COVID-19 has many parents uneasy about sending their kids back to school, but one Great Falls business owner is working to provide another option.
The Bass Clef School of Music & Fine Arts started five years ago with the goal of becoming the "Juilliard of the West," and this fall, it's inching closer, as the school plans to add full Kindergarten through 12th grade academic curriculum.
The school, which is located in the Times Square building at 525 Central Avenue, had planned to add full curriculum next year, but those plans are moving one year ahead with COVID-19.
Owner Timothy Bass said some parents are anxious about sending their kids to packed classrooms, and wanted to provide an option for easier social distancing. "It's put a lot of people uneasy, you know, and so they're they're very concerned about being in situations where they're in classrooms of 30, 40, 50, 60 kids and one room and and I understand those reservations,” he said.
Tuition for the school year ranges from about $4000 to $6000, depending on grade level, and Bass is expecting low enrollment numbers for the first year. The school is not yet accredited with the state of Montana, and Bass said that classes like English, math, social studies, and sciences will be offered through the organizations K12 and STEM Fuse.
“They'll get music, art, dance, and theater. It'll all be part of the curriculum, so they get a well-rounded amount of the fine arts,” Bass said. "And then of course, they're always welcome to take additional classes or lessons."
This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be an open house and art auction for prospective students and families to see the space.
Bass said instruction will start on Monday, September 7. For more information, call the school at 406-952-0166, or click here to visit the website.