The School of Education opened its Montessori Demonstration Classroom on Oct. 27, 2025. This highly specialized classroom is established for the preparation of students enrolled in the Master of Education in Montessori Education and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education and interdisciplinary early childhood education. It includes materials for teaching 3–6-year-old children in curriculum areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Arts/Music, Geography, Science and a special Spiritual Development section.

The Demonstration Classroom is located in the School of Education building. The first visitors included Taylor County High School students who are on the Early Childhood Career Pathway. Amy Zink, Taylor County ECE Instructor and Program Director, worked with Dr. Marilyn Goodwin, Assistant Chair of Early Childhood Education, in organizing the visit to accommodate two groups of 20 high school students, each group attending two days. Julie Ann Ball, Montessori Coordinator, and Dr. Sharon Hundley, Chair of Early Childhood Education, introduced the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, which began 120 years ago. On Day I, they provided an overview of the history and development of the program in countries around the world, its philosophy, and the program content. On Day 2, the students were introduced to the Montessori Demonstration Classroom and were able to explore materials in each of the curriculum areas.

The designated Montessori Demonstration Classroom was made available by Campbellsville University administration upon the special request of Dr. Robin Magruder, Dean of the School of Education. Education faculty and community members helped set up the classroom. The child-sized furniture, shelves, and Montessori materials were donated by the L.O.R.D. Company. Supplementary materials and décor were also made possible through faculty donations.