Warren-Walker School
Admissions Qualification Policy
|
|
Warren-Walker School Admissions Qualification Policy |
1 October, 2008
| Home | Admissions Page |
The following Admission Qualifications Policy supports our Mission Statement, which is:
We are committed to providing prekindergarten, elementary, and middle school programs that challenge average to superior students to think, learn, create, communicate, and develop to their highest and fullest potentials while preparing them for success in academically demanding high schools. This will be achieved in an atmosphere of caring, cooperation, and dedication to helping each student succeed in the learning process. The School and its faculty will formulate multi-faceted educational experiences that foster a lifetime love of learning, breadth of knowledge, and mastery of skills while developing respect for others, confidence, initiative, perseverance, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility.
Warren-Walker School students must be capable and talented scholars and good citizens to fully benefit from all that is provided for them and to succeed in all that is expected of them. Our curriculum is thorough, comprehensive, and in most cases advanced in level. Overall, we have found this meets our students’ needs and helps the faculty successfully align performance levels with expectations. Selected content area programs are designed for use “at grade level,” which allows for a broadening of assignments to include projects and other creative endeavors, as well as in-depth research or study, guided by our information literacy and technology standards.
In addition to our classroom teachers at the Lower school, we have seven specialist faculty members. Classes in these areas are included in our already enriched program and busy schedule. The programs taught by these specialists include:
Art
(first through fifth grade) (prekindergarten through fifth grade) (prekindergarten through fifth grade) (prekindergarten through fifth grade) (prekindergarten through fifth grade) (kindergarten through fifth grade) (kindergarten through fifth grade)
Similarly, at the Middle School, the core curriculum is highly academic and enriched, and the co-curricular courses are many and varied, including performing arts—such as concert band, drama, and chorus—as well as studio art, industrial arts, information literacy and technology courses. Spanish is the required foreign language, and is taught at advanced levels. Physical education and intramural sports are integral to the program, as well. Since our curriculum, at all levels, is multi-faceted, enriched, accelerated, and fast-paced, students who are admitted must be able to focus, work, create, and learn efficiently.
Therefore, the School must select the students from the applicant pool for each grade, junior kindergarten through eighth, who will benefit and progress in a challenging program designed to prepare students for college preparatory high school programs. We evaluate each candidate using assessments, interviews, visitations, report cards and/or progress reports, and teacher recommendations. The students who qualify are then placed in a pool of candidates from which are chosen those who are most qualified, and whose chances for success in our program are the highest. Qualifications for prekindergarten are age (3-years old by December 2) and developmental maturity, which is assessed by interviews with the child, parents and a teacher (if possible), and/or a classroom visit, and enrollment is offered in order of date of completed application. At all levels, priority is given to current students, their siblings, and children of alumni and faculty, in that order, and consideration is given to gender balance.
Occasionally, a currently enrolled student will demonstrate the need for extra help to meet our level of expectation. Our teachers are available to provide extra help on a regular, but limited basis. If more frequent or in-depth assistance is needed, the parent will need to access the support of an outside professional—such as a tutor or therapist. The School will be pleased to provide a list of recommended professionals from which the parent may select. The parent will be responsible for payment of these services. In such cases, ongoing and open communication and mutual support, by all parties, is instrumental for the child’s overall success.