Program Overview

A Unique Learning Experience for Your Child

At Woodland School, we believe in a holistic approach to education. Established in 1996 in Traverse City, MI, our primary and middle school offers a unique learning environment that combines multi-age classrooms, outdoor learning, and exposure to the fine arts. We invite you to explore our program and see how we can help your child grow.

Our Curriculum

Woodland School understands the importance of providing a curriculum that is engaging and interesting to students. That's why our curriculum is both student-driven and teacher-driven. We support:

• Problem-solving
• Real-life connections
• Differentiation
• Personal growth
• Alignment of learning activities and classes with Michigan Curriculum Framework standards
• Common core curriculum
• Multi-age groupings
• Continuity with teachers from year to year
• Small class sizes
• Thematic interdisciplinary studies
• Ecology/outdoor learning
• Service opportunities
• Elective learning experiences
• Strong art, music, and drama opportunities
• Required daily math and language arts
• Independent studies

To accomplish this, we use a varied and balanced educational system. Our language arts, math, and science programs are complemented by in-depth art, theater, and music courses. These courses, in conjunction with the community building, leadership, and personal initiative skills that are cultivated here, ensure that Woodland School graduates transition smoothly into high school and beyond.

The Benefits of Our School

At Woodland School, we believe in the power of personalized attention. Our small class sizes and an average teacher-to-student ratio of 1:21 ensure that every student gets the attention they need to thrive.

In our multi-age classrooms, students learn from each other, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. Plus, our staff has a high retention rate, which means students get stability and wisdom from long-standing teachers and support staff. Our teachers are passionate about what they do.

Our school is nestled within 250 acres of wooded land, complete with several ponds and numerous trails. This outdoor learning environment provides a unique opportunity for students to connect with nature, enhancing their learning experience beyond the traditional classroom setting. You won't find another school with a campus quite like ours.

Our School Mission

Since 1996, Woodland School has been practicing its mission to help students progressively improve their ability to understand and respond well to others and the world around them. We encourage this by developing, refining, and maintaining a learning environment where students and teachers:

• Develop their talents and interests
• Mature in their understanding of democratic processes and contributions to the community
• Acquire the skills and knowledge of the past and present through math, science, history, English, music, art, and more to improve their talents, strength their potential to serve, and enrich their general ability to respond to life's opportunities and challenges.

Our Learning Communities

At Woodland School, we are proud to offer multi-age classrooms to provide our students with a more dynamic learning experience. Student learning happens in three villages or learning communities:

• The Primary Village (Kindergarten Through Third Grade): Children enter a caring community that promotes kindness, cooperation, responsibility, and academic exploration and nurtures their natural desire to experience and enjoy the world around them.
• The Middle Village (Third Through Fifth Grade): Students continue to develop their skills with increased emphasis on student initiative, problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance.
• The Upper Village (Sixth Through Eighth Grade): Students expand their independence and decision-making skills with the assistance of our caring staff. Upper Village students are engaged in a deeper level of learning that requires focus and personal determination. Woodland School students exit our program ready to engage with the world around them in a positive, meaningful way.