Classes | Testing

Middle School: Grades 6th thru 8th

The main goal of this educational period is to build upon the strong foundation established during Elementary School. Students continue to develop a sense of independence, self reliance and confidence both educationally and socially. Emphasis is on oral and written forms of communication, including a significant increase in writing, editing, research, analytical and critical thinking. Middle School is an introduction to all major subject areas: algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, world history and American history.

In Middle School, students practice skills and gain the conceptual knowledge needed for their next phase of learning. It is here that the fire is ignited and the passion is uncovered. Encouraging individual expression of interests and talents, students leave this phase with a strong sense of self.

High School: Grades 9th thru 12th

The student, parent/guardian, primary teacher and guidance counselor decide upon an individualized curriculum to meet all the requirements for a high school diploma. Students are encouraged to enroll in the most rigorous curriculum for their specific needs, often an Honors or Advanced Placement curriculum. High school students continue to engage in all Walden activities, providing students with numerous opportunities to give back through community service. Group projects, collaborative learning and forming strong positive peer groups are an integral part of the High School curriculum. With the purpose of extrapolating data, problem solving and application of knowledge in real life situations, each student will choose a community project or mentorship that, once established, they see through to graduation. It is during this period students learn the importance of commitment and discover that they can make a difference.

Curriculum Overview

Language Arts

The Language Arts program is designed to expand each student's ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Using a variety of literature-based strategies, Walden encourages each student to incorporate these skills in all areas of the curriculum.

• literary and informational texts
• non-fiction stories
• poetry
• basal literature series
• research using the library, internet, and our school community

This approach enriches the content of all subjects across the curriculum. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are focus points from which all concepts are taught.

Students, working with a wide variety of literary and informational materials, demonstrate increasing proficiency in reading comprehension and the ability to:

• interpret;
• analyze;
• apply;
• evaluate.

In acquiring these skills the student develops and uses:

• decoding skills;
• spelling and grammar rules;
• increased vocabulary;
• understanding of the writing process (revision and editing of drafts);
• skills associated with effective speaking and listening.

Mathematics

Our mathematics curriculum focuses on everyday situations and problems to further mathematical understanding, and develop the ability to explain and justify answers. Our program:

• allows students to see the importance of math in everyday life;
• provides the opportunity for each student to become confident in their mathematical abilities;
• helps each student develop a repertoire of problem solving strategies;
• helps each student to communicate mathematically, both verbally and in written form;
• gives students the ability to explain their thought process and provide reasons to support their answers.

Mathematics instruction uses an inquiry-based methodology. Students are guided to find patterns, make connections and find personal understanding of mathematical concepts. They are challenged to understand the "why" behind their ideas and explain the process they used to find an answer.

Science

Science is taught through hands-on, inquiry-based, engaging activities. Appropriate discussions of theory and concepts are carried out in a variety of formats. In addition, laboratory experiments, field trips and group science projects are used to integrate relevance into coursework. Experiential learning is key to Walden's science curriculum.

Science topics include:

• problems of the environment
• technology in helping humans to investigate and adapt to their environment
• special aspects of human growth and development
• matter and atoms and their interactions
• physical science (the interactive forces between objects)
• life processes
• earth and it's resources
• interaction of forces
• waves and light
• electricity and magnetism
• cellular biology
• genetics and its relationship to human development
• bacteria, viruses, protists, fungi, plants, animals and their development
• thermochemistry
• chemical bonding
• acid vs. base
• periodic trends

Students successfully demonstrate the ability to:

• research, analyze, and present scientific data and information in a variety of appropriate formats;
• understand and use the scientific method to solve real-world problems;
• work cooperatively in groups;
• develop an ecological awareness in order to protect our world's resources.

Social Studies

Our social studies curriculum is designed to not only inform but to encourage students to analyze what they are learning; to recognize the similarities between civilizations; and to relate the principles and lessons from history to their own lives.

All courses provide historical contexts and in-depth studies of specific periods in history as well as a look at the changing geography of each region and the development of government. Students will also look at major events and key individuals in history and in government and analyze the impact on society and our developing world.

Social Studies topics include

• History
• Geography
• Economics
• Civics
• Government

Students develop knowledge and skills including but not limited to:

• Possessing basic knowledge and ways of thinking drawn from many academic disciplines
• Expressing ideas in written form
• Reading reflectively and critically
• Analyzing their own and others' opinions on social issues
• Becoming motivated to participate in civic and community life as active and informed citizens

The Arts

Artistic expression is an integral part of the WCS educational experience. Our approach to art integrates elements of math, science, and history, as we believe that art is a part of every day life. All students participate in a four-year art curriculum whcih builds upon itself, culminating in a deep understanding and appreciation of all forms of art.

Classes include: Art History, Art Appreciation, Art Critique, Studio Art, Technique 1 2 & 3, Dance 1 2 & 3, Drama, Playwriting and more...

Physical Education

The purpose of our physical education program is to instill the belief that health, nutrition, and physical activity are integral to a well-balanced life. Our physical education program is non-competitive, yet challenges each student to continuously improve their physical strength and endurance. All students participate in a four-year physical education curriculum.

Classes include: Tennis 1 2 3 & 4, Endurance Training, Weight Lifting, Basketball, and more...

4595 Howell Branch Rd. Winter Park, FL 32792 | Phone: 407-677-8225