Discover Our Three Option Programs - TRAILS Outdoor School, Ashland Connect, and Willow Wind Community Learning Center
We encourage you to explore these option programs and find the best fit for your child's educational journey. Our dedicated staff at TRAILS Outdoor School, Ashland Connect, and Willow Wind Community Learning Center are committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in each and every student.
In the Ashland School District, students and their families have access to a diverse range of educational opportunities. While attending your neighborhood school based on your home address is always an option, we are proud to offer three exceptional option programs: TRAILS Outdoor School, Ashland Connect, and Willow Wind Community Learning Center. To enroll in these programs, families must submit an additional enrollment request form, either online or in person. More details and enrollment applications can be found on each school's website.
TRAILS Outdoor School
Grade levels: K-8
Enrollment: Varies by program
Location: Ashland, OR
About Program: TRAILS Outdoor School is an innovative K-8 public school program within the Ashland School District that focuses on outdoor education and experiential learning. By fostering a strong connection with nature, our program encourages students to develop a love for learning, exploration, and environmental stewardship. TRAILS offers hands-on, interdisciplinary activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, while instilling a sense of community among students.
Finding a good fit: TRAILS Outdoor School is an ideal choice for families who value outdoor education, experiential learning, and a strong connection to nature. If you want your child to be part of a supportive community that promotes environmental stewardship and a love for learning, TRAILS Outdoor School is the perfect fit.
Ashland Connect
Grade levels: K-8
Enrollment: Varies by program
Location: Ashland, OR - (In person and/or virtual)
About Program: Ashland Connect is an innovative K-8 hybrid public school program within the Ashland School District that focuses on providing a flexible and personalized learning experience for students. Our program is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and meet individual needs while fostering a strong sense of community among students.
At Ashland Connect, we blend the best of both in-person and at-home learning to create a unique experience for each of our students. Our approach includes:
Hybrid learning model: Combining online and optional in-person learning experiences
Personalized approach to education: Tailoring instruction to meet individual needs and learning styles
School partnerships: Collaborating with organizations such as Science Works Rouge Valley Fam to School, the Ashland YMCA and more to provide a true hybrid learning experience
Opportunities on-site with classes and students
Asynchronous learning: Offering flexibility for students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule
High level of support and guidance from ASD Staff: Ensuring students have the resources and assistance they need to succeed
Services, activities, and clubs available to all students: Providing opportunities for social interaction, skill-building, and personal growth
Finding a good fit: Ashland Connect is an ideal choice for families who value the flexibility of an online learning environment, personalized education, and a supportive community. If you want your child to be part of an innovative program that adapts to their individual learning styles while promoting academic growth and a love for learning, Ashland Connect is the perfect fit.
Willow Wind Community Learning Center
Grade levels: K-8
Enrollment: 200
Location: Ashland, OR
About Program: Willow Wind is a K-8 alternative program providing a strong academic foundation while helping students develop a clear sense of self, membership in the community and commitment to making the world a better place.
Students are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and develop a genuine love of learning.
At Willow Wind, our approach to education focuses on the fundamental belief that students should ‘buy in’ to their own learning. Students are capable of great things and all children should be active participants in their own education.
Finding a good fit: Willow Wind serves students who thrive in a learning environment that encourages student choice and responsibility. Eligible students must have the ability to focus and produce work during unstructured time and easily transition between multiple teachers and groups of students. Willow Wind serves self-motivated learners who are able to define their own interests and learning styles, and take charge of their own education with the assistance of a certified teacher who is familiar with grade level expectations.
Willow Wind – Parent as Partners Program
The Parent Partner Program is for students enrolled at Willow Wind full-time. Each full-time student is required to take certain grade specific academic classes and has the opportunity to choose from electives to fill out his/her schedule. Choice classes are cross-age opportunities to explore subjects of interest. Parents are required to be actively involved in their child’s education by supporting their learning at home and partnering with their child’s teacher.
Willow Wind - Home School Support Option
Willow Wind also serves independent home school families. Home schooling can be a challenging, sometimes misunderstood educational choice. Classes, curriculum consultation, social opportunities, and networking support are available to families to augment their home-based education. All home schooling families must be registered as such with the Southern Oregon Educational Service District (ESD).