Frequently asked questions about daily life at school

What is the maximum number of students in each class? What is the teacher/student ratio in the classrooms?

A maximum of 24 students are in each classroom. Each classroom is staffed by two certified teachers and often a student teacher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison or Edgewood College.

What are the school hours?

Arrival time is from 8:30 to 8:45 daily. Students of kindergarten age may leave at 12:15 or 1:00 or stay all day. Dismissal time is 2:00 p.m. on Mondays and 3:15 the rest of the week. Before and after-school care offered by Wingra beginning at 7:30 a.m. and extending to 5:45 p.m.

What does a day in a Wingra classroom look like?

The Wingra school day has a flow to it that children come to know and expect. Read more about a typical day at Wingra school. »

Will my child go on field trips?

Field trips and community involvement are an important part of our curriculum. We select trips that are age-appropriate, relevant to the curriculum, and inexpensive. Most classrooms visit the Madison Public Library each month. Many trips are taken by city bus (the school is on the bus line).

How long is lunch time? Do you have a hot lunch program?

All Wingra School students eat together. The two younger classrooms come in from recess at noon, and settle into the lunch period before the older children arrive at 12:10. The lunch period ends at 12:30. Traditionally, Monday is Pizza Day, delivered by Glass Nickel Pizza. Friday is Hot Lunch Day, cooked up at the Willy Street Co-op and served by Wingra School parents. All other days, children bring their lunch from home. The school provides milk.

Will my child have recess?

Yes, Wingra kids play outdoors one-two times every day. Most mornings there is time set aside for physical activity, skill-building and team-building activities. Before lunch, there is an all-school recess from 11:30-12:10. In the winter, we go out unless the wind chill is greater than –15° F. On snowy winter days, there is sometimes an opportunity for sledding on the front playground.

How do you provide for the safety of Wingra students? What is your policy towards physical violence, aggression, and name-calling?

We are committed to straightforward, direct communication, social problem solving, and conflict resolution and do not tolerate provoking or abusive language or behaviors. Starting in the youngest classrooms, children are taught how to resolve conflicts non-violently and with dignity.

Will my child have flexibility of movement, free time?

Daily life in Wingra classrooms reflects a respect for a child's need to move, converse, and be active. Wingra School has recess before lunch, to allow children to expel energy and build an appetite for their meal. Much of the school day includes work times during which children can move and make choices.

Can parents help in the classroom?

Yes, parents are welcome at the school and give of their time, energy, and skills. Parents provide snacks and occasionally go along on field trips or assist in the classroom.

Frequently asked questions about Wingra's curriculum »

General questions about the school »

See a different way to learn at Wingra»

A typical day at Wingra »
Enrichment opportunities »
Extended Care »
Other programs in the Dudgeon Building »
We're located at the doorstep of opportunity »

Classroom traditions and school events »
Liaisons with UW and Edgewood »
Our history »

Is Wingra a good choice for your family? »
Frequently asked questions »