Child helping zip up classmates coat.  Photo: Urban News

by Wallace Bohanan

Looking Glass Montessori School in Brevard has an extensive curriculum designed to enable each child to grow socially, intellectually, and ethically by learning in a structured environment characterized by freedom and respect.

In addition to reading and mathematics, the children are taught cooking, art, music, and science. The well-rounded curriculum also includes teaching manners, etiquette, grace, and courtesy. The Montessori program has been around for generations and boasts many successful graduates, including Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

The first thing you notice when you enter the Looking Glass Montessori School classroom is the pleasure the children take in the tasks they are performing. They show both an interest in what they are doing and a willingness to work out the challenges the tasks present.

There is peace and order as the children engage in the learning process. Instead of being in a group setting where every child is expected to listen to the teacher, these children take turns performing self-directed tasks while the teachers work with each child individually.

Children working together.  Photo: Urban News

The next thing you notice is how well the children get along with and help each other. They are quick to help each other appropriately, but when inappropriate behavior is pointed out by the teachers, the children respond quickly and respectfully.

The Looking Glass Montessori School was founded a year ago by Florence Allbaugh, who also serves as Lead Teacher. She is assisted by Pat Menser. What Allbaugh, an experienced Montessori-certified teacher, likes best about the Montessori program is that it helps in a fun way, using different, self-guided materials.

The school takes in students aged three through six and maintains a low student-teacher ratio. The tuition can be paid on a daily or a monthly basis, and subsidy is accepted. The tuition is $600 per month or $30 per day. The school provides snacks, and parents provide their child’s lunch.

The Montessori philosophy incorporates the idea that school should be about interested, well-adjusted children who are engaged in learning. This is the goal, and the achievement so far, of the Looking Glass Montessori School in Brevard.

If you are interested in learning more about The Looking Glass Montessori School, call Florence Allbaugh at (828) 884-3445.

Florence Allbaugh working with child. Photo: Urban News