First Class Montessori School students become familiar with geography and countries around the world as early as three years of age. (Photo by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell)

Evelyn Hibbler’s three-year quest to establish a Cordova “Montessori-method” school culminated recently with the grand opening of First Class Montessori School at 1725 Appling Road.

 Soon after Hibbler’s pastor, Orlester Johnson of Greater Faith COGIC, opened the celebration with prayer, Memphis Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton crowned the occasion with special remarks.

“I’ve known Evelyn for a number of years, and she has always been a woman of great integrity and character,” said Herenton.

Memphis Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton commends Hibbler (far right) during the new school’s grand opening. (Photo by Mila Shaw)

Head directress and Principal Erin M. Thorpe monitors a kindergartener working on her computer classwork. She is administrator at First Class Montessori in Memphis.  (Photo by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell)

Teacher’s assistant Raven Henderson helps youngsters practice sign language at the new Appling Road school. Henderson is Hibbler’s niece working in the after-school program. She is a Cordova High School senior. ((Photo by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell)

“When she says she’s going to do something, you better believe she’s going to do it. It was clear to me that her dream of opening another school was only a matter of time.”

The Oct. 25 ribbon-cutting ceremony included Hibbler’s release of doves from a basket. Scores of former and current students, community supporters, and well-wishers then dispersed to play games and shop concessions at a day-long carnival in the parking lot.

 “I opened my first school, Dr. Herenton became mayor, and my pastor started our church all in the same year – 1991—17   years ago,” said Hibbler. “We (Hibbler, Dr. Herenton and Rev. Johnson) had a chance to reflect on how God has helped us through struggles and opposition over the years. He has been so faithful.”

Hibbler acknowledged that opening a second school had been a “formidable challenge” and said the rigors of operating one school gave her pause in the pursuit of a second. The Memphis school is located at 1336 Peabody Ave. in Midtown.

“For 17 years, we have kept a waiting list of children, sometimes as many as 50. I knew I had to do something about it eventually,” she said.

“I began looking for a building in 2005, and my niece suggested that I take a look at this one. It had been vacant for two years. I could see it had potential with the needed renovations. And here we are today.”

The new facility will allow Hibbler to accommodate more than 200 youngsters: 50 kindergarteners at the Memphis location, and 160 first- and second-graders at the 1725 Appling Road building. Youngsters 3-8 years of age are taught foreign languages, scientific concepts and social interaction using the accelerated Montessori method devised in Italy by Dr. Marie Montessori (1870-1952).

Hibbler, who is licensed by both the Tennessee Department of Education and the American Montessori Society, has enhanced the learning experience for youngsters by introducing them to Japanese, Swahili and Spanish.

 “(It’s) college preparatory in the very early, formative years,” she said.

For inspiration, Hibbler has the children.

“A three-year-old the other day was reading, sounding out the syllables and actually reading. That is my reward. Children are capable of extraordinary things at a very young age. We believe that whole-heartedly at First Class Montessori. That’s why I work so hard.”

Moving forward

Montessori teachers are called directresses and the new head directress and principal of Hibbler’s Memphis school is her daughter, Erin M. Thorpe.

“She was only eight when I first opened, and she practically grew up in the school. We’re both putting in 12-hour days until our staffs work into a new routine,” said Hibbler. “I really thank God for her. I don’t know how I could ever have managed without Erin.”

Thorpe, 25, completed her Montessori training this summer. She has worked with her mother as a teacher since college.

A family enterprise

In addition to employing her daughter and nieces in “the family business,” Hibbler’s brother and husband have played an active part in supporting school operations.

“My brother, attorney Richard Cole of Houston, Texas, is my corporate counsel. He was also executive producer of our CD,” she said.

“My husband, LeNoah Hibbler – I call him my superman. He just does for me whatever I need him to do. That’s such a blessing. I wouldn’t be able to get done all I do without him at my side.”

Hibbler also acknowledges her older brother and sister, Marvin and Derriah Cole, for their encouragement and support over the years.

For additional information on curriculum, available openings and registration, call (901) 274-5622.