Forest Bluff School

Specialties

Forest Bluff School is an AMI-​accredited Montessori school offering a range of academic programs for children from 18 months through 14 years, as well as parent-​infant classes from birth through age 3, in a unique natural environment. We are a small, supportive community where parents and teachers work closely together to support each child’s individual developmental and intellectual journey. Our students experience a daily joy in learning that they will never outgrow.

History

Established in 1982.

Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Lillard Jessen, and Jane Linari co-​founded our teacher-​run school as an institution that adheres to the educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

Meet the Business Owner

Paula L.

Business Owner

Paula Polk Lillard is an internationally respected authority on Montessori theory and practice, the author of four books and countless articles. She co-​founded Forest Bluff School in 1982, serving as Primary teacher and as Head of School.

Her wisdom and experience continue to guide our parents and staff. Paula taught for 8 years in traditional public and private schools before discovering Montessori (as chronicled in her 1972 book, Montessori a Modern Approach). Fifty years of experience has since deepened her conviction that the Montessori approach solves the basic dilemma of guaranteeing a superior, well-​rounded intellectual education to children and young adults while, at the same time, granting to students the freedom to follow their individual interests and passions.

Key to the success of any Montessori school is its involvement of the parents in understanding an educational approach that they did not experience themselves. Paula devotes time to educating parents on Montessori.