Upper School Overview

 

The goal of Woodlawn’s upper school program is to prepare students for their future--college, career, and life long learning. Life beyond high school will present each student with his or her own unique challenges and circumstances. Students need to figure out complex problems on their own so that they will have what they need to know to be successful and resourceful in their future lives. They need to be able to think on their feet, synthesize information, and write well.

 

Our curriculum is designed to develop the knowledge and skills that will allow our students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens who use their minds well. To achieve this goal, our upper school program features a thinking curriculum that is:

 

• integrated, hands-on, and project-based,

• connected to the real world,

• guided by a strong emphasis on tolerance and empathy, and

• focused in critical and creative thinking skills.

 

The upper school curriculum consists of the core subjects of history, language arts, mathematics, science, Spanish, and life sports. Additionally, Woodlawn weaves into its curriculum a support component called Brown Bag Forums. These forums, which are coordinated by a lead teacher, act as an advisory component where interpersonal and leadership skills are developed. It is a chance for students to express their thoughts and ideas in a nontraditional class setting. Students are often given a variety of electives to choose from three times a year. These might range from web page design and generation to photography. Our classes are small, typically 15 students per class, so that students get lots of individual attention.

 

We understand that the world is becoming flatter. Students need to understand that new ways of living and managing life are upon us. Understanding cultures and humanity has never been more critical. Our students must know how to function in a more diverse society, to step out of their bubble and embrace the world around them. To create the students who go on to be contributing members of our society, it is important that we offer experiences to use in the real world. Woodlawn students have multiple opportunities to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-life experiences through community service, outdoor education, and travel abroad. In preparation for college, we will work with the students to plan for the college application process. Our courses are designed so that that students should be well prepared to take the SAT and/or AP exams. We will also invite college representatives to Woodlawn in an effort to introduce our school, our program, and our students.

 

Big Questions:

Ninth Grade: What does it mean to be civilized?

Tenth Grade: How do individuals change the world?

 

 

Upper School Supply List

 

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