Marshall-Sprier Family Starting Pre-K School In Home

It is hard to believe, but it has been one year since “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” was in Pocatello to build the Marshall-Sprier family a new home. But in that time, the family has done a lot, and their house keeps growing. To give back, the family has been doing community service projects every month, and now it is giving the city the gift of education, with a new pre-school and kindergarten right out of its home.

The basement of the big blue house on 8th Avenue is the future site of the Morningside House Montessori School, a classroom of Jane Marshall’s very own. She was trained in the Italian teaching method seven years ago, and has always wanted to have a career in it.

“That dream for me has never left; and it’s something I love to do is to teach,” Jane said.

She already has 15 students signed up for her morning class, and an afternoon class to fill, too. She said she would have never been able to do it without the house.

“We have called this our school the Morningside House, and for me, that’s symbolic of a new beginning and the sun rising. And having a home that’s welcoming to children and their families,” she said.

As for the house itself, it has become a part of the family. From hosting music recitals to parties to cookie bake-offs, the kids say it has brought them closer together.

“I mean, you’d expect it to have a lot of space and stuff but really it just, it doesn’t feel cramped but it just feels nice and … homey,” said Liz Marshall-Sprier, with Jane chiming in for the final word.

Sophie, the oldest daughter walked in to the backyard Monday afternoon with a mandolin. Daughter Izzy had never played it before, but picked it up for the very first time. And it was clear: No matter where they are, the Marshall-Spriers belong together.

Find out more about the pre-school at www.themorningsidehouse.com.