W i n d W a r dS c h o o l

r e s p o n s i b l e

c a r i n g

w e l l i n f o r m e d

e t h i c a l

p r e p a r e d

A dynamic education. A nur turing community.

Mission Statement

Windward School is dedicated to producing well-balanced, creative individuals prepared to take on the ever-changing challenges of our world. Our students explore their multiple interests in a dynamic and academically rigorous environment guided by accessible teachers and supportive classmates.

At Windward, human development and dignity are paramount. Our students leave campus as innovative thinkers and leaders ready for success in college, their professions, and their personal lives. They become responsible, ethical, and caring individuals who embrace the complexity and diversity of our world. Windward students help make our school an open, dynamic community where a passion for learning and discovery thrives. Tom Gilder, Head of School

Windward is a dynamic college-preparatory

school that challenges each student to

achieve excellence in a nurturing, inclusive

community. Windward teachers, parents,

and administrators work together to inspire

our students to be responsible, caring,

well informed, ethical, prepared, and

well balanced young adults.

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A nurturing communityCommunity and collaboration are at the core of the School’s

philosophy and reflected every day in the warm, welcoming

atmosphere on campus. Students are motivated to excel and to

explore new learning opportunities. Upper School students, trained

as peer counselors, offer a sounding board for their classmates.

Windward’s nine- acre campus and purpose-built facilities provide

an idyllic setting for students to learn, work, and socialize.

A dynamic educationWindward is at the forefront of educational models and practices

that excite students about learning. Course offerings and academic

initiatives are collaborative and interdisciplinary, driven by the

most up-to-date research, and crafted in partnership with some

of the nation’s most prestigious universities. These programs offer

Windward’s students educational opportunities that are unique,

engaging, and relevant to life in the 21st century.

Close bonds between students and teachersWindward teachers are experts in their fields, driven to continuously

hone their skills. More importantly, they are excited to teach

and share their own love of learning with students. Faculty and

students enjoy the discoveries of scholarship together in a positive,

comfortable classroom environment. These strong relationships

promote lasting bonds that are a hallmark of Windward’s

learning community.

Windward provides students with unparalleled academic opportunities. University partnerships,research-based initiatives, and an emphasis on collaboration help faculty develop exciting new waysfor students to learn and grow.

WINDWARD INSTITUTEWindward’s academic research and development hub, the Windward Institute links faculty to the greater community, while teaming with outside educational experts and entities to transform education through initiatives and interdisciplinary programs. The Institute brings world-renowned outside speakers to Windward, including scientists, filmmakers, government officials, and community organizers. It also establishes partnerships with thought leaders and sets up meaningful visits to the outside world for the benefit of students, faculty, and administrators.

THE CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNINGFar more than just a library space, the CTL is Windward’s center for internal program development, devising opportunities for and encouraging faculty collaboration, leading the way with educational technology, overseeing the constant evolution of implementation and assessment, and providing informational services to support a 21st century learning environment. Together with the Windward Institute, the CTL serves as an incubator for programs that offer students a unique and dynamic educational experience unlike any other.

ACTIVE LEARNINGActive learning is incorporated throughout Windward’s curricula. This approach to learning integrateshands-on work with collaborative discussions and problem-solving. Active learning is a centralcomponent to science classes at Windward. Our groundbreaking relationships with leading universitiesaround the country, including MIT, helped guide the design of our labs and classrooms, sciencecurriculum, and our approach to teaching. Students learn by doing—making discoveries, correctingmistakes, and devising solutions.

A D y n a m i c

E d u c a t i o n

ACADEMIC INTEGRITYShaped in partnership with experts from Northwestern University, Windward’s Academic Integrity policy reflects our commitment to help students mature into well prepared and ethical individuals. An Academic Integrity Advisory Board (AIAB), comprised of both faculty and students, educates and spreads awareness about the importance of academic integrity in the Windward community. AIAB also plans training sessions and discussions for new faculty, parents, and students. Windward provides leadership in the academic integrity world at large, and was named the first secondary school ever to receive the highest award from the International Council on Academic Integrity.

ENTREPRENEURSHIPWindward’s entrepreneurial programs seek to raise students’ confidence while developing mental fortitude and flexibility by offering real-world experiences and opportunities for creative problem solving. On-campus events give students the chance to sell products that they market or create on their own. Mentorship by working professionals and participation in case-study competitions encourage students to begin thinking about how their own personal passions connect to the world around them.

