A year-round school, the goal of WCLL’s schedule is to maximize student learning with a consistent academic schedule and regular, short breaks that rejuvenate and refresh students. WCLL uses a family/team approach to academics, placing each student with a core teacher. Many of the teachers at WCLL connect with their students for two years. This reduces the getting to know you period at the beginning of the school year and allows more time for student learning. The longer connection time for teachers and students allows time for good relationships to develop.
The K4 – grade 12 setting at WCLL allows staff to work closer with families for a longer period of time. By strengthening relationships with educators, young learners become aware of their talents and abilities at an early age, receiving encouragement from those they trust. As students grow into middle school-aged children, the close bonds they have with their peers and staff members help them tackle the challenges of adolescence and grow into confident, intelligent decision-makers. Eventually, students transform into compassionate young adults with a solid educational foundation for college and work.
While the setting at WCLL promotes confidence and success in academics, it also equips students with the social skills needed to succeed. Older students may choose to provide supervised tutoring to younger students for service hours. This positive interaction benefits both groups. The young learners look up to the older students, viewing them as role models. These expectations encourage WCLL’s older students to model good behavior and provide positive encouragement and feedback for the young learners.
When students are educated at one school for a number of years, they develop a sense of school pride and spirit. WCLL students are proud to be here. They take advantage of the many resources offered to them and know that high standards are expected.
The curriculum at WCLL is based on the Common Core State Standards. The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce.
The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards:
- Are aligned with college and work expectations;
- Are clear, understandable and consistent;
- Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
- Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
- Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
- Are evidence-based.