We are currently accepting applications for Pre-K and Kindergarten for Fall 2023. Schedule a private tour.
We are currently accepting applications for Pre-K and Kindergarten for Fall 2023. Schedule a private tour.
WES’s extraordinary teachers work each day to create an atmosphere of high, positive expectations, good will, and an appreciation for discovery and learning. They not only teach, they coach, sponsor, chaperone, and counsel.
Faculty members and directors meet regularly to incorporate best practices and share innovations, and they are supported by the WES Professional Development Program, ensuring that each teacher has access to the academic and technological training and tools they need.
Here, supported by faculty and staff, children stand out without burning out. Students challenge themselves academically, physically, and spiritually, and broaden their world view. Life at WES is a constant adventure.
"One of my favorite things about WES, having been through the public school system for many years, is the truly incredible sense of community - everyone knows each other personally, even the teachers."
— Grade 8 Student
In reading both classic texts and contemporary literature, students deepen their comprehension of increasingly complex and rich texts by making inferences about character motivation and drawing broader conclusions. They read for the author’s meaning, begin to understand how certain themes provide insight into the human condition, and make connections between works of literature and personal experience. Students write literature responses, original stories, narrative descriptions, and poetry.
Math 6: Students build on the math concepts learned in Grade 5 using number operations and expand their practice with decimal and fraction operations, integer operations, ratios and proportional relationships, geometry, and statistics. Students also develop problem-solving strategies to solve real world problems using the above processes throughout the year.
Pre-Algebra: Students build upon their knowledge of fractions and the rational number system. They are introduced to functional relationships, the study of linear equations, an exploration of transformations and geometric relationships, and a study of statistics and probability. Emphasis is on showing all work and describing the multiple steps to solve problems.
Students expand their understanding of history by studying the people and events that ushered in the dawn of major Western and non-Western ancient civilizations. Geography is of special significance in the development of the human story. Continued emphasis is placed on the everyday lives, problems, and accomplishments of people: their role in developing social, economic, and political structures as well as in establishing and spreading ideas that helped transform the world.
Students sing in two and three parts, read notation, recognize musical styles, perform in major roles in the Spring Musical production, study periods of music history and composers, and listen to various musical compositions. A major part of the curriculum is devoted to preparation for the annual Spring Musical, supported by a unit on stage terminology. All students study instrumental music and continue to experience ensemble listening and playing.
The curriculum is based on a hands-on approach that focuses on three major units of study:
Emphasis is placed on developing the scientific reasoning skills of observing, measuring, and identifying properties. Students are required to conduct an independent science fair project on a topic of their choosing. A comprehensive Geology unit prepares students for a one-week study trip to the Desert Southwest.
World language continues to prepare students by building study skills that include creating flashcards, taking notes, participating in immersion-based interactions, and keeping an organized notebook. Students will explore the cultural traditions and the geography of French- and Spanish-speaking countries.
Latin is an integral part of the Language Arts program. The language skills of listening, reading, and writing are used to reinforce vocabulary and Latin and English grammar. Derivations and word study are emphasized, especially the exploration of English words with Latin roots. Topics related to the culture of Ancient Rome are also included. Students use the Cambridge Latin Course, along with a vocabulary workbook.
Art lessons are integrated with social studies themes. Students also study individual artists and styles.
Projects may include the following:
Students will study world religions in conjunction with their studies of ancient civilizations, recognizing their similarities and celebrating the diversities. Fostering openness, tolerance, and respect for the beliefs of others is a major goal of this class.
Athletics and PE provide students with exposure to conditioning, skill-building, and sound training principles. Emphasis is on the development of sport-specific skills, tactics and strategies, teamwork, and a positive competitive attitude. Students are encouraged to be “modest in victory and gracious in defeat.”
Team Sports:
PE Activities:
In their first year of Middle School, students have a weekly dedicated class period focusing on learning important study skills and executive functioning habits that will serve as the foundation for their growth as an independent learner.
The Grade 7 English curriculum is designed to improve students’ critical thinking and communication skills, as well as to deepen their appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the English language. The writing process is emphasized, and in addition to essays, stories, and poems, students complete an inquiry-based research project. Reading books as a class allows students to learn the rudiments of literary analysis while they are exploring their personal responses to the texts through class discussions and writing. Reading independently for Literature Circles encourages lifelong reading skills. To the extent possible, assigned and outside reading may be connected thematically to other disciplines.
Math 7: Students build upon Grade 6 knowledge of fractions and the rational number system. They are introduced to expressions and linear equations, applying this knowledge to geometric concepts. The year concludes with statistics and probability. Various methods of reasoning are stressed during this course of study as students move into more advanced problems to solve.
Pre-Algebra: Students build upon their knowledge of fractions and the rational number system. They are introduced to functional relationships, the study of linear equations, an exploration of transformations and geometric relationships, and a study of statistics and probability. Emphasis is on showing all work and describing the multiple steps to solve problems.
Algebra 1: Students cover a comprehensive Algebra I curriculum including linear, exponential, and quadratic functions, as well as radical equations, systems of equations, and polynomials. Problem-solving strategies using algebraic methods are emphasized.
The goal of the course is to help students understand the physical environment and the people and the cultures of the world. It incorporates the National Geographic Society’s five themes of geography: location, place, movement, human-environment interaction, and regions. The study of physical, historical, cultural, and economic geography is employed from a global perspective. Time is included for current events and an in-depth study of Italy in preparation for the Grade 7 study trip.
Life Science topics include the origins of life, evolution, characteristics, and classification of organisms, ecology, behavior, immunity and disease, animal body systems, heredity and genetics, and botany. These topics are reinforced with extensive laboratory work, which is evaluated with a comprehensive practical exam at the end of the year. Methods include hands-on experiential learning employing scientific laboratory skills as well as learning from discussions and textbooks, emphasizing that science is a way of understanding the world. A significant goal is preparing students for high school biology courses.