TECHNOLOGYTo prepare digital natives for success in a 21st century society, Windward has seamlessly incorporated technology into nearly every facet of our community. SmartBoards, video conferencing equipment, PC and Macintosh kiosks, and iPad carts are just a few of the many tools available to facilitate learning in our custom-designed classroom spaces. High-speed wireless networking is available throughout the Windward campus, presenting limitless opportunity for collaboration. Teams from the CTL work in conjunction with teachers to develop lesson plans that organically incorporate educational technology into the classroom, enabling students to explore the world around them in ways never before possible.

Middle SchoolWindward’s Middle School program enhances the confidence, curiosity, openness, and integrity of our students. Our new student orientation before the year begins and our fall seventh grade retreat to Bruin Woods in Lake Arrowhead help foster the development of friendships among the new students and make the transition to a new school seamless. In the classroom, teachers help students develop the academic and critical thinking skills needed in the twenty-first century. In addition, our weekly advisory meetings and our counseling program bolster students’ moral, social, and emotional growth. Extracurricular programs in areas such as athletics, the arts, debate, and robotics enable students to pursue their passions while learning to do their best.

Our Middle School program provides a challenging and stimulating environment in which our students can learn. We know that students thrive when they are given the chance to engage actively with the material they are studying and when they have strong bonds with the adults in their lives. We also emphasize collaboration and positive group interaction based on mutual respect. We develop students with strong work habits who do not hesitate to ask questions, to take academic risks, and to advocate for themselves. We work hard to balance the need to prepare our students for the academic challenges ahead of them with the need to allow them the time to enjoy their childhood. Our Middle School students move into the Upper School as self-assured and well-balanced young adults with a genuine love of learning.

AMONG WINDWARD’S MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE:

MIddLE SCHOOL SCHOLArS PrOgrAM The Middle School Scholars program provides a dynamic opportunity for participating students to go beyond the expectations of the curriculum and engage in a deeper, interdisciplinary study of an area of interest that they choose. Working under the guidance of a faculty mentor, this program offers students the chance to pursue their passions through hands-on and problem-based learning. The program begins in the spring of 7th grade and concludes in the spring of 8th grade.

iPAd 1 TO 1 PrOgrAM All 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students have their own iPads, allowing the faculty to take advantage of the pedagogical benefits of these devices in order to enhance student learning. This program will be expanding to all grade levels in the coming years.

EIgHTH grAdE MINIMESTEr Students take part in a three day, hands-on, collaborative, intensive course of their choosing. Many of these courses take our students off-campus. Options in 2013 included a trip to Washington d.C., including a 30-minute question and answer session with Chief Justice roberts and a White House tour.

UNIqUE ATHLETICS ANd ArTS SCHEdULE

All 7th and 8th grade students have PE and Athletics scheduled as their last class of the day, enabling practices to start during the last period and finish by 3:30 p.m. Students can also choose to be part of instrumental, choral, and theatrical groups that rehearse for performances during the school day as part of their arts elective courses. As a result, students are able to engage in a wide range of activities while finishing school in time to participate in family, religious, and other outside commitments.

WrEd MIddLE SCHOOL dANCE PrOgrAMWindward repertory Ensemble of dancers is an elite, after-school dance program bringing in renowned guest artists to work with our most committed Middle School dancers. Past guest artists include Corey Anderson, Erica robson, Thang dao, James Patric Moran, and Tina Finkelman Berkett. WrEd dancers perform at school events as well as in conventions and competitions.

AFTErSCHOOL THEATErMiddle School students looking for a greater exposure to performing arts can take advantage of expanded offerings after the school day. The Windward Actor's Lab is an optional workshop-like environment that encourages younger students to hone new skills while further developing their passion for stagecraft.

Upper School Windward’s Upper School program prepares students for college through a carefully designed, rigorous curriculum with numerous challenges and opportunities. The thorough and comprehensive academic program establishes a solid foundation for students, including honors and advanced placement classes. Our faculty encourages students to reach their full potential in this vibrant environment. Class retreats and trips, as well as a new student orientation with peer mentors, allow students to connect and build lasting relationships. Student involvement in activities outside the traditional classroom helps them mature into strong, well-rounded individuals.

