This conference proceedings compile presentations from a 1998 meeting of the American Montessori International of the United States, focusing on the importance of grace and courtesy in children's lives and in Montessori education. The papers presented are: (1) "Grace--The Felicity of Being" (Renilde Montessori); (2) "A Montessori Community for Adolescents" (Camillo Grazzini and Baiba Krumins G.); (3) "My Tribute to Mario Montessori" (Camillo Grazzini); (4) "The Natural Unfolding of Grace and Courtesy in Children under Three Years" (Judi Orion); (5) "Grace and Courtesy for the Primary Child: Theoretical Foundations" (Janet McDonell); (6) "Grace and Courtesy during the Years of Lost Manners" (Allyn Travis); (7) "Growing Responsive Schools: An Evolving Theory of Montessori Administration" (Sharon L. Dubble); (8) "Respect as the Foundation for Grace and Courtesy in the Elementary Classroom" (Laura Smyczek); (9) "A Montessori Erdkinder Program, Practical Considerations" (Peter Gebhardt-Seele); (10) "The Gift of Grace and Courtesy: Revealing the Normalized Community" (Mary Lou Cobb); (11) "Maria Montessori and the Cosmic Creation Story" (Brian Swimme); (12) "The Company of the Elect" (Renilde Montessori); (13) "Peer Mediation--A Useful Tool for Grace and Courtesy in the Elementary Classroom" (Carol Hicks); (14) "Chivalry and the Development of Service" (Margaret E. Stephenson); (15) "The Integration of Cultures: The Montessori Contribution" (Winfried Bohm); (16) "All Day Montessori: The Role of Grace and Courtesy" (Laura Morris); (17) "Grace and Courtesy: A Foundation for Moral Development" (Kay Baker); (18) "The Grace of Music" (Nicole Marchak); (19) "Taking Your School On-Line" (Bruce Marbin); (20) "The Role of the Assistant in a Montessori Classroom" (Sandra Girlato); (21) "Emerging Adolescence: Finding One's Place in the Cosmos" (Patricia Schaefer); (22) "Graceful Passages: Exploring Culture through Literature" (Joen Bettmann); (23) "Community: Valuing People in the Montessori School" (Tom Lepoutre-Postlewaite); and (24) "Education, Ethics and the Family" (Mona Grieser). Some papers contain references. (KB)