montessori educators

The complete, internationally recognised Montessori qualification for educators working with children aged 3–6 — delivered alongside professional commitments over 13 months at the Ballyhouse.

AMI 3–6 Diploma Course

Internationally recognised AMI Diploma

why amı?

AMI 3–6 Diploma Course

Information evening,
August 31st at 7:30 PM

The internationally recognised Montessori teacher training programme — delivered in person.

The AMI Diploma is the original Montessori qualification. Co-founded by Maria Montessori herself in 1929, the Association Montessori Internationale continues to award the world’s most authentic and rigorous Montessori qualification.

AMI has maintained an operational relationship with UNESCO since 1962 and has been associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information since 1985. Graduates of this course receive the same qualification as those completing their training in Amsterdam, London or Sydney.

regıster your interest

view course dates

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Guidelines / Costs

Association Montessori Internationale — in operational partnership with UNESCO since 1962.

WHY LEARN IN PERSON?

The key benefits of in-person learning

The in-person course combines in-depth knowledge with practical experience, personal guidance and collaborative learning on site.

Learning together

Discussion, observation and mutual feedback enrich the learning process.

Practice, not just theory

Repeatedly working with Montessori materials helps participants confidently translate theoretical knowledge into practice.

Confidence through experience

Spending sufficient time in the prepared environment builds confidence and practical competence.

Personal guidance

Direct observation, guidance and individual feedback from the course leader.

Questions answered directly

Questions and uncertainties are discussed in person using real-life situations from the Children’s House.

Community and professional network

Personal exchange, new connections and shared experiences strengthen team spirit and resilience.

Language of instruction
The course is taught in German, with English translation also provided.

VOICES FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS

What our participants say

First-hand experiences from those who have completed the in-person course.

" I was very glad to have completed the diploma course in person, as the face-to-face interaction and collaborative learning created a truly unique dynamic.
I also met some wonderful people and made valuable connections."

Sanja

"I preferred attending the Montessori course in person because I learn best by trying things out and getting hands-on experience. For me, truly grasping a concept means experiencing it firsthand so that I can effectively explain it to children later on."

Claudia

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mariza Hefty for her outstanding in-person instruction during the AMI Montessori course for children aged 3 to 6.
Through her precise demonstrations and insightful explanations, I have developed a deep understanding of the Montessori method and its application in everyday educational practice.
Her enthusiasm for Montessori pedagogy is truly inspiring."

Nora

… Additionally, being there in person fosters a deep bond with my classmates as we navigate this challenging journey together every day. This shared experience creates a strong support network that helps us all push forward and succeed—something that simply cannot be replicated online.

Virginia

"The AMI course offers a level of depth and connection that simply cannot be replicated online. Being in the training centre provides invaluable hands on experience with the Montessori materials, allowing students to explore them directly."

Kate

"… the in-person experience is essential for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the method itself. In-person participation helped me understand what is meant by a certain way of being in the environment, a certain movement of our hands… but also by observing our colleagues and their own ways of working."

Laura

"The 3–6 Montessori teaching training with Mariza transformed me into a true Montessori educator. Over the course of that year, I gained deep theoretical and practical knowledge and the confidence to work effectively with children.
This training did not just open the door to working in a Montessori prepared environment; it opened a new perspective on human development and the world."

Yuan Tian

“What you tell me, I forget. What you show me, I remember. What you let me do, I understand.”

— Confucius

WHY LEARN IN PERSON?

Benefits for educational settings

Course times are structured around the needs of educational settings and working professionals.

Practice-based qualification

Participants receive practical training and can apply their knowledge directly in their day-to-day work.

Experience across different age groups

The children’s groups at Montessori Biloba provide first-hand insight into working with children of different ages.

Less time away from work

The course format limits employees’ absences to just a few days each week over the course of the year.

Course structure

Course model — at a glance

The AMI 3–6 Diploma Course is delivered 95% in person at the Ballyhouse. It is designed to be completed alongside professional commitments, with modules generally taking place every other Friday and Saturday, as well as during selected weeks of the school holidays. This makes it easy to combine the training with a role in a school or Children’s House.

95%

In-person classes

Delivered on site at the Ballyhouse in Schönenwerd.

Part-time

Alongside your professional role

Compatible with school or daycare

Every other Friday and Saturday

Every two weeks

Modules generally take place every other Friday and Saturday

Holiday weeks

Additional modules

Additional sessions take place during selected school holidays.

Course at a glance

Over 13 months, participants develop an in-depth understanding of Montessori education through in-person teaching, hands-on work with Montessori materials, observation and practical placements. The programme combines academic foundations with extensive practical experience at the Ballyhouse in Schönenwerd.

