Q: The Classrooms appear noisy; why is that?
A: The conversation and collaboration among children is encouraged throughout the community, therefore, the noise level is higher than in traditional settings. Teachers monitor noise/conversation of children to ensure it is part of their learning task or activity.
Q: Where are the desks?
A: The community space is divided into learning centers, each of which has been arranged to foster maximum student engagement appropriate to the tasks and activities of learning. When students need a traditional work surface, those spaces are available to them. However, confining students all day to a desk does not allow opportunities for individual learning styles and productivity.
Q: What is the student - teacher ratio?
A: The current number of students per teacher at Walden Community is 4 to 1. (2007-2008 School year), however, the school will enroll with a goal of a 10 to 1 ratio in future school years.
About our curriculum...
Q: When and how do you teach the basics?
A: The basics are integrated throughout the day. In addition, there is specific time allocated every day where basic skills (reading, writing and math) are addressed. In all tasks assigned to students, these skills are applied as appropriate.
Q: How do you determine accountability, especially in cooperative group settings?
A: Students at Walden Community School work together and learn from each other; however, they are not in charge of teaching each other. In all cooperative group activities, there is both group and individual accountability.
Q: Are textbooks used?
A: Yes, however, Walden Community School is not textbook driven. The highly qualified staff at our school use textbooks as one of the many instructional resources available to them.
About our assessment and reporting practices...
Q: Is there a grading system?
A: Yes. Elementary School (1-4) - Progress is reported using content area rubrics and is based on learning objectives indicated for those stated programs. Middle School (5-7) - Progress is reported using content area rubrics and is based on learning objectives indicated for those stated programs. In addition, letter grades are assigned based on rubrics. High School (8-12) – Letter grades are assigned based on learning objectives identified for each course taken. Consistent with area high schools, Walden students' course credits and grade point averages reflect the challenging curriculum students are exposed to. Additionally, high school seniors graduate with a personal portfolio reflecting the diverse educational experience received.
Q: When do students/parents receive these reports?
A: Walden Community School uses a 12-week trimester period for reporting.
Q: Do you give the FCAT?
A: As a private school, we are not required to use the FCAT. However, all students at Walden Community School participate in ongoing assessment that includes standardized testing in the form of the WRAT (Wide Range Achievement Test).