History of Welsh Hills School

The Welsh Hills School was founded in 1979 when a group of parents approached intermediate school teacher Catherine Naul to create a school that would provide an alternative to the standard public education then available in Granville. Naul, together with Montessori teacher MaryAnn Reeb, who is still a member of our faculty, designed an educational program “to meet the needs of students rather than to meet a specific content” and brought a new opportunity to families seeking a high-quality, process-based education.

During its 32-year history, the school’s location has changed several times from its original house on Welsh Hills Road. The Bancroft House, in the village of Granville, was its second home, and location on Denison University’s campus its third.

In 1996, the school’s current home became a reality through the donation of an historical farmhouse and a large tract of land. The Longaberger Family gifted the construction of our new schoolhouse making possible the restoration and renovation of the original farmhouse. Through their generosity and a successful capital campaign, a Great Room and classrooms were added to the farmhouse maintaining the home-like ambiance throughout the child-centered facility.

Welsh Hills School serves families from Granville and several surrounding communities including New Albany, Pataskala and Newark, providing an excellent education through its fully-accredited programs that are designed to develop students who are confident and competent lifelong learners. Our alumni pursue higher education at top universities thus continuing their process of lifelong learning.