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1. What is the tuition?
There is NO tuition. We are a charter public school and receive per pupil funding from the State of Michigan just as every other public school does.
2. What are the requirements for admission? Who can go to this school?
As a public school, requirements for admission are similar to any other public school. Enrollment is open to students in grades K-8. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by December 1st. Class sizes ARE limited which sometimes means students must be placed on a waiting list if there are more applications than spots available.
3. Are teachers certified?
Yes. Teachers are certified and registered with the State of Michigan.
4. What do people say are the best things about the school?
People really value the warm, safe, community-like atmosphere. They often comment on how nice it is that their children like attending school much more than they did previously. They also like the location out in the woods. Though we are 5 miles east of Traverse City, and about that many miles from other surrounding towns, we hear often that "The drive is worth it!" Best of all, parents appreciate the confidence and personal responsibility their children develop while at the school.
5. What is your philosophy?
We believe that children are served best by helping them to develop confidence, skill, and personal responsibility in three key aspects of learning: core academics (arts and sciences), developing individual talents and interests, and serving family, community, and country. These aspects often overlap one another. We believe it is important to achieve a good balance between required learning and learning that is freely chosen according to the talents and interests of the child. We believe that children progress best when they are able to move forward at a rate that challenges them individually but does not overwhelm them.
6. Some charter schools specialize in certain areas like technology or performing arts or character education, etc., does Woodland School have a specialization area?
Rather than specializing in a given subject area, we focus on developing confidence, skill, and personal responsibility.
Though we do not have a particular emphasis area, we have nonetheless developed a strong arts program featuring general music, band, choir, drama, and visual arts. These classes are taught by specialists in the respective areas. We also have developed unusually sophisticated opportunities in math and science.
7. Do your students have to take the MEAP? How do the MEAP scores of Woodland School compare with the other schools?
Students at Woodland School take the MEAP on the same schedule as every other public school. Our overall scores compare favorably with state averages, however, many students score much higher than state averages.
8. What about the curriculum? Do you follow the State standards?
Yes, we use the Michigan Curriculum Standards as a basic framework that is embedded in our unique multiage continual progress educational program.
Do the students get music, art, and PE?
Yes! Woodland has a strong Arts program that includes drama, band, vocal music and visual arts. Students also benefit from a PE program that K-3 students participate in and 3-8 students elect.
10. How do kids do when they graduate from Woodland and go back to "regular" school?
Parents tell us that the opportunities their students had at Woodland to take advanced classes and to develop their skills as individuals helped them succeed in their new schools. Students often remark about being "ahead of their class at the regular school." Learning to make good choices and building confidence are hallmarks of a Woodland School education. These skills serve students well when they move on.
11. Is there transportation?
Parents are responsible for driving their children to and from school or arranging a carpool. For a fee, bussing is available from designated pick up/drop off points through Kalkaska Public Transit and the Traverse City YMCA.
12. Is there an after school day-care program?
No
13. Are parents welcome to visit and/or volunteer?
We encourage parents to be an active part of the school community. They are always welcome to arrange a time with their child's teacher to visit or volunteer in the classroom! We also have an active parent group, the Family Council. |
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