Ellettsville isn’t just a great place to live; it’s a community that takes pride in preparing its students for bright futures. One of the town’s greatest strengths is the quality and diversity of its public education options. Between Edgewood Schools of the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp. and Seven Oaks Classical School, families in Ellettsville are surrounded by institutions that care deeply, dream boldly and prepare students for success in school and life.
At Edgewood Schools, student success is always at the forefront. Whether it’s the four-time state champion Marching Mustangs or innovative student-run businesses like Coffee Corral, which achieved sales of nearly $40,000 this year, or ILC Designs, Edgewood students are achieving at impressive levels both in and out of the classroom. Through 17 Next Level Career Pathways and work-based learning experiences, Edgewood starts preparing students for the future as early as kindergarten. The district’s Ready Schools initiative, along with its ongoing investment in classroom renovations, a new fieldhouse and staff daycare demonstrates its commitment to student opportunity and educator support.
Edgewood is growing, not only in enrollment but also in vision. It’s creating strong partnerships across the business and civic communities — and new opportunities in journalism, marketing, digital design, engineering, computer science and biomedical sciences & technology.
“Our mental health initiatives for students have been outstanding in meeting their social and emotional needs, allowing them to be their best in the classroom,” said Jennifer Barrett, director of teaching, learning and ready schools. “Thanks to over $5 million in federal funding over the past three to four years, we’ve been able to bring on board more than a dozen employees dedicated to supporting our students’ mental health.”
Edgewood is already looking ahead, utilizing recent demographic studies to inform decisions about future growth and development. As the community grows, so will the schools, with plans in motion to expand facilities and accommodate the next generation.
“Caring, daring, and preparing” isn’t just our mission statement,” said Barrett. “It’s the core foundation of every decision we make here at Edgewood Schools. We care deeply about our students, their families, and this community. Through bold innovations in all our schools, such as design labs, makerspaces and engaging curricula, we are helping all our learners succeed and prepare for a successful next chapter upon graduation.”
Meanwhile, just down the road, Seven Oaks Classical School offers Ellettsville families a distinctive option grounded in classical education and strong community values. Since its founding in 2016, Seven Oaks has grown from 160 to nearly 600 students, serving families from across nine counties who are attracted to its rigorous academics, small-school environment and focus on character development.
Seven Oaks blends the traditional and the innovative: phonics and poetry, classic literature and history, all taught with high expectations and deep care. From its new playgrounds and library to its spirited student clubs, theater programs and athletic expansion, Seven Oaks is thoughtfully building a strong foundation for long-term success. The school also is preparing for its future with a strategic growth plan, a new director of development and an Athletics Booster Club.
“As we approach our 10th anniversary, the Seven Oaks Board is currently engaged in a strategic planning exercise to plan for the next 5-10 years,” Headmaster Dr. Stephen Shipp shared. “Our physical location ensures that we will be important to the future growth of the town, located as we are in the old elementary school right at the heart of the historic center of Ellettsville. Our goal is to remain a school of 600-700 students; large enough to provide a wide range of opportunities to our students, yet small enough to preserve a strong sense of community. Having two strong public school options in the same town will serve both as an engine of growth and an answer to growth.”
Involvement in the community is central to the Seven Oaks mission. Events like the Battle of the Badges, a school-wide 5K and the annual Veterans Day program help strengthen civic connections. The school partners with the Boys & Girls Club, local businesses, and the Chamber to give students insight into careers and opportunities beyond graduation. Personalized post-graduation advising ensures that students leave Seven Oaks ready for college, careers and leadership in their communities.
Ellettsville is fortunate to have two excellent public education options, each distinct and remarkable in its own right. Edgewood Schools offers robust career preparation, innovation and wraparound student support within a traditional public school setting. Seven Oaks Classical School offers a mission-driven, small-school experience with a classical curriculum and high academic standards. Together, they are preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators and citizens.
As Ellettsville continues to grow, its schools are already planning, but they can’t do it alone. Families, businesses and community members are encouraged to get involved through mentorship, sponsorship, volunteering or simply attending events. Ellettsville’s future is in the hands of its students, and our schools are working every day to help them succeed.
Jill Thurman is director of the Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Education in Ellettsville is one of its strengths and is vital to the community
Reporting by Jill Thurman / The Herald-Times
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