In 1976, dedicated families and educators established Windrush School to instill a love of learning in children while enabling them to achieve academic excellence. Originally a primary school, the Board of Directors added a middle school (Grades 6-8) in 1989 in response to growing interest in Windrush. The Middle School founders believed that a diverse student community and small class size coupled with clear expectations were important to successfully prepare students for high school.

Those values hold true today and to sustain those values, Windrush has expanded by constructing a new LEED certified green building, which as of September 2008 houses the Middle School. The first of its kind in El Cerrito, the building reflects a fundamental Windrush principle-respect and responsibility for self, others and the world.

Although enrollment has increased steadily since its early years, Windrush's philosophy hasn't changed. When the school community developed a mission statement in 1992, ideas of maximizing academic potential, building self-confidence, encouraging a love of learning, instilling a sense of responsibility for others and developing respect for individuals and the world's diversity were part of it. Providing a supportive yet academically challenging program that meets the needs of all students is paramount and individual attention is as much a school priority as it was during its inception.

Windrush's outstanding faculty is vital to upholding the school's mission and philosophy. Striving for students to excel academically and personally, teachers consistently assess teaching methods and student abilities to evaluate the academic program's success.

The following beliefs are the foundation for the overall program and teachers' individual classroom methods:

• Students have different learning rates and styles, while academic excellence is attainable for every child.
• Children learn best in child-centered classrooms.
• Self-awareness, personal expression, self-confidence and appreciation for others are critical to growth and development.
• Positive and caring relationships between students, and between teachers and students are essential.
• A partnership between home and school strengthens education