Our approach
-
Woodlawn is committed to an integrated and innovative approach to learning and teaching.
It is not enough to simply memorize rote facts and statistics. We go beyond mastering the fundamentals in each subject area by engaging our students in group discussions, in-depth research projects, presentations, and performances that connect the disciplines. Because our world is integrated, we believe our curriculum should be, too. To make learning relevant and meaningful, content from various subject areas is linked around essential questions so that students learn how to make connections between subjects through investigation and research. Students ultimately gain a deeper understanding of subject matter by using it in real world contexts.
-
Woodlawn students engage in project-based learning.
Project-based learning does not typically constitute an entire educational program, but instead projects are used alongside systematic instruction to achieve curricular goals. Systematic instruction can be thought of as the acquisition of skills and project work allows for the application of skills. This approach to teaching and learning ensures 21st century skills: creativity and innovation, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication. Because project work involves field work, you'll find Woodlawn students out and about in the community, interviewing experts and engaged in field work all year long.
-
Woodlawn students ask questions and analyze.
Critical thinking is a developmental process that can begin at an early age. There are many definitions of critical thinking, so it is important to keep the definition developmentally appropriate so that what constitutes critical thinking for very young children will differ from what is expected of a middle school or upper school student. At Woodlawn, students at every grade level raise vital questions and consciously apply strategies to uncover meaning and assure their understanding. They consider evidence from multiple sources in order to solve problems.
Take a closer look
Engaging classroom discussions, in-depth research projects, presentations and performances create a student-driven and student-centered atmosphere.
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
How we do it
We hire passionate, knowledgeable teachers.
At Woodlawn, we believe that excellent teachers are the single most important factor in determining the success of a school. As a result, we are committed to holding teachers to a high standard. Woodlawn teachers are critical in creating the curriculum and shaping key policies. Our teachers hold themselves accountable for being experts in their specific field of study by being committed to ongoing professional development.