The goal of the world language courses is to continue to provide each student with a solid communicative and grammatical foundation upon which to base more advanced studies. Verbal communication, relating to real-life tasks and situations, is the centerpiece of the course, and classes are conducted mainly in Spanish or French. An appreciation and awareness of the culture and geography of Spanish or French-speaking countries are also promoted through the use of videos, websites, films, map work, and related projects.
The Latin course continues to be incorporated as an integral part of the Language Arts program. The language skills of listening, reading, and writing are used to reinforce vocabulary and Latin and English grammar. Derivations and word study are emphasized, especially the exploration of English words with Latin roots. Grammar topics include an introduction to Latin declensions and conjugations and the comparison of Latin and English grammar. Topics related to the culture of Ancient Rome are also included in preparation for the study trip to Italy.
The creative arts program is designed to enrich the creative spirit and to develop a more informed language through the visual arts, music, and drama. Visual arts will enhance and stretch perceptual and manipulative ability through drawing, painting, sculpture, and collaborative projects. Seventh-grade students will consider the works of Claude Monet and George Segal (a sculptor) as an entry to comprehending 20th Century thought and expression.
Students choose Band or Chorus. Both Chorus and Band focus on music appreciation, theory and notation, history, and performance, including a variety of music from liturgical to baroque to contemporary.
Students address moral and ethical decision-making, exploring how their communities, interpersonal relationships, and personal experiences shape their values and decisions. Using literature, film, and current events, students will also explore how one’s decisions and actions impact others.
Athletics and PE provide students with exposure to conditioning, skill-building, and sound training principles. Emphasis is on the development of sport-specific skills, tactics and strategies, teamwork, and a positive competitive attitude. Students are encouraged to be “modest in victory and gracious in defeat.”
Team Sports:
PE Activities:
Health and Wellness is taught once per week (for two semesters) and covers such topics as nutrition; alcohol, tobacco, and drug education; and sound decision-making. The class is taught by the school counselor.
The Grade 8 English curriculum is designed to improve students’ critical thinking and communication skills, as well as to deepen their appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the English language. The writing process is emphasized, and in addition to essays, stories, and poems, students complete a research paper. Students also write impromptu essays as well as in-class responses to literature, with particular emphasis on the “classic” paragraph and essay.
Students read and discuss books as a class. Vocabulary is drawn from the literature. Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres, including poetry and drama. A highlight of the Grade 8 year is the student performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Math 8: Students build upon Grade 7 knowledge of expressions and equations, followed by an introduction of functional relationships, solving systems of equations, with an application of expressions and equations through geometry, and building upon the students’ understanding of statistics and probability. Independent problem solving and self-check methods are stressed during this course of study as students move into complex problems to solve.
Algebra 1: Students cover a comprehensive Algebra I curriculum including linear, exponential, and quadratic functions, as well as radical equations, systems of equations, and polynomials. Problem-solving strategies using algebraic methods is emphasized.
Geometry: Geometry students focus on the discovery, understanding, and proof of plane and space relationships, based on the logical use of definitions and deductive reasoning. Topics include logic and methods of reasoning, angle relationships, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, congruence, similarity, circles, right triangle trigonometry, volume, and area.
In Grade 8, students study U.S. Government and 20th century U.S. history. The goals of the class are to instill an appreciation for the enduring strength and resilience of the U.S. Constitution and to help students understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Further, the class hopes to encourage students’ interest in and understanding of key events in 20th Century U.S. history, from the Progressive Era to the Civil Rights Era.
Physical Science serves as an introduction to the study of physics and chemistry. Topics covered include laws of motion, forms and uses of energy (heat, mechanical, nuclear, electrical, etc.), wave motion (sound and light), classification of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures), atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, and solutions of acids, bases, and salts. Laboratory work forms an integral part of Physical Science, as chemistry and especially physics are well suited to an inductive approach to learning. Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis of data, especially graphing.
The goal of the world language courses is to continue to provide each student with a solid communicative and grammatical foundation upon which to base more advanced studies. Verbal communication, relating to real-life tasks and situations, is the centerpiece of the course, and classes are conducted mainly in Spanish or French. An appreciation and awareness of the culture and geography of Spanish- or French-speaking countries are also promoted through the use of videos, websites, films, map work, and related projects. The culmination of the foreign language program is a ten-day trip to Spain or France.
The Latin course continues to be incorporated as an integral part of the Language Arts program. Derivations and word study are emphasized, especially the exploration of English words with Latin and Greek roots. Students explore the topic of world languages and language families. Emphasis is given to mythology and the legacy of Greek and Roman myths, with students reading a young adult version of The Iliad.
The creative arts program is designed to enrich the students’ creative spirit and to enable them to develop a more informed language through the visual arts, music, and drama. Visual arts will enhance and stretch perceptual and manipulative ability through drawing, painting, sculpture, and collaborative projects. Grade 8 students will consider the works of modern and contemporary artists (including Picasso and Kandinsky) as they immerse themselves in the comprehension of modern expression, themes, and ideals.
Students choose Band or Chorus. Both Chorus and Band focus on music appreciation, theory and notation, history, and performance, including a variety of music from liturgical to baroque to contemporary.
In Grade 8, students continue their exploration of ethical leadership. Grade 8 students complete a capstone project centered on a prominent figure in world history.
Athletics and PE provide students with exposure to conditioning, skill-building, and sound training principles. Emphasis is on the development of sport-specific skills, tactics and strategies, teamwork, and a positive competitive attitude. Students are encouraged to be “modest in victory and gracious in defeat.”
Team Sports:
PE Activities:
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