Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Bob Nardo, Executive Director and Founding Head of Libertas School of Memphis, who discusses the school’s growth and recent achievements. Nardo highlights the transformation of Brookmeade School into Libertas, a public Montessori school serving children from infancy through adolescence in the Fraser community of North Memphis. He details the school’s success, including being named a Tennessee Rewards School, and the opening of a new state-of-the-art middle school facility. Nardo spotlights the importance of the Montessori approach, which emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized instruction. He also discusses the school’s partnerships with various organizations and individuals, including Southwest Tennessee Community College, philanthropists, and local leaders. The episode concludes with Nardo inviting listeners to get involved with Libertas School of Memphis by volunteering, mentoring, or tutoring, and encouraging them to visit the school’s website or contact them directly to learn more.
Summary
Libertas School of Memphis Expansion –Â Libertas School of Memphis, led by Executive Director and Founding Head Bob Nardo, has transformed a former failing public school in North Memphis into a successful Montessori institution. The school has expanded from K-5 to include preschool, toddler, and pre-kindergarten programs, as well as a new middle school facility. Through partnerships with Southwest Tennessee Community College, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, and local philanthropists like Kathy Buckman and J.W. Gibson, Libertas has completed a multi-million dollar renovation of a former college campus to create a state-of-the-art public Montessori middle school. The new facility will be officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Montessori School Grand Opening Discussion –Â Bob discusses the grand opening of the new Montessori school building, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and support from various stakeholders across Shelby County. He highlights the unique features of the school, including state-of-the-art workshops for hands-on learning, a performing arts stage, a gymnasium, and an expansive outdoor area with a greenhouse, barn, orchard, and hiking trail. The school’s focus on providing children with real, high-quality materials fosters a sense of responsibility and care for their environment, while the new facilities enable enriched learning experiences and real-world applications of skills.
Whole Child Education Volunteer Opportunities –Â Bob discusses the transformational impact of whole child education and invites the community to volunteer, mentor, or tutor students at Libertas School of Memphis. He highlights the need for coaches, teachers, and other volunteers to support students in various activities, including reading, math tutoring, and sports coaching. Bob also mentions the positive experiences of volunteers from organizations like Independent Presbyterian Church and Downtown Church, who have been actively involved. Jeremy emphasizes the opportunities for impact and relationships that come from participating in these efforts. Bob concludes by encouraging Memphians to see the positive developments happening in the city and to get involved.
Montessori Teaching Residency Program –Â Bob highlights the exceptional team of educators and support staff at Libertas School of Memphis, emphasizing the importance and impact of public school teachers. He discusses the unique opportunity for individuals to earn a Montessori diploma and a Tennessee teaching license through a free, one-year residency program, funded by the state and philanthropy. He also clarifies that teaching is a collaborative effort, not a solitary career, and encourages listeners to learn more about the program and get involved by visiting the website, contacting the school, or following them on social media.
Visit https://libertasmemphis.org to learn more and connect with Libertas School of Memphis.
