What if a school had a hearth?
Not a metaphorical hearth, but a real, flickering, popping, heat-producing, wood-burning fireplace . . . What sort of education do you picture? What kind of people would you hope to find?
This Fall 2024, The Oaks Academy will be soft-launching at The Hearth, a full classroom experience for 8th & 9th graders meeting three times a week throughout the school year to study Algebra I and Literature & Composition together.
Specs
| mon / tues / thurs | 1:30-3:30pm | sept 3 to may 22 | $100 / month |
Students will receive personal instruction from veteran teacher and The Oaks Founding Head of School Chad Ashby (M.Div SBTS; B.A., B.S. Grove City College). The Hearth is designed to help students of varying math and literature abilities to grow into a class unified in purpose, effort, and enthusiasm for goodness and truth.
The Hearth will serve as a fantastic on-ramp for students and families interested in joining the campus community of The Oaks Academy in Fall 2025. It will also give Mr. Ashby an opportunity to get to know the students of Washington County—their strengths, weaknesses, needs, and talents—so that The Oaks Academy can become a learning experience tailored specifically to serve the families of Western PA.
Choosing to join The Hearth is a vote of confidence for embodied learning. No screen or virtual program is a substitute for the classroom.
“Real students deserve real teachers making a real investment in their lives.”
Methods
Chad Ashby knows students. His classes have been known to shoot potato cannons, host Gatsby-themed flapper parties, build architectural replicas, turn ancient myths into songs, write poetry, paint watercolors, and make entrepreneurial elevator pitches. They encounter choose-your-adventure tests, escape rooms, and tea-time book clubs. They get to read the best books in the history of the world, learn to “speak” Algebra, and become great readers, writers, and problem-solvers—all while having an absolute blast.
More importantly, in Mr. Ashby’s classroom students encounter the big questions of life, the God of the Scriptures, the beauty of his creation, and a teacher who seeks their eternal good.
Mr. Ashby will foster your student’s unique talents and ideas. He will become a mentor in virtue and self-control. He will pray for and disciple your child. This is the value of education in the life of your child—and it is just the beginning of what we hope to build at The Oaks Academy. Join The Hearth this Fall 2024, and see what the Lord might do with a few glowing embers in Washington, PA.
Join
the Hearth
this Fall 2024
FAQ
Where will The Hearth meet?
We will be meeting in the library of Christ Fellowship Church in Washington, PA. The address is 101 S College St., Washington, PA 15301 (the historic First Baptist Church building in downtown Washington caddy corner from the campus of W&J).
What math curriculum will we be using?
In Algebra 1, we are planning to use the classic textbook from Mary Dolciani Modern Algebra: Structure and Method. Originally published in 1962, this textbook meets students where they are at, moves from practical math to more abstract concepts, and has none of the loud graphical distractions of more contemporary Algebra texts. (NOTE: All textbooks will be provided to students.)
And what literature curriculum?
In Literature & Composition, we hope to familiarize students with the genres and cultures they will study in high school. Selections include Call of the Wild, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo & Juliet, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” Silas Marner, Oliver Twist, Pilgrim’s Progress, Oedipus Rex, and Cry, the Beloved Country. (NOTE: All textbooks will be provided to students.)
How much will it cost total?
Families will pay $100 a month for Sept-May for the total Hearth experience (both Algebra I and Lit & Comp), a total of $900 for classes across the school year.
Is this only open to rising 8th & 9th graders?
Yes. However, if you feel that your student is an exceptional case, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Can my student select only one class?
We expect all students to participate in the full Hearth experience, both Algebra 1 and Lit & Comp. Part of the purpose of the Hearth is to unify the inaugural class of The Oaks Academy heading toward Fall 2025.
Are the dates and meeting times set in stone?
Yes. Early applicants have already decided what times work best for the 2024-25 school year. We are happy to have you join us this fall if they work for you!
What is The Oaks Academy?
The Oaks Academy is a Christian, classically-minded, college prep school coming to Washington County Fall 2025. The Hearth is the first step of seeing the school become a reality. For more info see our flyer.
When will I know if my student has been accepted?
We will have limited space, so early application is advised. Early applicants (Mar 21-April 20) will be notified of acceptance by April 30th. Late applicants (April 21-May 20) will be notified of acceptance by May 31. Rolling admission will open during the summer (May 21-Aug 9) for any remaining slots.
Can I see the academic calendar?
We’ve got it right here: chadashby.com/thehearthcalendar
Resources
If you’d like to get a feel for Chad Ashby’s writing, philosophy of education, and perspectives, you can get a copy of his book Reading Classically or subscribe to his substack The Hutch Post.