Windward’s college counseling program is focused on providing families with the kind of close and personal guidance that reflects both our nurturing community and the dynamic education we offer. Beginning in the 10th grade, our team helps students select their courses, find opportunities to get involved in the life of the school, and gain an understanding of the types of institutions that fit each student’s interests. College counselors guide both studentsand their families through the college selection and application process. While finding the best college match for each student is our goal, we also strive to build skills that will serve our students beyond their college years.

AMONG WINDWARD’S UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE:

gLOBAL SCHOLArS/gLOBAL ONLINE ACAdEMY Windward’s global Scholars Program offers preparation to engage with the 21st century global community. This program gives students the opportunity to pursue their passion for global topics through cultural immersion, intensive language study, and global leadership experiences. The innovative and interdisciplinary components of the global Scholars Program embrace Windward’s active learning model through a problem and project-based approach to learning. Windward students can now also take advantage of classes through the global Online Academy (gOA), a consortium of the world’s leading independent schools. The courses offered by the gOA focus on global issues and allow our students to work directly with peers throughout the world through interactive web-based technologies.

STEAM SCHOLArS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)Windward’s STEAM Scholars Program challenges students to bridge real-world applications, out-of-class experiences, and academic studies in order to enhance their abilities to succeed in the 21st century. Through an approved course of study, students in 9th through 12th grades may follow an interdisciplinary series of science, technology, engineering, design arts, and mathematics courses. Upon completion of the program, students who earn the STEAM Scholars Certificate will have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to pursue further studies and careers in the STEAM fields.

INTErNSHIPS, SENIOr INITIATIvE, ANd INTENSIvESStudents spend part of their school day engaging in internships, intensive coursework, independent study, or entrepreneurial projects to gain real world experience. In recent years, students interned with the L.A. Mayor’s office, AECOM, the Los Angeles Clippers, Cedars Sinai, and Teen vogue magazine; they also competed in a business case study competition with the UCLA Economics department and Bain Consulting.

STUdIO FOr WrITINg ANd rHETOrIC / PEEr TUTOrSThe Windward Studio for Writing and rhetoric sparks curricular innovation across departments and forms a critical part of the academic support system. This inter-disciplinary, faculty-supervised, and student-led space provides resources to those who need additional help with their papers, digital media projects, and oral presentations. It is staffed by teams of peer tutors who have been trained by Stanford’s Hume Writing Center to bring a college writing model to Windward.

Student LifeAdvisory - Windward’s advisory program, counseling department, and administrative team work collaboratively to provide exceptional support and mentoring to help students’ growth, self discovery, and emotional and academic well-being. Windward’s collaboration with Stanford University’s School of Education as a Challenge Success School ensures that we use research-based solutions to increase student engagement without increasing the stress and pressure that students feel.

Student Leadership and Prefects - Student leaders play an active role to foster school spirit at Windward. They help organize Spirit Week, pep rallies, and themed days. Prefects help to set the tone of the school among the student body. Each year, 20 students are selected as Prefects based on their community respect, personal integrity and ability to positively impact student life at Windward. As Prefects, they work closely with the faculty and administration on all school initiatives and lead by example.

Experiential Learning - Experiential Learning Adventures take students around the globe, most recently to locales like Nicaragua, guatemala, and Tahiti.

Class retreats - Each class has a retreat that strengthens the Windward community by building friendships among students and allowing them to get to know the faculty. Seniors enjoy a culminating trip as graduation approaches.

College Trips - Windward’s college counselors organize and lead two trips for the sophomores and juniors to visit colleges and universities on the East Coast.

Coffee House - Students showcase their musical and performance talents at the bi-annual Coffee House before a thrilled audience of classmates, teachers, and parents.

Homecoming - during this annual celebration, Windward students and their families join faculty and alumni on campus for activities, a picnic lunch, and sporting events.

Founder’s day - We celebrate the spirit of the school’s founder, Shirley Windward, with a diverse display of our students’ musical, theatrical, and artistic talents. It’s a fun-filled and eagerly anticipated day.

dining at Windward - Through our partnership with Culinart, we provide fresh, healthy, responsible options for dining on campus. Culinart supports Windward’s sustainability and educational efforts by providing us with a professional nutritionist, using only local food sources, and collaborating with students on a campus garden.

