197. Exploring Ashley Academy's Growth and Community Impact

About the Guests:Julianne Hurst: Julianne Hurst serves as the Director of Enrollment and Advancement at Ashley Academy. Before joining the academy, Julianne spent 17 years in real estate transaction and marketing. She moved to Johnson City 11 years ago and has been heavily involved with the school, both as a parent and a team member, enhancing the school's enrollment strategies and spearheading fundraising initiatives.Ramona Harr: Ramona Harr is the Head of School at Ashley Academy, playing a key leadership role similar to that of a principal in a public school. With over 30 years of experience in education, Ramona has a background in math, having taught and coached basketball at various educational levels. She hails from West Virginia and joined Ashley Academy after a long tenure in the independent school sector in Bristol, focusing on developing critical thinkers and leaders.Episode Summary:On this episode of the podcast, Colin Johnson welcomes Julianne Hurst and Ramona Harr from Ashley Academy to discuss the academy's impactful educational approach and community involvement. As they celebrate 46 years in operation, Julianne and Ramona share insights into the academy's rich history, their innovative teaching methods, and their plans for future expansion.Julianne Hurst and Ramona Harr delve into the specifics of their roles at Ashley Academy, highlighting how they cultivate a collaborative and supportive environment for both students and faculty. They emphasize the unique aspects of their education model, including their hands-on learning approach and the initiation of a high school program that will eventually cover grades 9 through 12. The conversation provides valuable insights into Ashley Academy's commitment to developing critical thinkers and leaders, making it a compelling episode for parents and educators alike.Key Takeaways:Longevity and History: Ashley Academy has been a cornerstone of education in Johnson City for 46 years, founded by Dr. Dean and Janine Wilson.Innovative Learning: The academy emphasizes hands-on, applied learning methodologies that go beyond traditional test-taking to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.Community and Collaboration: Strong community ties and collaborative efforts among staff, students, and parents are central to the academy's success.Comprehensive Education: With offerings starting at two years old, going up to the newly added high school grades, the academy provides a full spectrum of education.Leadership Development: The institution focuses on nurturing leadership skills and emotional intelligence, preparing students not just academically but also as proactive contributors to society.Notable Quotes:"We want to develop those innovative individuals who are willing to critically think." - Ramona Harr"It's important for us, our families to be involved in the school. I mean, we couldn't thrive without them." - Julianne Hurst"Our goal is always to remind the students, make sure that you have vision, you're looking wide and long and it's going to take a lot of courage to take that on and make sure it gets completed." - Ramona Harr"Seeing their excitement and just, they give you energy and so that's always been the reason why I'm in education." - Ramona Harr"I think for me, I just really love all the different ideas that kind of come in, but for some reason, it all works with us together." - Julianne HurstResources:Ashley Academy Website: Ashley AcademyPhone: 423-92-9788For more insights into Ashley Academy's innovative educational practices and community-focused initiatives, tune into this enriching episode. Keep following the podcast for more discussions on the people and places that make Johnson City a wonderful community.