Woodside School’s philosophy towards Gifted and Talented Education is one of differentiated instruction. Woodside School recognizes that our students have different talents and learning styles. We strive to provide an academically rigorous education that encourages each child to achieve his or her full potential. Woodside School focuses on meeting the needs of all students - including those who are ready and eager for greater depth and complexity in their studies. Our instructional program includes excellent opportunities for students to be challenged at their "just right" level, through a variety of approaches including leveled reading groups, tiered homework, project menus, Design Thinking projects, and Reader's and Writer's Workshop.
We are continually working to support teachers in their efforts to provide a stimulating and academically-rigorous education for all students.
Consistent with Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Woodside School offers a robust arts education program that includes choral and instrumental music, visual and performing arts, and design thinking that incorporates creating real life models and computer-generated prototypes. An extensive offering of enrichment opportunities is available before and after-school. The PTA website lists many of these course offerings.
Our curriculum reflects a deep-rooted belief in addressing the needs of the whole child, and we dedicate significant teaching time to Social and Emotional Learning. Woodside School wants to encourage all of its students to develop a sense of wonder and perseverance towards challenges.
Our staff embraces the work of Carol Dweck and instruction is designed to help students develop a growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work and that their inherent talents are just a starting point. Woodside School encourages innovation and intellectual risk-taking and hopes to instill in each child a lifelong love of learning.
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Albert Einstein