The Institute For Educational Studies (ties)

What The Institute For Educational Studies (ties) does

The Institute for Educational Studies (TIES) is a private, nonprofit graduate education institution founded in 1996 by Phil Gang and Marsha Snow, headquartered historically in Beverly, Massachusetts and operating independently online since 2019. TIES offers two fully online, asynchronous Master of Education programs — the Montessori Integrative Learning M.Ed. and the Integrative Learning M.Ed. — serving working educators globally through twice-yearly cohort enrollment in January and July. The platform supports adult learners through online seminars where students and faculty post responses to readings and engage in dialogue-based meaning-making, an approach TIES pioneered in 1993.

The core product architecture is a long-form asynchronous learning model built around integrative seminars, individualized emphasis areas, and a culminating project, rather than a conventional LMS with lecture capture. TIES augments its degree programs with a Montessori Training Partnership Program that offers tuition grants of $3,000-$4,500 and cross-credit recognition for graduates of more than 20 affiliated Montessori teacher training centers across the US, Czech Republic, China, and New Zealand. Supplementary offerings include annual symposia (Peace Through Education, Adolescent Symposium), a complimentary Spring Immersion on-ramp course, and editorial involvement in the Holistic Education Review journal.

TIES generates revenue almost exclusively through tuition from individual students enrolling in its two M.Ed. programs, with effective pricing reduced by partnership grants for Montessori training center alumni. The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, relying on referrals from partner training centers, alumni word-of-mouth, content marketing via the Ripple blog, social media channels, and the 'Meetings with Remarkable Educators' podcast. Customer segments include Montessori educators seeking graduate credentials, holistic educators pursuing integrative pedagogy, and non-traditional adult learners unsuited to conventional graduate programs. No enterprise or institutional customers, funding rounds, or external investors are evident in the data.

Name

The Institute For Educational Studies (ties)

Legal name

The Institute for Educational Studies

Website

https://ties-edu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Institute for Educational Studies (TIES) is a private nonprofit founded in 1996 that delivers two fully online, asynchronous Master of Education programs — Montessori Integrative Learning and Integrative Learning — to working Montessori and holistic educators globally through twice-yearly cohort enrollment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Higher Education / Graduate Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Divisions of Traditional Universities (Hybrid/Extension) (EDAHALAB)

Keywords

• Online graduate education
• Montessori teacher education
• Integrative learning programs
• Master of education degrees
• Educator professional development

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. M.Ed. Tuition: TIES generates revenue through tuition for its Master of Education programs in Montessori Integrative Learning and Integrative Learning. Students receive tuition grants ranging from $3,000-$4,500 for Montessori training center graduates. The programs operate on cohort-based enrollment with classes beginning January and July of each year.
2. Training Partnership Grants: TIES offers tuition grants and advanced standing opportunities for students from partnered Montessori teacher training centers, reducing effective tuition through cross-credit recognition and practicum recognition toward culminating projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

TIES offers online Master of Education degree programs in Montessori Integrative Learning and Integrative Learning, delivered asynchronously to working educators worldwide. Programs combine cosmic/ecological education, dialogue-based seminars, individualized emphasis areas, and culminating projects, with tuition grants available for graduates of partner Montessori training centers.

Product overview

The Institute for Educational Studies (TIES) offers two online Master of Education degree programs: the Montessori Integrative Learning M.Ed. and the Integrative Learning M.Ed. These programs target educators seeking transformative learning approaches grounded in Montessori philosophy, cosmic education, and ecological consciousness. The programs are delivered through asynchronous online seminars, culminating projects, and optional in-person symposia. TIES also offers a Montessori Training Partnership Program providing tuition grants ($3,000-$4,500) for graduates of affiliated Montessori training centers, and supplementary offerings including spring immersion courses and academic journal participation through the Holistic Education Review.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Montessori Integrative Learning M.Ed. An online Master of Education degree program for Montessori educators integrating cosmic education, ecological perspectives, dialogue, leadership, and cosmology with Montessori philosophy and practice, delivered asynchronously with individualized emphasis areas and a Culminating Project.
• Integrative Learning M.Ed. An online Master of Education degree program for holistic educators focusing on integrative learning, systems thinking, ecological awareness, dialogue, leadership, and cosmology, delivered asynchronously with individualized emphasis areas and a Culminating Project.
• Spring Immersion Course (Mapping Transitions)

