Central Florida’s First Holistic Preschool Nears Opening Date, Will Focus on Environment, Diet, Alternative Learning and Values

Winter Springs, Fla. --- The prototype campus of Irblich Schools, Central Florida’s first holistic preschool, is under construction now in Winter Springs and founder Birgitta Jorgenson hopes to open the unique facility before the end of this year. Located at 126 E. State Road 434 in Winter Springs, the first Irblich Schools campus will focus on a healthy environment, a healthy diet, alternative learning strategies and sustainable values, Jorgenson explained. “The interior build-out began in April and should be completed in August,” Jorgenson said. “The exterior construction should begin around the same time. We are transforming a portion of the existing parking lot into safe outdoor green space,” she added. The City of Winter Springs has been very supportive, Jorgenson said. Jorgenson’s four-year effort to develop the Irblich Schools concept could have a big payoff. She hopes to expand nationwide. Her 3,029-square foot facility was designed to create the healthiest possible environment for young students, and that starts with air quality. The flooring is made from recycled limestone. Large windows provide natural lighting. The furniture will be made of wood sourced from sustainable forests, using only water-based finishes and organic glues, she said. School lunches will feature a plant-strong diet stocked with Slow Food specialties Jorgenson said will be organic and locally sourced whenever available. The nine common foods that cause 90 percent of all U.S. food allergies won’t be on the menu. “Irblich Schools will boost the student’s brain and body naturally, and that should mean fewer trips to the pediatrician,” Jorgenson said. The curriculum is based on alternative learning strategies developed to foster resilience, tolerance, cooperation, and self-esteem. “Each student has innate gifts and our goal is to strengthen those natural talents,” Jorgenson said. “Exposing children to new and unfamiliar things helps them to appreciate and learn respect towards others,” she added. Daily school activities include gardening and composting, a strategy Jorgenson hopes will teach a love of labor and respect for sustainable values that will last through adulthood. A waiting list for students age three to five has already been established. “I have been surprised and delighted at the high level of interest so far,” Jorgenson said. To learn more, visit IrblichSchools.com/enrollment/. Irblich Schools is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.