In the spring of 1969, when MSO was operating two schools in the Omaha area, we were paid a visit by a young couple asking if we might expand our schools to include a location in Lincoln. Their son was too young to be enrolled in a school then but they were looking ahead for his future interest and that of others in the community who had three and four year old youngsters. At that time there were no Montessori schools in Lincoln, and after consideration, MSO director Larry Verschuur decided that he would open MSO's third school there.
In the space of a few short months, a teacher was hired, rental facilities for the classroom were located and a dedicated core group of parents were busy networking throughout the community. The very first classes, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, opened in the fall of 1969 under the direction of a newly trained Montessori directress, Julia Forbes. Throughout its history, LMS has continued to operate exclusively as a half-day program, never succumbing to the temptation to offer day care nor to enlarge its format to include more classrooms or age levels. The Montessori concept of the Children's House, a place that is complementary to, as opposed to overpowering, the size and experience of the children whom it serves, has been maintained. A stable environment of lasting quality has continued to benefit parents and children alike.
During the first year of operation Larry located the property at 2615 Austin Drive. Anderson and Hess, Architects, were hired to draw up plans for a Children's House and so the building which houses LMS today came into existence. The vacant lot to the north of the property was subsequently acquired to extend the playground area.
In the course of its 40 year history LMS has been served by five classroom directors besides Larry. Larry holds the record for longevity, having taught at LMS continuously since 1986. Another long-time directress at LMS was Georgia Glass. For almost a decade she shared her enthusiasm for the Montessori approach with families and children attending the school.
Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, LMS was one of four MSO schools. It now remains as the sole flagship of the organization. Its longevity may be explained in no small measure by the confidence and trust placed in its programs and directors by two generations of parents of young children in Lincoln.
Building Location
2615 Austin Drive
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 489-8110
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