Academic Programs

EQ + IQ

A BALANCED APPROACH FOR A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING.

Willowwind is committed to a rigorous academic program rooted in experiential and project-based learning. We encourage independence, risk-taking, and critical thinking across the curriculum and equip our students with the skills to approach complex challenges and a changing environment with curiosity, persistence, and leadership. Students become lifelong learners who are able to question, discover, make connections, and take ownership of their growth.

Willowwind balances academic achievement with the development of social and emotional intelligence, emphasizing students’ respect and appreciation in themselves, others, and the natural world. This provides students with a sense of belonging, a climate of trust, and a joyful merging of social, emotional, and intellectual development.

PRESCHOOL

FULL-time and part-time options

Willowwind’s Montessori-inspired early childhood program provides our youngest learners with the opportunity to explore, create, and play. We believe in fostering each child’s unique curiosities and passions and growing a deep love for learning and exploring the world around them.

The goal of Willowwind's Montessori program is to teach the child as a whole, equally guiding the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of each child. Through the prepared environment, calmness of the teacher, and attention to grace and courtesy, we strive to offer an educational experience based upon the teachings of Maria Montessori.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten is an integral year in Willowwind’s program. Its role in the early childhood experience establishes an important bridge between the preschool and elementary programs. Our goal is to create a seamless and purposeful transition, while encouraging students to carry a playful curiosity with them throughout their years as a young learner.

Curriculum in the Kindergarten classroom helps students develop a better awareness of themselves and how to successfully interact with others. Students learn to take responsibility for themselves, develop good work habits, and regulate classroom tasks, helping them to grow personally and academically. Kindergarteners become readers, writers, authors, illustrators, presenters, artists, mathematicians, problem-solvers, leaders, teachers, and friends.

ELEMENTARY

Primary - first & second

The primary grades are a time for students to build upon foundational skills while preparing for the rigorous project-based learning curriculum in the upper elementary grades. Students expand upon what it means to be a learner at Willowwind and explore their role and purpose within their communities. They work on developing independence, self-regulation, and a growth mindset as they approach new ideas and are challenged by bigger questions. These themes continue throughout their time here at Willowwind with increased and matured purpose.

Upper - third through sixth

Students in our upper elementary grades approach their learning with increased independence and executive functioning. They learn how to challenge themselves, explore their passions, and reach their unique potential through our student-centered, project-based curriculum. Throughout the upper elementary years, students are provided opportunities to develop their responsibility, independence, initiative, reliability, leadership, and intrinsic motivation. Teachers push students to the edge of their abilities and expect students to immerse themselves fully in this process.

Ready for a visit?

We encourage families to stop by to investigate, explore, and discover why Willowwind students Love Every Day!