The Welsh Hills Fund

“Time and time again, I see children blossom in our unique school environment where they are treated with respect and given time and space to learn at their own pace in multi-age classrooms with the support of experienced professional educators.”  — Shelli Drumm, Head of School                                                        
Dear Families and Friends of Welsh Hills School,

As we relax into the newly established routines of the school year, I can take time to reflect on what makes this place so special to me and to so many others. In my thirteen years at Welsh Hills School, I have come to know the school’s history, and I have gotten to know many people with connections to our school- former students and families, past Heads, Board Trustees, and longtime educators. 

In fact, two of our current teachers worked here decades ago, then returned to again be a part of WHS. We have a handful of staff members who have almost 20 years of service here. Two of our students are legacies whose parent attended Welsh Hills School. Why do so many people stay? Return? Speak fondly of this independent school on 11 acres at the edge of the village of Granville? I believe that there are innumerable reasons why WHS stays in the hearts of so many. 

What is so special about Welsh Hills? In many ways our school is just like any other school. Students arrive by bus and car, and a colorful parade of backpacks stream into classrooms as children begin a day of learning. They find classrooms prepared with care by teachers ready to dive into the day’s lessons. 
Playgrounds fill with laughter as children swing, shoot hoops, play tag, or dig in the sandbox. Older students stay after school for First Lego League practice or engage in creative writing with their Power of the Pen team. 

In so many ways that matter to so many people, Welsh Hills is not like any other school. Almost every time I give a tour to a prospective family, they comment that our school feels warm and welcoming - like a house; and I tell them that our school actually was a house. 

The Munson family donated their farmhouse that traveled by trailer down the road and became the new home of Welsh Hills School in the early 90s. Our  school building  was built with the intention of keeping the feeling of a home. Students feel relaxed and comfortable here, giving them the confidence to lean into challenges and accept failures and mistakes as an important part of learning and growing. Students, initially unsure about performing in front of an audience, timidly accept a lead role in a musical only to become a shining star on stage! Students  who may have gotten lost at a bigger school become leaders and role models for younger students. 

Time and time again, I see children blossom in our unique school environment where they are treated with respect and given time and space to learn at their own pace in multi-age classrooms with the support of experienced professional educators. 

A child can complete their entire educational journey here, beginning in our Toddler Program and finishing with High School graduation. Teachers who have students in their classroom for multiple years become familiar with not only their specific academic strengths and challenges, but they also get to know them as individuals. Strong bonds are formed and nurtured, and children become lifelong learners, curious about the world around them.

A contribution to our Welsh Hills School Fund, no matter its size, is a vote of confidence in the important work our staff and students are engaged in every day.  When we can count on your support, we know that our young dragons will continue to spread their wings and soar! 
Thank you for helping our students reach new heights!

To support our Welsh Hills School Fund Campaign, please:
• text 2026WELSHHILLS to 53-555
• scan the QR code
• tap here: https://givebutter.com/2026welshhillsschool

Thank you for investing in independent education! 




Shelli Drumm
Head of School

​