WHAT MAKES WBNS UNIQUE?
Project-Based and Authentic Learning Experiences At Its Best!
We take full advantage of the incredible outdoor environment on our campus, the knowledge and creativity of our teaching staff, and the dedication of our families in this endeavor.
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Real to life field studies
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Whole child centered prgress assessments
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Strong character building
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Real-life skills
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Service focus
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Music
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Regenerative Agriculture
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Eco-Arts
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Outdoor Education
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STEAM
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Mindfulness practices
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Low studnet to teacher ratios
FARM
We take care of farm animals to help grow our own food, and we grow food for our neighbors in need.
ART
Our rich curriculum is designed and delivered by local artists that include traditional hand-crafts, 2 and 3-dimensional design, and traditional topics that promote the spirit of innovation and creativity.
FOREST
We learn and follow the principles of earth stewardship through Leave No Trace. Our students experience hiking, camping, climbing, and boating in 6th-8th grades.
OUR STUDENTS ARE
PHYSICALLY ENGAGED
From hands-on lessons and project work to walks through the woods between classes to at least 1-hour of unstructured forest time every day, visits to the Adventure Playground, weekly Physical Education time, to field trips, to gardening, to animal care, to scientific inquiry in the creeks and on the trails >> our kids are on the move!
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*Comprehensive research proves that regular participation in physical activity and higher levels of physical fitness have been linked to improved academic performance and brain functions, such as attention and memory. These brain functions are the foundation for learning.
CHALLENGED ACADEMICALLY
We provide a developmentally appropriate, well-rounded, robust writing, Reading, Math, and science curriculum. *See specific program curriculum references.
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Our Agriculture, Art, and Outdoor Education programs are our own unique design, professionally constructed and led by experts in their fields of study: our Specials Program teachers!
OUR STUDENTS RECEIVE
PERSONAL ATTENTION
With our small class sizes (1:12 student: teacher ratio) we are able to give focused attention to your child and help them achieve their goals. We provide extensive support in getting them prepared for their next school experience after WBNS.
FAIR & ACCURATE ASSESSMENTS
We assess our students individually in a variety of ways (by what they write, say, design, build, etc.) in order to most accurately provide the support that they need to move forward in all subjects.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AT WBNS
What is Unique About Our Middle School Program?
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Students establish character and practice responsibility by managing themselves through doing daily chores and earning “school dollars”.*Students earn “school dollars” for special class participation and for tasks well done / they lose money for poor choices. Students choose how they spend their earnings > at the school store and end of the season “Buy, Sell, Trade Market” & Silent Auction.
EXTENDED SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Weekly Clubs (cooking, survival skills, crafts, yoga, ukulele, fishing, Beacon of Hope, detective, geo-cashing
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Seasonal Extensions, with guest teachers (Conflict Resolution, Maturity Class, History)
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School Dances!
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Theater Program (fall plays and a spring musical, after-school)
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Fundraising Events! (Plants Sale, Pumpkin Sale, River Festival, Open House) *Yes, the students are involved in raising funds!
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Field Trips! (Dollywood, Arboretum, local trails and creeks, Science Center, Appalachian Trail, Trampoline Park, local farms, Warren Wilson College, Southern Highland Craft Guild), and more!
STUDENTS LEAVE THEIR LEGACY
Each 8th grader is given the unique opportunity to design and build a year-long personal project that reflects their character and talents, to be visible on the WBNS Campus for years to come.