Lamplighter Montessori School was founded in 1967 by Dennis and Dr. Patty Calvert to offer an educational option to the Memphis community. The school was privately owned until 1990 when it became a Board operated not-for-profit organization. Today it is a non-profit, non-sectarian, independent school for students ages three through fourteen. With certified teachers and approved Montessori materials and curriculum, Lamplighter Montessori School is the only accredited, independent Montessori school in the Mid-South.       The school is located on nine wooded acres in Cordova, Tennessee. The faculty and staff of thirty serve a diverse student body of one hundred eighty, presenting the Montessori curriculum from Early Childhood through Middle School. Lamplighter Montessori School has been a member of the Memphis Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) since 1992 and has been accredited with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) since 1994.                 The Montessori Method is an approach to education with the fundamental belief that a child learns best within a social environment that supports and respects each individual’s unique development. The school colors are blue and green. The school academic mascot is the Owl and the athletic mascot is the Leopard.