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, English, mathematics, science, Spanish, and life sports.  Each grade focuses on a different theme for service learning that is woven into the curriculum.  Additionally, Woodlawn offers students the chance to participate in leadership positions through the Woodlawn Activities Committee as well as the Yearbook and Newspaper Staffs.  These groups offer a chance for students to express their thoughts and ideas in a nontraditional class setting and take active leadership roles in the direction of the school.  Students are given a variety of electives through online course offerings. These might range from web page design to sociology. 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? Why do civilizations rise and fall?

Tenth Grade: How do individuals change the world? How does the world shape individuals?

Eleventh Grade/Twelfth Grade:

What is our role in the global society?  What is the American identity? [Even Years]

What is knowledge?  [Odd years]

Upper School Announcements