The Klamath County School District will host ribbon-cutting ceremonies on May 30 to celebrate the grand openings of the Crater Lake Learning Center and an expanded facility for its growing Great Basin Homeschool program.
Both programs will share space in a newly renovated 8,800-square-foot building at 2720 Washburn Way, formerly home to the Asian Buffet restaurant. The district purchased the building in 2021 using state Student Investment Account (SIA) funds and completed interior renovations this spring. Landscaping and exterior improvements are scheduled for completion this summer.
The two centers have separate entrances. A ribbon cutting for the Crater Lake Learning Center will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a ceremony for the Great Basin Homeschool Center at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to tour the facility and enjoy refreshments following the ceremonies. The building will remain open to the public until 3 p.m.
Crater Lake Learning Center
The Crater Lake Learning Center is designed to serve as a hub for staff training and professional development. KCSD employs more than 900 staff, including 400 teachers who support approximately 7,000 students across 21 schools.
Since 2020, the district has hired over 1,100 new employees, including more than 350 teachers. Of those, 154 entered the classroom without prior certification, requiring targeted, immediate training.
“As part of our commitment to student achievement, we are prioritizing professional learning,” said Superintendent Glen Szymoniak. “Ongoing training in classroom management, curriculum, and teaching strategies is essential to improving student success and outcomes.”
All elementary teachers will receive training in newly adopted instructional materials, as well as programs such as the “Science of Reading” and the “Developing Mathematical Thinking Institute.” The new center includes a large conference area to accommodate more staff at once, ensuring educators stay up to date on best practices.
Great Basin Homeschool Center
Separated by a full commercial kitchen, the other half of the building will house the district’s enhanced Great Basin Homeschool program, which supports families who choose to educate their children at home.
Several hundred Klamath County students are either enrolled in homeschool programs outside the district or not enrolled in any program at all. KCSD hopes to reverse that trend.
“Our goal is to enhance the effectiveness and appeal of Great Basin Homeschool, offering a strong, supportive learning environment that encourages more families to join our educational community,” said Szymoniak.
The homeschool program offers families two curriculum options: an online format supported by district-issued Chromebooks or a traditional paper-and-pencil curriculum. In both models, students receive support from licensed teachers. The district covers curriculum costs.
The new facility will provide dedicated space for peer group activities, enrichment sessions, and community-based learning such as field trips and events. Students may participate in district programs like Outdoor School, the Klamath County Farm Expo, and STARBASE at Kingsley Field.
Homeschool online learners in kindergarten through second grade receive twice-weekly virtual check-ins focused on reading fluency and skills. Online third- through sixth-graders receive support, but do not have regularly scheduled meetings with a district educator.
Families in the traditional program can select from a variety of curriculum materials tailored to their child’s needs, with guidance from certified teachers.
Great Basin Homeschool will host a kindergarten roundup event from 1–2 p.m. on May 27 at the new Washburn Way location. More information is available at https://www.kcsd.k12.or.us/schools/great-basin.
