Scriptorium is a semester-long high school elective that practices the craft of storytelling.
Taught by a professional writer, Scriptorium helps unlock an adolescent's love for writing and good communication—even if they don’t have plans to become an author.
Why Creative?
Adolescents need to write essays of all sorts — persuasive, expository, descriptive — but sometimes they’ve got creative ideas waiting to be captured. Storytelling is our oldest form of entertainment, so when we do, we join the millions before us who’ve taught us about life through the medium of a good tale. We are made to create. Sometimes that takes the form of a story.
Why Classical?
The long tradition of classical education has emphasized the seeking after of truth, goodness, and beauty and learning from those who’ve gone before us. It’s a path tried and proven for millennia, and we see no reason not to give credence to, as G.K. Chesterton put it, the “democracy of the dead.” It’s through this timeless wisdom that forms an ennobled person who benefits the culture.
Why Salon?
From the 17th to early 20th centuries in Europe, salons were an important place for exchanging ideas. Officially "a gathering of people held by an inspiring host," members aimed to increase their knowledge and participate in convivial conversation. Led socratically by a seasoned adult, salons today provide the just-right scholé environment for mature adolescents who love to learn.
An a la carté class offered at Scholé Hall in Georgetown, Texas.
For the 2026 Spring Semester: Tuesdays from 2:45-4:00 p.m.
Let’s Write!
In Scriptorium, your high school-age student will learn the basics of good story structure and word weaving by practicing the fine art of creative writing.
By participating in the class, your student will practice the skills of storytelling, peer critique and editing, and what it takes to get a story from idea to published paper. They’ll walk away with an original short story or chapter for a longer novel they can then seek for publication, add to their college transcript and application, or hang with pride on the fridge.
For 11th-12th graders*
*or underclassmen on a case-by-case basis
Possible credit earned through Scriptorium:
Composition (1/2 English credit)
OR
Creative Writing (1/2 Fine Arts or Elective credit)
Meet the Teacher
Hi! I'm Tsh Oxenreider, but most students call me Mrs. O. I’ve homeschooled my three teenagers for years (one of whom is already in college), and when I'm not chasing our backyard chickens back into their coop, I'm usually penning my newsletter or next book.
Please note: I teach as a Christian adhering to the historic, universal Christian faith and affirming the Nicene Creed as a faithful summary of the faith, as well as the necessity of Christian unity as Jesus explicitly prayed (John 17:20-23). It should be expected that the teaching in my classes will reflect a Christian worldview, but the only requirements of my students are a good attitude, a willingness to learn, a motivated work ethic, honesty (read: no use of AI), and respect toward others.
FAQ
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Students come having done all their work in advance, prepared for a discussion-led class with their peers. Generally speaking, we spend half the class time unpacking and discussing the homework from the week, often sharing some form of their writing. The other half typically includes new content in preparation for the next week's work at home.
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As an elective, true "homework" in the classic sense is minimal, yet students are expected to participate fully in what's assigned to them. Weekly writing assignments are typically short in order to fully unpack the specific skill lesson emphasized. However, students will get as much out of their writing projects as they are willing to put into them! The end game is a fully-written short story or chapter from a longer novel.
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Supplies are minimal and largely consist of writing utensils, paper of some sort, and a few books (used are great!). Final writing assignments are typed, but laptops or other electronics aren't allowed in class so there's no need to bring those.
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Signing up for a class with me is a commitment. I offer a penalty-free cancellation for three weeks so students and parents can get a feel for the course. After this, if you decide to transfer, move, or drop the class, you must pay half of the remaining tuition. Without this policy, I cannot keep smaller classes profitable or beneficial. Thank you for understanding!
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The unicorn — apparently chosen because of its connection with dominance and chivalry, as well as purity and innocence in Celtic mythology.
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I’d assume so! Head here for my class rules FAQs, and accommodations policies. A full handbook will be sent before the semester begins.
“We turn to stories because they show us who and what and why we are, what is essential, and what, despite the arbitrariness of falling beams, will not burn.”
- Madeleine L’Engle