Philosophy
“The Walden School is a Best of Practice school. Unlike conventional classrooms, our model incorporates methods and theories that support child-centered teaching, diversity in learning styles and intelligences, teaching for understanding, and authentic assessment. To think... we learn by inquiry, discovery and play. To grow …we mature socially, emotionally and intellectually in a nurturing and fertile learning environment. To make a difference... we strive to make the world a better place through involvement with our own community as well as the global ones
Walden Community School is a dynamic collection of educators whose names and faces have become a vital addition to our community. Not only are we known for our hands-on involvement, we've also been recognized and applauded for our ability to bring the learning process to life…and make it fun.
Established from a need to go beyond traditional classroom learning, we developed a learning environment based on the following beliefs:
• Teachers are mentors, facilitators and guides. Mutual respect and collaboration are at the essence of the learning relationship.
• Multi-age classrooms focus on the needs of individual learners. Teachers form deeper relationships with students and create an environment safe for risk taking and out of the box thinking.
• Mistakes are necessary for learning and emotional growth. In our school every problem has more than one solution. There is a continuum of learning where improvement and quality are the goals.
• Authentic assessment of understanding rather than testing provides a genuine representation of a student's progress.
• Application of knowledge in real life makes learning useful and meaningful. Thematic and project based learning creates an environment where linking information and discovering interconnections occurs.
• Focusing on cooperation and competency creates a noncompetitive community where motivation becomes intrinsic. Determination and perseverance are essential for success. The reward of learning is the feeling of accomplishment and pride in reaching a personal goal. Learning is for learning sake.
• By providing a joyful place to learn, we protect our children's natural curiosity.
• Creating time and space for self-reflection, along with the development of social skills, nurtures an emotional intelligence that further advances a sense of optimism and social responsibility.
Committed to the understanding that each child is unique and constantly growing, making a positive impact is our ultimate educational goal. Because we see each child as an individual with individual needs and strengths, our curriculum is a process rather than a fixed entity repeated year after year. Seeing the curriculum as a process allows us to treat each child uniquely.
Upon acceptance to Walden Community School, each student is given a series of assessments to evaluate their knowledge and skill level in a variety of subject areas. One of the assessment tools is the WRAT, an objective nationally standardized test that assesses grade level achievement in mathematics and language arts. All WCS students are tested upon enrolling and again at the end of each year. The results provide both parents and teachers reliable and valuable information that is translated into an action plan that addresses the areas of knowledge needing reinforcement. The results also minimize repetition of skills already mastered. Learning continues to be exciting and meaningful for the students at all levels of education.
Our new campus is located on Howell Branch Road, surrounded by over one acre of land. The facility is designed with an abundance of open space. Keeping in line with our philosophy of a school without walls, we have maintained most of the property as a natural habitat for native plants, animals and students to explore. The actual building resembles a home, creating a safe and comfortable setting for learning. Our goal is to keep our physical environment open, spacious, and a relaxing place for students.