Distinctive Elements

Chickens are the buzz every spring as the kindergarten class incubates eggs in order to learn first-hand about the life cycle of a chicken. Student scientists care for the eggs, recording temperatures and facts during the 21-day incubation period. Once the chicks hatch, students then observe and care for the chicks in the classroom and outdoor chicken coop for several weeks to further their understanding. This interactive experience exemplifies project-based learning at Woodlawn.

Frequent off campus experiences such as field trips and community service opportunities allow our students to learn in real-world settings. Field experiences are an integral part of project work and we believe that students should be exposed to authentic learning opportunities and learn from experts in the area. Through service learning, lower school students regularly visit their partner organizations in the community such as Ronald McDonald House, Cornelius Animal Shelter, Mooresville Library, Fifth Street Ministries, La Escuelita, and recycling on campus to serve and understand the impact individuals and groups can make locally and globally.

Students in grades three and four hit the road for overnight field trips that deepen their learning. Third graders travel back to 1607 as they visit Jamestown and experience America’s first permanent English colony. After studying North Carolina geography and history, fourth graders head to the Outer Banks to visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Currituck Lighthouse. Fifth graders put their leadership skills to the test as they attend an overnight that engages them in an outdoor learning environment. From low ropes courses, to orienteering to environmental stewardship, fifth graders spend their time away from campus working as a team and honing their own leadership styles.

Understanding how to best tackle life skills can be tricky as a student navigates through these formative years. Our life skills program is woven into the daily curriculum through social studies and language arts. Through literature, role play, and discussion, students learn tools to help them make smart decisions and adapt to change. Feelings, friendship, and leadership are just a few of the life skills students explore.

Families enjoy a "Night of the Arts” as students showcase their talents in the arts. Woodlawn’s music and theater program offers lower school students opportunities to showcase their talents on stage. The visual arts program at Woodlawn engages students in making, interpreting, and learning about art in a meaningful way. Students learn to think and work like real artists so they are proud to showcase their original artwork.

Lower School students and families gather on a colorful fall weekend every November for the annual Fall Festival. Musical performances, crafts, and games constitute the afternoon. Roasting marshmallows by the fire offers a sweet end to the day.

Woodlawn's oldest tradition comes once a year, early in the fall. In honor of Dr. George Stinson (the original land owner of Woodlawn's historic campus), we center the day around celebrating the history of our campus. 19th century games on the field, gardening, tours of the historic Stinson Hall led by our own Mrs. Lolla, and square dancing are enjoyed by everyone.

Lower School students participate in the annual Art Extravaganza each spring. Budding artists are inspired by nature and use many recycled materials as they explore various mediums to create original works of art.

Go Green has a dual meaning at Woodlawn. Our school colors are green and white, so on spirit days, you will see our Trailblazers showing support with green shirts and even green hair! But it is also a daily reminder of our focus on sustainable practices and helps us all remember to live lightly on the Earth! Go Green!

Woodlawn School's organic vegetable and flower garden serves as an outdoor classroom for gardening and science classes. Lower School students spend time in the gardens each fall and spring growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Students plant, weed, harvest, add compost and have fun learning science concepts in the gardens. Students frequently take home organic produce they have grown themselves to enjoy around the dinner table with their family.