We moved to Corvallis 6 years ago from Austin, TX. At that time we were zoned for a public school and I had my daughter all registered to start, but I didn’t have any peace inside. The same day we visited the public school, we had tennis class where I fortuitously met three Ashbrook moms! They were so helpful and enthusiastic that THAT day we ran over to Ashbrook. From the moment I stepped inside and heard the peaceful flowing fountain, to the memories of performing in their beautiful theater (I am a cellist) I knew we had found the home for our kids.
I have profound respect for institutions that recognize the fundamental role Art plays in shaping our children’s minds. Ashbrook has continuously demonstrated their commitment to the arts with their staff and curriculum, and their beautiful home-spun theater productions that engage the children’s creativity and imagination. The teachers that inspire my children every day are confirmation that we are giving our children the best possible introduction to the fields of study that could lead them to fulfilling professional lives. I have witnessed such a rich and varied tapestry of education being laid out: ever crucial and fundamental STEM education, a brilliant introduction to cultural awareness and historical appreciation, and a holistic health and wellness emphasis. There is a balanced atmosphere provided to meet the needs of individual children with their unique talents and interests. The class sizes alone ensure a level of detailed care we couldn’t have received in larger public schools.
Bravo to Ashbrook’s response to the pandemic! We are SO grateful for the gymnastics that teachers and staff executed to keep our children sane and engaged this past year! Ashbrook’s focus on the arts, their dedicated and inspiring teachers, the community of involved and supportive parents, the organized and friendly staff, and meticulous attention to the details of my children’s health and safety are all reminders that there is nowhere else I could dream of sending my kids every day.
~Victoria, Victor, Tessa (graduate), and Max (4th grade) Wolff-Zevallos
From a very young age we knew we had a precocious girl on our hands. At the age of 2 she was drawing portraits and asking philosophical questions about what species would be on earth after humans were extinct. She was interested in learning about everything from dinosaurs to the different galaxies in the universe. When she wasn’t reading about them, she was drawing them.
This all changed after enrolling her in public school. After her first day of kindergarten, I asked what she learned and she replied softly, “I learned that people yell and push.” For 2 weeks we watched our little girl lose interest in learning and then school all together. She had been so excited to start kindergarten but began crying every time we got in the car to go to school. Public school is fine, but we knew we couldn’t keep her in that environment so we started to ask friends what we should do. One close friend had her daughter enrolled at Ashbrook and told us that she knew Emma would love it.
She was right. Overnight we had our daughter back. She was excited to learn again and wasn’t overwhelmed by an overcrowded classroom. Her favorite thing about school was having art every day. She would come home laughing about something Mr. Olson had said, and it was such a joy to see her enjoy learning again.
Emma is now in 8th grade and still loves Ashbrook. Because of the pandemic we have all been through a rough storm, but Ashbrook has been our rock. The staff has done everything in their power to keep the children on track with their education. We are so happy to have found Ashbrook.
~Rachel, Ash, and Emma (8th grade) Terry
Ashbrook is part of our family. Like every family, we have been through many good times as well as some challenging times. The dedication, enthusiasm and continued support of the Ashbrook staff to provide a nurturing and challenging academic environment for our children through thick and thin has reinforced our loyalty and commitment to the school.
We enrolled at Ashbrook 10+ years ago for the same reason most families at enroll: guaranteed small class sizes, foreign language, physical education, art, music, and creative electives. We are thankful for this diversity every day as we watch our kids expand their knowledge and experiences. They are learning to manage academic rigor, think critically and self-advocate; all characteristics that will help them in high school, college and future life endeavors. Furthermore, the desire of families and staff members to volunteer time and resources to the school is amazing. Ashbrook has so much hidden (and overt) talent! Our entire family has built relationships with staff, students and parents that very well may last a lifetime.
In our opinion, a moral, emotional and educational foundation is critical for a family. Ashbrook has helped foster these characteristics in our children and we are thankful. Ashbrook will always be part of our family.
~Matt, Krista, Connor (graduate), and Keira (8th Grade) Lindberg
We’ve been very happy with Ashbrook for 10+ years and we’ve stayed with Ashbrook because of the great community, the small class sizes, and a greater ability for teachers to flex to the needs of our kids.
Also, with the way the school year started in 2020, we were really thankful that we could send Liam onsite and were really impressed with the quality of the online delivery of instruction for Natalie. It’s great to be here at Ashbrook – there is so much potential for all kids at all grade levels, not only academically but for the whole child!
~Tze, Debby, Natalie (graduate), and Liam (5th grade) Yong
