MIA was founded in the 1960's under the name, “Mid-America Montessori Teacher Preparation Center” (MAMTEC) by Dr. Helen K. Billings. After earning her Ed.D. in Education, Dr. Billings enrolled in Montessori training in Italy in 1964. Through her unceasing energy and dynamic speaking ability, MAMTEC became the largest Montessori training program in Missouri and Kansas from the late 1960's until 1972. In 1972 MAMTEC became the Montessori Institute of America (MIA).

Today 6 MIA teacher preparation centers are affiliated with MIA conduct programs.

Hundreds of MIA teachers and schools throughout the world are assisting children to reach their full potential development, cognitively, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. We have a rich heritage dating back to Dr. Maria Montessori who taught us to discover and follow the child.