Quantifiable outcome

• Students report transformation in personal and professional practice, with emphasis areas including peace through education, ecological literacy, adolescent development, leadership, and the soul of learning.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Houston Montessori Center (HMC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHouston Montessori Center's mission is to educate teachers and administrators in continuing the work and principles of Maria Montessori. Offers American Montessori Society credentials at Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I-II, and Secondary I-II levels. TIES students and graduates have come from HMC, with cross-credit recognition available.
• Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded in 1978, MECR offers teacher education courses in Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary I-II. All courses are affiliated with AMS and accredited by MACTE. Students receive AMS credentials upon completion.
• Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest (MEIPN)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommitted to educating, preparing and supporting teachers and professionals through comprehensive education. Provides professional development opportunities and connects classrooms to the greater community.
• Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides high quality, specialized preparation for Montessori elementary educators. Accredited by MACTE and affiliated with AMS, offering training for certification at EI, EII, and EI-II levels. Practicum meets TIES masters program credit requirements.
• Montessori Center for Teacher Education (MCTE)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocated in San Diego, California, sponsored by Argonauta Educational Programs. Offers Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary II, and Elementary I-II courses. Celebrates over 45 years of preparing Montessori teachers.
• Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDesigned by Kitty Bravo, Tim Seldin and Jonathan Wolff using cutting-edge distance-learning technologies. Makes Montessori teacher education more effective and accessible through reduced in-person requirements.
• Authentic Institute of Montessori (AIM)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOffers MACTE-accredited Early Childhood and Elementary I-II teacher education courses with blended programs featuring in-depth online study. Summer residency at various US locations followed by practicum.
• The Institute for Guided Studies (IGS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides Montessori programs and support services for educators and parents to transform themselves, families, classrooms and school communities. Offers teacher preparation, supervision, consultation, and staff development.
• Montessori Institute of North Texas (MINT)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAMI-approved teacher training center in Dallas, Texas offering Infant to Toddler, Primary, and Elementary training at AMI standards. Courses available in academic year and summer formats.
• Seacoast Center for EducationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharter member of MACTE, USDE recognized, and affiliated with AMS. Offers fully accredited Elementary I and Elementary I-II programs with training and professional development in South Carolina and New Hampshire.
• Gulf Coast Montessori Teacher Education Center (GCMTEC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOperates in Houston, TX and Charleston, SC. Provides quality Adult Learning services in Early Childhood and Elementary Montessori education with emphasis on curriculum patterns and developmental levels.
• Princeton Center Teacher Education (PCTE)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded in 1989, located within Princeton Montessori School. World-class facility offering hands-on learning experiences. Accredited by MACTE and affiliated by AMS at Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary levels.
• Montessori Training of Southern Nevada (MTSN)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnly Montessori training program in Southern Nevada offering MACTE accredited, AMS affiliated Early Childhood credential. Also offers Elementary I credential. Summer training with weekend sessions and practicum.
• Montessori LivecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStreaming video-based online lesson library supporting Montessori educators globally. Offers MACTE-accredited teacher education programs in Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary I-II, and Elementary II with majority online classes.
• Center for Montessori Teacher Education | NC (CMTE/NC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOffers MACTE accredited and AMS-affiliated Montessori credential on 4 levels: Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I and II. Students explore Montessori philosophy, curriculum, and practice with experienced guides.
• Duhovka MontessoricoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEstablished AMS affiliated and MACTE accredited teacher education program in Prague (since 2012) and Amelia Island, Florida. Offers Early Childhood and Elementary Teacher Education with focus on depth of teacher transformation.
• Montessori Training Center of Brentwood (MTCOB)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMission to engage, nurture, and prepare adult learners in Montessori method and philosophy. Offers MACTE accredited and AMS-affiliated credentials in Early Childhood and Infant Toddler.
• Montessori Institute New England (MI-NE)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocated in Beverly, MA, provides quality professional development for Montessori teachers in an atmosphere of inspiration and respect for adult learners. Offers Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood programs.
• Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta (MTEI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOffers multiple MACTE accredited and AMS-affiliated programs in Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood. Established to meet needs of busy adult learners with affordable and manageable training options.
