Offering Extraordinary Education to the Corvallis community since 1997

Mission and Philosophy

In 1993, Dave and Cecilia Gore listed the educational criteria they were seeking for their two youngest children. The features they sought included: a rounded, full curriculum; flexible, advanced mathematics; history taught to show cause and effect; early introduction of foreign languages; small class sizes; and the challenging and nurturing of good students. They soon realized that such an educational facility was not available locally, so they decided to create their dream school in Corvallis. On the very last day of the year, the Gores incorporated The Independent School as a non-profit organization and began to search for a building site.

Finding an appropriate site was difficult. Finally the Gores discovered a beautiful 12.5 acre parcel adjoining Starker Arts Park. It was bordered by ash trees and along a brook, and seemed perfect for their school. In honor of the land, they named the school “Ashbrook.” They bought the land, renamed the non-profit organization Ashbrook Independent School to reflect the character of the land, and were on their way to realizing their dream.

Dave designed the building to support the educational program they imagined. Every teacher, regardless of subject, was to have a premier space for teaching. The building was to be bright and airy with an inviting center where students, staff, and families could all gather.

Ashbrook opened in September 1997. Most of the administrative staff were volunteers, and many teachers were part-time. Over the last two decades, AIS has grown in numbers and our current full-time staff have illuminated the dynamic evolution of our curriculum with the help of our students and stakeholders. The dream has been realized and is thriving as the roots of the Gore’s vision have become firmly planted in the community. This fall we celebrate 25 years of educational excellence, and we are humble and grateful for the vast contributions from the Ashbrook Community.

Why Choose Us?

Character Education

The culture of Ashbrook Independent School is guided by our Character Traits. We progress monthly, from one trait to next, throughout the course of the year. Exploring the meaning and significance of our chosen traits gives them context within our lives.

Small Class Sizes

Consistently small class sizes at all grade levels help create an environment where students are recognized for their strengths and supported in the areas where they need it most.

Parent and Teacher Partnership

As educators, we know parents care deeply about their children’s success. We encourage consistent parent–teacher partnerships to ensure every student feels supported and set up to thrive.

Is it Monday Yet? – From the Office of the Head of School, Dr. Christopher A. Schoberl

Challenging and Nurturing through a Whole Child Curriculum Years ago, while an administrator at a well known and venerable private school in NYC, I was approached by a parent who expressed disagreement with the school’s requirement for PE or Athletics, and that they would rather have their child take an extra science or math class. The next year, a parent scheduled a meeting with me, and in the “purpose of the meeting” space on the electronic calendar app were the words, “to convince you that Latin is a waste of time!” By waste of time, this parent meant “has no practical application to life.” And by this, they meant “would not help my child in his chosen career,” a different version of the age-old query, “Teacher, how is learning Y = MX +B going to help me in life?” As a delightful counterpoint, an Ashbrook colleague recently asked me if I would consider teaching a Latin or Greek elective!

Don’t get me wrong: I think these questions came from a good place, really. These parents simply wanted to advocate their sincere belief, in support of their children and with love in their hearts, that there were better ways for their children to be spending their time in school. Nor were these conversations easy to broach; I am sure it took a lot of courage to speak to something as important as a child’s future while not wanting to be seen as “that parent.” As tough as these conversations can be, I’d prefer to be a part of a school culture that invites such open dialogue as one way to ensure we are doing our best for kids.

(To read the full article, and other article by Dr. Schoberl, visit the Head of School Blog page)

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