Visual and Performing ArtsWindward’s Arts program embodies the

school’s spirit to produce well-balanced,

creative individuals. Art department faculty

encourage students to explore undiscovered talents

and to realize their passions. The program often

reaches beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

Students regularly visit museums, attend concerts

and plays, and participate in master classes taught by professional working artists and performers. Students work

in our state-of-the-art film and video studio to create short films and documentaries that premiere at festivals

throughout Southern California. They are excited to experiment with the greenscreen technology, which teachers

use for projects and students use in our broadcast journalism activities.

Arts education continues after hours as students create, rehearse, and prepare for the public exhibitions and

performances that are a cornerstone of our dynamic program. Student artwork is regularly displayed in the

Windward Art gallery and throughout campus. The theater department produces a Middle School musical and

an Upper School play and musical as well as several smaller class productions. The music program emphasizes

participation in a variety of performing ensembles.

■ Animation■ Ceramics and Sculpture■ Contemporary Dance Including Modern Ballet and Jazz■ Drawing and Painting■ Graphic Design■ Photography■ Productions: Musicals and Plays■ Publications■ Technical Theater■ Theater■ Video■ Vocal and Instrumental Music

Fall Cross Country, Football,

girls Tennis, and volleyball

Winter Basketball and Soccer

Spring Baseball, golf, Softball, Boys

Tennis, and volleyball

Year-round Equestrian

AthleticsWindward’s athletic program gives students of all levels and abilities the chance to participate in sports and gain valuable experience while they develop their skills. Former Olympians and professional athletes provide elite levels of instruction that hone skills, sportsmanship, and values. Windward teams have won numerous league victories and championships, including California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and League Titles in volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and football. recently, the Boys and girls varsity Basketball teams won California State Championships in Sacramento. Our scholar-athletes are prepared to continue their success: nearly 20% of seniors in 2013 are playing sports in college, where they excel both

athletically and academically.

“The coaches really are experts. They were players themselves, and they emphasize sportsmanship and success.” Jennifer, Class of 2013

Jamie, Class of 2013

“Windward is the perfect size for me. The community is so open and encouraging and welcoming. It’s very easy to build connections here with everyone, to discover new things that interest you, and to find other people who have similar interests and passions. There’s an activity - or two or three - for everyone.”

The opportunity to get involvedEvery student at Windward can find their niche. From broadcast journalism and student leadership council to service learning and robotics, students have the opportunity to explore new passions while becoming active members of both the Windward community and the community at large.

Activities offered include:■ Robotics■ Forensic Science (CSI Windward)■ Middle School LegoLeague■ Literary Magazine■ Yearbook■ Media Arts & Journalism■ Debate■ Junior Statesmen of America■ Ethics in Action■ Peer Counselors

■ Peer Writing Tutors■ Service Learning■ Spiriteers■ Thespian Society■ Dance Company■ Windward TV■ Music Composition and Theory■ ComedySportz (improv)■ Chorus■ Cooking

A N u r t u r i n g

Family InvolvementWindward families play a critical role in giving of their time and resources to help enhance the educational experience. Parents and grandparents are actively involved in many aspects of school life. Key to parent involvement is the Parent guild, which meets often to organize campus events, such as Homecoming and Spring Event. Parents also volunteer for many activities and act as team “moms” or “dads” for various sports. Windward hosts parent education programs that feature guest speakers and counselors addressing issues specific to each grade level. Parents also have the opportunity to join together for various grade-level meetings and social events.

Governance and AccreditationWindward School is a not-for-profit institution, governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. Windward is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It holds membership in the National Association of Independent Schools, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the National Association of College Admission Counselors, College Board, A Better Chance, Inc., and the Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs.

Inclusive CommunityWindward’s commitment to diversity is an integral part of its educational fabric, inextricably linked to the mission of the school. Windward School is determined to create a welcoming community that embraces diversity and encourages students to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the diverse world in which they live. Students work together and play an active role in encouraging every member of the community to participate in respectful and inclusive social interaction. Highlights of the diversity program include Fall Welcome, Winter Bowl, student affinity group meetings, and a series of guest artists and speakers. Each year, over two million dollars in financial aid is awarded to ensure economic diversity at Windward.

C o m m u n i t y

11350 Palms Boulevard

los Angeles, california 90066

310.391.7127www.windwardschool .org

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