• Montessori Educational Institute of North America (MEINA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBased on traditional Montessori pedagogy infused with current brain research. Prepares teachers for Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary I credential with emphasis on public and private school implementation.
• Center for Montessori Teacher Education | NY (CMTE/NY)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded in 1979 embodying Montessori principles in teacher education. Empowers adults to assist children in optimal development. Offers credentials at Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary levels.
• Montessori Institute PraguecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAMI accredited training centre for Czech Republic offering Assistants to Infancy, Primary, and Elementary training. Most courses are modular, held during school year with seminars and workshops.
• Peninsula Montessori Institute (PMI) - ChinacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnly center in Guangdong province authorized by AMI-Amsterdam to run training courses. Offers AMI diploma courses internationally recognized for high standards and authenticity.
• Dallas Montessori Teacher Education Program (DMTEP)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDesigned to educate private and public school teachers in Montessori strategies. In existence since 1975 with oldest extant AMS elementary program in US. First AMS Montessori Teacher Training approved by Texas Work Force Commission.
• Antioch UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner of the Holistic Education Review journal. TIES faculty member Paul Freedman serves as Coordinating Editor and Dr. Philip Snow Gang serves on the Editorial Board.
• The Transformative Learning FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner of the Holistic Education Review journal alongside TIES, Antioch University, and Southern Oregon University Center for Holistic Education.
• The Center for Holistic Education at Southern Oregon UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost institution for the Holistic Education Review journal. Partners with TIES and other organizations to enhance and broaden scholarship of holistic education.
• Nova Montessori School (New Zealand)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded 1988 as Garden Montessori School in South Island of New Zealand. Part of TIES extended learning network. Nova Montessori students and faculty have participated in TIES events including the Solstice celebration tradition founded by Marsha and Phil Gang.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Seton Hill University: Seton Hill University offers an online M.Ed. with a Montessori concentration in partnership with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), directly addressing the same core target customer as TIES — Montessori educators seeking an accredited master's degree via online delivery.
• Loyola University Maryland: Loyola University Maryland offers a Montessori education graduate program (in partnership with AMI), serving the same Montessori educator audience as TIES. It is a regional peer with overlapping customer base and programmatic focus.
• Bank Street College of Education: Bank Street offers graduate programs in education focused on progressive, child-centered, and reflective practice. It is a peer in mission and target market — experienced educators seeking transformative graduate study with a strong pedagogical philosophy.
• Endicott College / Van Loan School: Endicott College was TIES's institutional home from 1998 to 2019 and continues to offer graduate education programs. As TIES's former host and a continuing provider of educator graduate programs in Massachusetts, it represents a closely comparable peer in curriculum, audience, and geography.
• Antioch University: Antioch University offers low-residency and online M.Ed. programs with a values-driven, holistic education orientation, and is a co-partner with TIES in supporting the Holistic Education Review journal. It directly competes for the same holistic-educator segment.
• Lesley University: Lesley University offers online M.Ed. programs including concentrations aligned with Montessori and holistic/creative education approaches. It directly competes with TIES for working educators seeking graduate credentials with a progressive pedagogical orientation, and represents one of the most-established accredited alternatives in this niche.

Emerging players

• Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS): CGMS is a TIES channel partner and a MACTE-accredited provider of Montessori teacher credentialing via cutting-edge distance learning. It competes for the same cohort of working adults entering Montessori education and represents an emerging digital alternative in Montessori educator training.

Broad incumbents

• Walden University: Walden is a large accredited online university offering M.Ed. specializations for working educators across many concentrations. It is a broad incumbent in the online M.Ed. market that competes for the same working-educator audience at scale.
• Fielding Graduate University: Fielding is an accredited online/distance graduate university offering M.Ed. and doctoral programs for working professionals, including educators. It serves the same audience of working adult learners with a similar low-residency, self-directed model but with broader program breadth and stronger accreditation.
• University of Phoenix: University of Phoenix is a large accredited for-profit online university with a long-standing M.Ed. program targeting working educators. It represents the scaled, accredited, federally-aided end of the market against which TIES competes for the same online-educator learner.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/TIES_MEd
• Facebookfacebook.com/TIESEndicott
• Instagraminstagram.com/ties_med
• Pinterestpinterest.com/theinstituteforeducationalstud

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Institute For Educational Studies (ties)