The Carolyn Barron Montessori School will celebrate the opening of its new permanent facilities Friday, April 23 starting at 8:30 a.m.

The school recently purchased facilities on Jackson Street in Newnan to allow for continued expansion. Educational programs for ages 3-12 are offered in the new location.

CBMS is now enrolling for the 1999-2000 school year and follows the same calendar as the Coweta County School System. The upcoming school year marks the school's eighth year of providing Coweta County's only Montessori educational program. Founded by Robin Huff, CBMS director, the school was housed for a number of years at Central Baptist Church. It is now a tax exempt corporation with a permanent home.

The school was named for Carolyn Barron, one of Coweta County's most beloved citizens, who was an advocate for the Montessori program in its early years.

Montessori is a 92-year-old curriculum that emphasizes self-paced and individualized learning.

Begun by Dr. Maria Montessori, the method is used worldwide with students from diverse backgrounds. Huff, for example, began a Montessori School in Japan before relocating to Newnan.

The grand opening agenda Friday includes a briefing on Montessori Primary programs (ages 3-6) by Gail Pruitt Borden, director of education at Northwoods Montessori School in Atlanta. A graduate of George Peabody College, Borden has been involved in Montessori education since 1976.