Dirt, Discovery, and Development: Raising Kids the Old-School Way. Coleen Barber, New Albany School House.
In the heart of New Albany, a revolution in early childhood education is taking place. Colleen, a passionate educator with deep roots in the community, has established The Schoolhouse—a unique educational environment that deliberately bucks the trend of technology-saturated learning in favor of a more traditional, hands-on approach.
Colleen's journey into education wasn't initially obvious. As she recounts, her own mother wasn't convinced she would "vibe with kids" when she first started working at a local daycare while attending college. However, that experience sparked a passion that would shape her career trajectory. After working as a floater and later becoming a lead pre-K teacher at Primrose in Dublin, Colleen's entrepreneurial spirit led her to ownership. With her father's support, she purchased a Goddard School in Westerville before building another location near Market District in New Albany.
What sets The Schoolhouse apart from other early childhood centers is its commitment to a technology-free environment. "We don't have smart boards, iPads...I promise you they'll have plenty of technology someday," Colleen explains. This philosophy stems from her belief that young children need physical experiences—cutting paper, playing outdoors regardless of weather (as long as it's above 25 degrees), and developing real-world skills that can't be replicated on screens. The approach harkens back to what many parents remember from their own childhoods: neighborhood play until the streetlights came on, creating messes, and learning through tactile experiences.
The curriculum at The Schoolhouse is designed to align seamlessly with the New Albany school district's approach, preparing children for kindergarten by using the same handwriting methods, phonics systems, and sight words they'll encounter when they transition. This intentional bridge makes the move to elementary school less jarring for young students, giving them confidence and familiarity with educational expectations. Colleen's own experience as a parent of four children in the district informs this alignment strategy, allowing her to create educational experiences that truly prepare children for their next steps.
Community involvement is central to The Schoolhouse's identity. From partnering with local businesses for field trips to the dentist and veterinarian's office, to participating in the Thanks for Giving run by sponsoring the Kids Dash, Colleen ensures her students feel connected to New Albany. This community-centered approach extends to her personal involvement as a PTO president across multiple schools in the district since 2014. Through these experiences, she's helped facilitate the merger of PTOs across grades K-8, ensuring more equitable distribution of resources to teachers at all levels.
The Schoolhouse also prioritizes hands-on learning through their garden program. Their chef, Susanna, involves children in planting, harvesting, and preparing food—turning cherry tomatoes and basil into caprese salad that the children eagerly eat because they helped grow it. This farm-to-table approach teaches responsibility while making healthy eating exciting and accessible to young palates.
For parents concerned about the omnipresence of technology in their children's lives, The Schoolhouse offers a refreshing alternative—a place where children can develop foundational skills, social connections, and a love of learning without the distractions of screens. As we navigate an increasingly digital world, Colleen's approach reminds us that some of the most valuable educational experiences still come through dirt, discovery, and human connection.