13 months

Part-time professional training

400+ hours

Total training time

140+ hours

Practice with Montessori materials

170+ hours

Observation and practical placement

CURRICULUM · 14 TOPICS

Fourteen topics, one diploma

More than 400 hours structured around fourteen core areas — from theories of child development to creating your own Montessori materials.

Pedagogy & Psychology

Practical Life Activities

Sensorial Materials

Language

Mathematics

Create (craft / draw / handmade...)

Observation

Internship

Educational Theory

Administration

Reading & Discussion

Written Assignments

Material production

Materials Science

Your instructor

Mariza Hefty

Course Instructor · Montessori Education Ages 3–6

Mariza Hefty leads the AMI 3–6 Diploma Course, drawing on many years of experience in Montessori education. She combines in-depth expertise with a practical and personal approach to learning at the Ballyhouse, with almost all teaching delivered in person.

95 %

In-person classes

Months

2027

Course starts

Contact

Download course brochure

Professional Development

Two practical pathways to deepen your understanding of Montessori education: our foundation course for interns or the practical module delivered in partnership with Spielwerk.

Montessori Biloba Offerings

Montessori Basic Course for Interns & Childcare Specialists

This foundation course is designed exclusively for interns and trainees working in childcare. In a concise format, it covers the essentials of everyday Montessori practice: child development, the prepared environment and your role as a supportive education professional. The aim is not simply to gain theoretical knowledge, but to develop an approach you can apply from your very next day of practical work.

Scope

20 hours — hybrid

Breakdown

10 hours online · 7 hours in-person · 3 hours self-study

Pricing

CHF 450

Discounts

10 / 15 / 20% off from your 2nd booking

Next start

September 2026

For interns & apprentices only

Registration form

View flyer

spielwerk * bILOBA PARTNERSHIP

Montessori Practical Module

The practical module builds on the foundations introduced in the foundation course. It is designed for professionals working in playgroups who hold a Spielwerk Diploma or an equivalent qualification.Across six Saturdays during one academic year, participants combine theory with hands-on work using Montessori materials and reflect on their own professional practice. The module is delivered in partnership with Spielwerk and takes place at the Ballyhouse.

Scope

60 hours

Rhythm

6 Saturdays throughout the school year

prıcıng

CHF 890

Prerequisite

Music box diploma or equivalent

Next start

September 2026

About Spielwerk

Registration form

View flyer

Montessori training brings together theory and real-life practice. At the Ballyhouse, Montessori is practised every day in the Children’s House — the same setting in which the Academy is based. This brings learning, observation and practical experience together under one roof.

ENQUIRE

Not sure which format is right for you?

Get in touch — we’ll respond personally and help you find the right Academy programme, from a single evening session to the AMI Diploma Course.

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Ready for the next step?

Erleben Sie Montessori im Ballyhouse

Meet the Biloba team and discover our educational approach and carefully prepared environment in person.

Open Day ·
Oct 24, 2026

Ballyhouse am Park

9.30 am — Short presentation
10.00 am–2.00 pm — Open Day
Schönenwerd

No registration required.

Learn more

Discover our Montessori approach and carefully prepared environment.

taster day

Visit us during the week and experience our Montessori approach in everyday practice.

Request a taster day

Personal consultation

We are happy to take the time to answer your questions.

Get in touch

The child who concentrates is immensely happy.

Address

Ballyhouse am Park

Parkstrasse 36 B

5012 Schönenwerd

Contact

+41 78 340 37 73

info@montessori-biloba.ch

Opening hours

Mon – Fri

07:30 – 17:30

Sat – Sun

Closed

Montessori Biloba

Imprint Privacy Policy

Montessori training — the Academy at the Ballyhouse

Which pathway is right for you?

Foundation course

Professional Development

AMI professional diploma training

AMI 3–6 Diploma Course

The key benefits of in-person learning

Learning together

Practice, not just theory

Confidence through experience

Personal guidance

Questions answered directly

Community and professional network

What our participants say

“What you tell me, I forget. What you show me, I remember. What you let me do, I understand.” — Confucius

Benefits for educational settings

Practice-based qualification

Experience across different age groups

Less time away from work

Course model — at a glance

95%

Part-time

Every other Friday and Saturday

Holiday weeks

Course at a glance

Fourteen topics, one diploma

Professional Development

Montessori Basic Course for Interns & Childcare Specialists

Montessori Practical Module

Not sure which format is right for you?

Erleben Sie Montessori im Ballyhouse

Geschichten aus dem Ballyhouse, direkt in Ihren Posteingang

“What you tell me, I forget. What you show me, I remember. What you let me do, I understand.”

— Confucius