Our Origins
Rose Rock School began in 2007 as a home-based program called The Purple House, founded by Shanah Ahmadi. Drawing on her training in LifeWays North America Early Childhood Education and her own experience, she envisioned a nurturing and home-like care setting. The program emphasized consistency in caregiving, a gentle rhythm to the day, and open-ended play that supports healthy development.
The Purple House was one of the few programs in Oklahoma inspired by LifeWays principles, offering an environment grounded in natural rhythms, seasonal routines, whole foods, outdoor time, and opportunities for children to participate in daily practical activities such as gardening and cooking. The focus was on creating a calm and developmentally appropriate foundation for later learning.
As interest from local families grew, the program expanded. A dedicated Kindergarten building was added, and the program transitioned into a nonprofit organization: Rose Rock School. With the support of a founding board composed of parents and teachers, the school began long-term planning, community outreach, and fundraising.
In 2012, Rose Rock School purchased its current home at 1515 W. Main Street in Norman, four acres of green space offering room to grow. Thanks to community support, the property was successfully rezoned for educational use. The early childhood program officially began in 2013, and by 2015, both the early childhood and Kindergarten programs were fully housed on the new campus, with an expanded faculty and staff team.
In 2020, Rose Rock launched its Grade School program, beginning with Grades 1–3, and intends to continue through Grade 8. We continue to grow each year, welcoming new students, teachers, and families into our learning community.
