NAME:
Alice Blackford
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SCHOOL:
The Phoenix Montessori School
CLASS:
2 1/2 thru 6 years
SCHOOL PHONE:
(913) 381-1250
Alice Blackford studied at Avila College under the direction of Miss Lena
Wikramaratne who actually lived and worked with Maria Montessori for 10
years of her life. This great experience; almost like having been under the
guidance of Dr. Montessori herself, led to Mrs. Blackford receiving her AMI
diploma in 1977.
Upon graduation, Mrs. Blackford was then asked to lead a class of 3-6 year
olds, in which students in the Montessori program would practice teach
during their two year training period. In her four years at Avila, she
became a mentor to the trainees and increased her skills at representing the
Montessori philosophy to parents of the children enrolled in the program.
During the next 12 years, Mrs. Blackford assumed the role of lead teacher
and program director at an AMI affiliated school in the Kansas City area.
With a group of six dedicated Montessori families she founded The Phoenix
Montessori School in the Fall of 1992. "Phoenix," which suggests the power
to rise above difficulty and to renew the spirit is the symbol for our
school. It holds great meaning for Mrs. Blackford. The Phoenix has grown
to its current enrollment of 39 students during its first years and will
continue in the future to serve our children and families, incorporating
Maria Montessori's philosophy and vision.
