The Deutsche Montessori Gesellschaft (DMG) is a non-profit with a clear and meaningful mission: to bring quality Montessori education to more children and young people across Germany. At the heart of its work are in-depth training programs — mainly diploma courses — that equip educators to teach all age groups, from toddlers to teens.
Balancing tradition with fresh thinking, the DMG supports more than 1,000 Montessori centers nationwide. It also nurtures a network of experienced trainers who run multi-year courses designed to meet international standards in adult education. But the DMG’s ambition goes beyond teacher training. Its bigger goal is to help reshape Germany’s education system, so that the next generation is ready for whatever the future brings — socially, politically, and economically.
The DMG needed urgent financial support to close its liquidity gap
It was the shared commitment and collaborative process that took us from the big picture to the details – and helped shape a clear vision for how the Deutsche Montessori Gesellschaft can grow, rooted in both its tradition and its futureAndrea Donath, Managing Director, Deutsche Montessori Gesellschaft
When our team in Frankfurt joined the DMG team for an eight-week project, the situation was serious. Without a clear uptick in income, the organization’s liquidity was uncertain past the summer. Changing demand across the education sector had hit revenue plans hard, and the risk of shortfall was real. Our task was to help stabilize things fast, and set up a longer-term plan for financial health.
We worked closely with the DMG’s leadership from day one, diving into their financials, operations, and market position. Together, we identified where quick wins could be made to close the short-term gap, while also shaping a three-year strategy to support sustainable growth. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about helping the organization respond to shifting needs and become more agile in how it works.
By the end of the project, a range of practical steps had already been put in place. Costs were cut, revenue ideas were tested, and the immediate liquidity gap was reduced by half. That breathing space made all the difference. The DMG was no longer just reacting — it could now plan ahead with confidence.
Strategic planning helped DMG build a stronger financial foundation
When I realized the Deutsche Montessori Gesellschaft’s financial stability was at risk, I saw an opportunity for Oliver Wyman to make a real impact by developing a professional restructuring plan. Together, we laid the foundation for DMG to continue its vital work in a stronger positionBenedikt Schmaus, Partner, Oliver Wyman
We also helped lay the groundwork for stronger internal coordination and quicker decision-making. On top of that, we explored new target audiences and potential offerings, opening up promising new revenue streams.
In the end, the DMG came away with more than just short-term relief. It now has a clear, strategic path forward — and a stronger foundation to keep doing what it does best: empowering educators, growing its reach, and playing a key role in shaping the future of learning in Germany.
It was inspiring to work leading educators and understand the challenges in Germany’s education system. In a short time, we launched value-creating measures and anchored financial thinking, laying a foundation that will benefit the Deutsche Montessori Gesellschaft for years to comeJulian Theobald, Senior Consultant, Oliver Wyman
