Current research supports our belief that the best educational experiences take place when class sizes and student-teacher ratios are small. Elementary classes average 16 students.
- How many students are in each class?
- What are regular class hours?
- Is childcare available beyond the stated school hours?
- What is the Windrush teaching philosophy?
- How are students challenged?
- How do teachers communicate with parents?
- What types of field trips and special activities are offered?
- What enrichment classes are available?
- Which standardized test does Windrush administer?
- What are the homework expectations?
- In what way can parents be involved in the school community?
- Is Windrush an accredited school?
What are regular class hours?
Grades 1 & 2: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dismissal for all grades on Wednesdays is at 2:00 p.m.
Is childcare available beyond the stated school hours?
About 30% of our students participate in our extended-day program. The Before School Program begins at 7:00 a.m. The Afterschool Program extends from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. There is a choice of full-day or drop-in care. Staff provides special activities such as art, crafts, cooking, sports and games. Students have homework time and opportunities for supervised indoor/outdoor play. Care is provided on most school holidays. Windrush also offers a Summer Adventures Program for children between the ages of six and 11 years old.
What is the Windrush teaching philosophy?
We believe in challenging children with an intellectually stimulating and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Learning is experiential and dynamic, and ideas are presented with imagination and energy. Children develop positive attitudes toward learning and cooperation because of minimized competition. Knowing that children have different learning styles, teachers use a variety of instructional methods. Small class sizes enable children to be actively engaged in learning and their teachers at all times. We believe in the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical potential of every child.
How are students challenged?
We want each student to experience the thrill of learning at his/her highest capability. Our small class sizes and instructional styles foster a stimulating learning environment. We differentiate work many ways, such as giving third graders the opportunity to take a spelling pre-test, then working on more challenging words. Or, for example, asking a second grader open-ended questions such as "How many ways can you make the number 100?" Teachers thoughtfully plan curriculums to help each student grow academically and to honor each child's individual path while also tracking progression towards-and beyond-learning goals for each grade.
How do teachers communicate with parents?
Teachers provide three written reports describing the child's academic and social progress. Twice a year, time is set aside for parent-teacher conferences with each family. Teachers write weekly or bi-weekly newsletters describing current classroom projects. Parents may leave voice or email messages for any teacher and are always encouraged to visit or participate in the classroom.
What types of field trips and special activities are offered?
Students go on numerous field trips. Resources in the Bay Area, including museums, theaters, factories and nature areas enrich the classroom curriculum. Overnight visits to historical sites enable students to experience everyday life in the time period of that site. Featured guest speakers and performers visit our campus throughout the year. Students also learn about and celebrate holidays that are important to our diverse Windrush community.
What enrichment classes are available?
All students attend classes in music, art, information technology, Spanish and physical education. Teachers who are specialists in their fields offer these classes. A full-size gymnasium, art studio, computer lab, library and music room enhance students' experiences.
Which standardized test does Windrush administer?
As determined by the California Association of Independent Schools, we administer the Educational Research Bureau CTP 4 (Comprehensive Testing Program) to students in grades 3-5.
What are the homework expectations?
Homework at Windrush prepares students for upcoming lessons or extends concepts introduced at school. Assignments are designed to encourage creativity, originality and curiosity by integrating diverse concepts. Homework also gives students the opportunity for practice, study and reading. The amount and content is grade appropriate, and varies from one to four nights a week.
In what way can parents be involved in the school community?
Many families enjoy playing an active role in building the Windrush community, and every family is asked to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours each year. Parents bring their professional expertise to projects, serve on committees, chaperone field trips and/or participate in their child's classroom. Every parent and guardian is a member of the Windrush Parent Association, which offers numerous ways to become involved in the Windrush community.
