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Lower School
Small classes How many students are in a class? The average size class is 12 -14 students. In grades K-2, class size is limited to 16 students In grades 3 and up, class size is limited to 18 students Traditional program What kind of program does Walden have? Walden School’s program challenges average to above average students on both an academic and social-intellectual level. Walden’s Lower School faculty is committed to challenging each student on his or her unique academic level. We accept average to above-average students. Our small class sizes, traditional program and hands-on environment allow us to understand and challenge our students’ individual strengths while our close communication while our families help us to address challenges. From our phonemically-based kindergarten reading program to our experiential science classes, the Lower School is focused on maintaining the highest academic standards in an environment that is both nurturing and stimulating. We invite all families to visit Walden to experience the Lower School culture first-hand. Parent Participation Walden’s parents are encouraged to participate at all levels. Some parents choose to volunteer in classrooms, others may meet their child for lunch or work on committees outside the classroom such as the Walden Parent Association. Regardless of time spent in the school, each parent plays an integral role in the education of the child. Open and healthy communication among the teacher, parent and administration is critical to understanding the needs of each student as well as gauging our successes. As our mission states, we work “in partnership with families.” How often do Parents have contact with the teachers Each week, families receive a classroom and lower school newsletter informing parents about important details and events. Reports are sent home three times a year –at the end of each trimester, and parent conferences occur in the fall and spring. That being said, the communication between the school and family is on-going. Whether it’s the administration greeting students in carpool each morning, your child’s teachers walking him to the car in the afternoon, conversations in the halls, email notices or phone updates, Walden parents are constantly informed of their child’s progress. Again, we depend on parent feedback to help understand the needs of our students. Average Tenure How qualified is your faculty? Over 75% of our Walden faculty hold a master’s degree or higher. The average length of their teaching experience is 14 years. How is the day structured in the Lower School? Each “lead” or “homeroom” teacher teaches math, language arts and social studies. Students travel to “special area” classes two to three times a day. While each Lower School student takes Spanish, Science, Physical Education, Music, Art, Library and Computer, a “structured” day for a fourth grader needs to be different than that of a Kindergartener. We take careful steps to ensure that the pace of our day is suited to the individual needs of each grade level. Lockers Lower School students have lockers beginning in third grade. Kindergarten though second grade classrooms have open “cubbies” for students’ coats and bookbags. Standardized Testing Beginning in third grade, students take the Stanford Achievement Test every spring. The goal of standardized testing in Lower School is to prepare students for the reality of standardized tests while introducing the concept in a manner which affords them a level of confidence and comfort with the process. Like all of Louisville’s independent schools, results are scored on a national level rather than a local level. The majority of Walden Students test in the seventieth to ninety-ninth percentile in math, reading and science. Middle School How is Walden Middle School similar to and different from other programs? Walden is similar in that it follows a traditional structured core curriculum. Our program is unique in that within that high structure our smaller size allows us to be very flexible. Because our division is relatively small (eight core homeroom teachers) and the teaches work closely together as a team: teachers can adjust schedules to allow more time in certain subjects as needed (e.g., science labs); teachers plan together to provide interdisciplinary learning across subject areas; and teachers cooperate to ensure that student’s needs are met (challenging students who are ready to advance and sharing strategies for the success of students who may need more assistance). Because we are small, teachers get to know their students well, and in turn students benefit. Our middle school is also different in that the fine arts are an integral part of our program, and in addition to their core subjects, students are required to take a trimester of art and of drama (five hours per week for about 13 weeks). Also, our fifth grade students are required to learn a band instrument, and may opt to continue in our band program through 8th grade. Can a small middle school offer a strong sports program? Walden Middle School offers cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track & field programs, in addition to a dance team. The majority of our students participate on one or more sports teams. We offer a no-cut program, where everyone plays and is a valued member of the team. Despite our small size, Walden has been particularly successful in our running sports, and our teams are competitive on the state level. Can a small middle school offer a variety of extracurricular activities? Walden Middle School has several club offerings, which provide opportunities to compete, provide community service, and/or just to have fun. Current offerings include: Quick Recall Team, Chess Club, Chess Team, Builders Club, Jr. Beta Club, Technology Club, and Unicycle Club, to name a few. How much communication is there between teachers and parents? Middle school teachers encourage a working partnership with parents in order to serve the students best. Grades are posted regularly on Edline, and parents are notified promptly is a student is failing, chronically does not turn in homework, or is having other significant problems (behavior, social or academic). In addition, each week, papers are sent home in the “Tuesday Envelope,” so that parents can stay abreast of school activities (calendars, WPA announcements, etc.). There is a Middle School newsletter published twice per month, and homework is posted on teacher websites nightly. What kind of community can be found in the middle school? Walden Middle School teachers can get to know their students well because our classes are small. There is a positive rapport based on mutual respect between teachers and students. Students know that learning is valued and that they are valued. During their free time, teachers will take the time to help students academically or to work out conflicts with other students; this models that building a positive, nurturing learning community is a priority. How is the day structured in the Middle School? Students take their cores subject daily: Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. In addition, throughout the week, students take Physical Education, Health (grades 6-8), Spanish (5th grade twice per week, 6th grade, three times per week, and 7th & 8th grades five times per week), Art, Drama, Computer, Library (5th grade), Beginner Band (5th grade mandatory), and Advanced Band (grades 6-8 optional). Also, some eighth graders may place into 9th grade Algebra in the Upper School. Learn more About Walden: |
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