Willow Hill School - Academics Overview

		Our Academic Program
	At Willow Hill, we recognize that each student has his or her own unique needs, abilities, goals and style learning. We believe that our students are capable individuals who can become successful learners despite previous difficulties in other school settings. Willow Hill offers comprehensive middle and high school curriculum aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The instructional approach is multisensory and designed to address the learning style of each student. Attention to organizational strategies, time management, study skills,self-advocacy and social pragmatics are integrated into the curriculum and instruction. To graduate, a student must successfully complete a course of study leading to 100 credits distributed over several curriculum areas including: English Composition: Composition courses focus on the development of effective research and writing skills. Our students are exposed to a variety of writing forms. Learning a system of brainstorming, writing, editing and revising work is key to their success. Grammar and spelling are reinforced throughout their assignments. Graphic organizers, selected software programs and technology are incorporated into daily work and assignments. Students are instructed and assessed in accordance with their skill level. Literature: The focus of the literature courses is to expose students to a variety of genres representing authors from around the world. Understanding elements of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry, by evaluating, analyzing and making connections is the major emphasis. Comprehension and reading fluency are also targeted areas of skill development. Mathematics: Math courses focus on number sense, computation, problem solving, and reasoning skills. Pre-algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry and Consumer Math courses are available. Calculus has been offered to selected students. Social Studies: In accordance with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, concepts of history, geography, economics, civics and government are integral parts of the curriculum. Middle school students study Geography, Ancient Civilizations and World History. Courses that concentrate on different periods of World History and U.S. History are available for high school students. The Model UN curriculum is incorporated into the U.S. Government course. Different electives are reviewed and offered each year. Teachers incorporate map study, field trips, research and technology to promote interdisciplinary study and broaden perspective. Science: The continuum of study includes Introductory Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and/or Technology Engineering. Teachers combine textbook assignments, observation, and lab experiences to promote understanding of scientific principles. Inquiry and problem solving techniques stimulate curiosity and motivation. The school is also equipped as a WeatherBug station. Middle school science includes Earth Science, Physical Science and Life Science. Technology: Technology is a vital part of the daily life at school. In addition to a state of the art technology lab, each classroom is equipped with laptop computer docks. Word processing and a variety of other applications are taught in daily classes. Technology is used as a research tool to support social studies and science as well as a method to enhance the language arts program. It is also a vehicle for artistic expression and creativity. Physical Education: The physical education program encourages a healthy respect for physical fitness, recreation and cooperation through a variety of individual and group activities designed to tap students natural energies. Music/Theater: The curriculum focuses on the art form as a means of communication and expression. Pragmatic language and social skills are integrated into the curriculum. All students are encouraged to participate regardless of experience or skill level. Students learn to work together in a noncompetitive environment designed to promote creativity and risk taking while building self-confidence. Each year students perform at a winter gathering and the annual play represents the combined effort of the art, music and theatre programs. Visual Arts: Willow Hill School believes that non-verbal expression is as important as verbal and written communication to students growth and development. Therefore, a strong visual arts component is incorporated into the academic program. Appreciation of artistic style and history is an integral component of the program. The art studio provides students opportunities to work in a variety of media including drawing, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. The woodworking shop, equipped with hand and power tools, offers students opportunities to design, plan and construct projects. The curriculum addresses the capabilities of each student and is intended to improve his or her technical skills regardless of ability level. Elective Classes: A rich elective program offers a variety of classes in each curricular area. Elective classes are reviewed annually. Our Teachers Teachers are the heart and soul of Willow Hill School. They bring the curriculum to life with intelligence, creativity and compassion. They share the common belief that quality education evolves from the collaboration between students, teachers and parents. Our teachers embrace the concept of educating the whole person. Therefore, equal emphasis is placed on intellectual and emotional development. Willow Hill School believes that education is most effective when it is personal. Our teacher-to-student ratio enables teachers to focus on individual needs and learning strategies that result in achievement.