Who is Miss Bright? She was the founder of our school. Mary Gardner Bright was born today in 1885 and founded Bright School in 1913.

She became a teacher after high school and taught in Chattanooga schools before deciding to start her own school. She hired teachers, located the school in a house, and added curriculum bit by bit until the school became too big and needed a new building. For many years, Bright School was located beside what is now UTC. In 1963, the school moved to the current location in North Chattanooga.

Miss Bright started many traditions we still have today such as Santa visiting at Christmas, physical education, shop (woodworking), art and music. She also started the Bright School Picnic.

Miss Bright studied under progressive educator John Dewey at Columbia University and implemented many of his philosophies such as teaching the whole child and hands-on education.

Learn more by watching this video.