The Montgomery Institute awarded $20,000 grant to Launch ABC PreK Arts-Integrated Pilot in Meridian
Published 3:46 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The Montgomery Institute has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Phil Hardin Foundation to launch the ABC PreK Pilot Year initiative, an arts-integrated early learning program designed to strengthen kindergarten readiness for children in Meridian.
The ABC PreK pilot will serve an estimated 115–140 PreK students across Meridian Public Schools PreK classrooms at The Little Wildcat Academy, directed with Dr. Antonio Altman, MPSD Arts Director, and three local daycare-based PreK programs. The initiative places music, visual art, theatre and movement at the center of early learning to strengthen literacy, social-emotional development, engagement and confidence.
A clear mission guides ABC PreK: Helping children build the Academic, Behavioral and Creative foundations that support a smooth transition into kindergarten.
The $20,000 grant will support:
— Professional teaching artists delivering arts-integrated lessons during 2026 fall and 2027 spring semesters
— Training and lesson development to ensure alignment with Mississippi Early Learning Standards
— Professional development for educators and teaching artists
— Classroom materials and instructional supplies
— Collaborative planning with a proven Mississippi-based arts-integrated model
— Program coordination and evaluation to measure student growth
“This investment from the Phil Hardin Foundation allows us to bring high-quality arts integration directly into early childhood classrooms,” said Arts Integration Specialist and Cultural Arts/Arts Education Director for The Montgomery Institute Richelle Putnam. “We know the arts are enrichment, but they are also essential to how young children learn. Through ABC PreK, we are strengthening early literacy, supporting social-emotional development, and building the confidence children need to enter kindergarten ready to succeed.”
“We believe the arts are foundational to how children think, communicate, and engage with the world,” said Altman. “The ABC PreK initiative allows us to begin building those academic and creative foundations at the earliest stages of learning.”
“We are thankful to the Montgomery Institute and their partnership to bring amazing arts integration into the Little Wildcat Academy,” said Amy Carter, MPSD Superintendent. “Through ABC PreK, we will be introducing the arts to our youngest students at a time when their imaginations are the most vibrant.”
Mrs. Angel Hibbler, Little Wildcat Pre-K Academy Principal, added, “We are absolutely thrilled about the excitement surrounding the ABC PreK Initiative at Little Wildcat Academy. This program is more than an early learning opportunity. It lays a strong academic and social foundation for our youngest Wildcats while also introducing them to different art forms at an early age. Through creativity, exploration, and hands on learning, our scholars are discovering their talents and building confidence that will carry them far beyond the classroom.”
The ABC PreK Pilot Year is designed as a learning and refinement year. The Montgomery Institute will work closely with Meridian public schools and daycare providers to collect feedback, observe classroom impact, and document measurable outcomes that will inform future expansion.
TMI President Beverly Knox summarizes this new initiative, saying, “The ABC PreK project is a part of the WHOLE individual TMI strives to reach every day to unite the WHOLE community—Sonny’s Way.”
Daycare providers in Meridian who are interested in learning more about participating in ABC PreK are encouraged to contact Richelle Putnam at The Montgomery Institute for additional information. Her email is richelle@tmi.ms.
