Statement of Teaching and Learning

At Woodland, learning is joyful. Teachers and students alike take pleasure in the productive struggle of learning in an environment that is inclusive and safe enough for risk-taking, and diverse and varied enough to provide ample challenge for all. Through authentic experiences and inquiry, Woodland students deepen their understanding of the world and connect to issues facing themselves and others. They are engaged socially and collaboratively in this process, drawing on one another’s perspectives to enrich their own and others’ growth. Woodland teachers nurture and support students by thoughtfully designing opportunities that develop independent, lifelong learners prepared to be the stewards of tomorrow.
 

Our Academic Philosophy

Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School [1]. Teachers craft meaningful, multisensory learning experiences which enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections [2]. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world [3].

[1] Student-centered learning; explore lines of inquiry; follow and engage students’ curiosities and interests; leads to students developing and pursuing passions
[2] Hands-on, differentiated  learning experiences; choice and creativity in how to demonstrate learning; Understanding is deep and connected; kids can answer “why” in addition to “how”
[3] Exploration fuels understanding, which is nuanced and profound through these learning experiences, students develop a stronger “sense of self” and the ability to impact the world beyond them