Community Montessori; Educational Alternative

Founded in 1998 by New Albany natives, Barbara and Glenn Fondren, Community Montessori recently built a new location in New Albany this fall. The new building was conceived and developed by parents, children, staff and the Board of Directors to provide a student- focused learning environment for children.

Community Montessori has added a grade level every year and will continue to do so until they offer an educational program for ages three through eighteen. Families come from about a 30 mile radius from 5 surrounding counties. Due to their rapid, planned growth, they project they will have a maximum of 600 hundred students and 45 staff members by 2010.

Community Montessori became a Charter School in 2002, when Ball State University approved their charter proposal. In Indiana, a Charter School is a public school that is founded as a non-profit organization, sponsored by an entity, is tuition free, and is considered an independent school corporation, rather than a part of the school system's corporation. Any child in the state of Indiana can attend a Charter School without paying tuition.

If there are more children applying than are spaces available, a lottery is conducted for admission. Accountability and attendance benchmarks are ensured by Ball State University and the school must meet health and safety requirements.

Community Montessori offers a unique and innovative educational option to our community. Learning areas and materials are developmentally appropriate for each specific age grouping. The school's new facility provides distance and outdoor learning labs so children may explore their interests outside the boundaries of the classroom. The school community consists of parents, children, teachers and partnerships with visitors to the classrooms.

Parents at the school are expected to be actively involved and even sign an involvement agreement as part of the admissions process. Parental involvement at home and school is expected in order to complement the overall educational experience. The school offers children a holistic education which goes beyond teaching 'the basics', and helps to expand their minds with a focus on cooperation, peace, and respect. By exposing children to a range of intellectual, physical and social activities and giving them long blocks of uninterrupted time to work, Community Montessori allows children to take responsibility for their own learning, challenge themselves, and learn to make decisions independently. Barbara Fondren feels that Educational Consultant, Roger Moody, has been an amazing asset to the school.

"He spent 30 plus years in teaching," she said. "And was the Director of Curriculum with the New Albany-Floyd County School Corporation."

The "Dream School", as the children coined it, is currently under construction on St. Joseph Road. It demonstrates environmental responsibility through utilization of local suppliers, which conserves fuel and lowers both the cost and pollution associated with shipping. Walls are constructed of structurally insulated panels (SIPs) which protect old growth forests and provide greater energy efficiency. Marmoleum floor tiles and Sisal wall coverings are made of organic materials.

The staff, Board of Director's and families at Community Montessori have a vision for the future of their "Dream School". However, to make it a reality they are seeking Community Partners through corporate donations since Charter schools do not receive funding for Capital Projects. Amy Jenkins is the Expansion Development Coordinator for the school, and anyone interested in contributing should contact her at 812-948-1000, extension 104. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible. For more information about Community Montessori's programs, please contact Glenn Fondren at 812-948-1000, extension 101.