AU opens Homeschool and Classical Learning Center to assist with transitioning

Ashland Times-Gazette
·3 min read
Ashland University

A new initiative by Ashland University is gaining significant interest, as the Homeschool and Classical Learning Center, which opened Dec. 15, is providing services in support of a growing community.

The initiative was driven by the increased demand of families interested in transitioning from home education to higher education, according to Keith Ramsdell, vice president of enrollment management and marketing at AU.

“Over the last eight to 10 years, there has been a significant increase in families interested in and making the choice to homeschool their kids or move them into classical education settings. That was accelerated even more during (the pandemic),” Ramsdell said in a news release. “Data continues to show the vast majority of jobs will require a college degree, (so) we want people in these communities to know that we are friendly and supportive to students who come out of those types of educational environments.”

The center, 530 College Ave., geared toward students in grades 7-12, offers a variety of services. There is a library of resources and curricula that can be checked out, personal tutoring opportunities and workshops, all in a place where similar students can connect with one another.

Grand opening, book club, recreation

Over the coming weeks, Theresa Watson, coordinator of AU’s Homeschool and Classical Learning Programs, has a series of events planned:

  • Grand opening, an open house style celebration in which the public can learn more about the center and its offerings, 10 am. Friday, Feb. 16

  • Book club: The first book to be discussed is “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27 an March 5 and 12

  • Weekly recreational opportunities, starting noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the AU Rec Center

  • Poetry workshops: Fridays, Feb. 16 and 23

  • Homeschool Conference: 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 15, featuring keynote speaker Israel Wayne

Watson, who homeschooled her five daughters and previously was a program director at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, has ideas to enhance the center’s offerings and looks forward to helping to build a bridge between homeschool and higher education.

“For home schoolers, it’s important to have that extra help, to get support when considering College Credit Plus courses, to help them in their journey and possible transition to the regular student body,” said Watson in the release. “AU is a safe and nurturing environment to be in … with many professors that share a similar way of thinking and worldview.”

The early response to the AU Homeschool and Classical Learning Center has been positive, noted Ramsdell, whose family has personal experience with homeschooling. He is looking forward to developing relationships and seeing where this initiative goes.

“We have a team that understands the needs of the homeschool community needs and how we as a university can support those needs,” Ramsdell added. “We have a friendly, safe campus and this center will give them a chance to explore and learn about who we are before making the investment in higher education.”

For more information, contact Watson at twatso15@ashland.edu or 419-207-6290.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland University opens Homeschool and Classical Learning Center