After more than 20 years as the place for teachers and homeschool parents to get educational supplies, The Learning Circle, located on South Church Street in Murfreesboro, is closing its doors. They have begun their closing sale. More Business News
The store has made a point of having everything needed for any classroom. Now, everything must go, including educational supplies, toys, games, classroom décor, racks, displays, and so much more. As they move through their final months, they want to continue serving as many classrooms and families as possible, however they will not be reordering inventory, so once an item is gone, it will not be restocked. They welcome customers to stock up on their favorite resources while supplies last.
Beginning of Store Closing
“As we begin our store closing,” says their Facebook page, “we want to thank the teachers, parents, homeschool families, and [other] customers who have supported us through the years. Your loyalty and friendship have meant more than you know.”
Beginnings of Business
The Learning Circle was founded by Lori Thomas, a former teacher, in 1997, and sold to Mary Esther Reed, current Mayor of Smyrna, in 2001. Reed served as a teacher at Smyrna Primary and John Coleman Elementary Schools before sharing her passion for education as the new owner of The Learning Tree.
Reed’s mother Esther Victory was a physical education teacher, and the store is the result of a career that placed education high on her list.
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” Reed told the Murfreesboro Post in a 2017 interview. “Growing up, I lived outside. Dad built us a playhouse (which served as the building for the playschool), and Mom brought home old school books, so I got to be the teacher.”
What began as a small educational supply store grew into one of the largest educational supply stores in Middle Tennessee. More importantly, it became a place where educators, daycare leaders, homeschool families, parents, grandparents, volunteers, and friends gathered, shared ideas, found encouragement, and supported one another.
More Than Teaching Supplies
“[The Store] did more than sell teacher supplies,” enthused one online reviewer. “It gave teachers, parents, etc. a place to go…feel seen and heard by anyone and everyone who worked there! The Learning Circle — and Mary Ester – will be missed in the educational community of Rutherford County and the…surrounding counties!!!”
“Thank you for being part of my son’s homeschooling life,” said another.
“What a blessing The Learning Circle has been for so many over the past 20 years,” noted Kellye Goostree, Principal Brown’s Chapel Elementary. “[Mary Esther was] the perfect person to lead it – always kind, encouraging, and ready with a listening ear for teachers looking to make a difference in their classrooms. Thank you for your service, support, and influence in such an important field. One door closes and another opens, and I have no doubt you’ll embrace your next adventure with the same passion and grace”
“Serving this community through The Learning Circle has truly been one of the great privileges of my life,” said Mary Ester on the Facebook page. “I am deeply grateful for every person who has walked through our doors over the past two decades. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your classrooms, your celebrations, your projects, and your lives. I look forward to spending these coming months thanking you in person.”
The Learning Circle is located at 2992 South Church Street, Suite A in Murfreesboro. More information is available on their Facebook page.
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