Frequently asked questions about Wingra's curriculum

What do you mean by "progressive education"?

Progressive education provides rich learning experiences centered around the real lives of children. Individual instruction is emphasized, and there is informality in the classroom. The curriculum is broad, integrated, and built around the interests of the children.

Several pages on this website explain more about progressive education. We think the description of progressive education in the chart "see a different way to learn" is a good description of the approach that teachers strive for at Wingra School. See also "how we teach" and "teaching with themes."

Do you have separate teachers for Art, Music, Spanish?

Yes, all classrooms participate in art, music and Spanish classes each week. Read more about Wingra's art, music and Spanish program on this website.

Will my child receive computer instruction? 
Yes. The library and technology program at Wingra is very strong and is designed to complement and enrich the classroom thematic units. Each classroom at Wingra has several computers available to its students. Read more about the library and technology program at Wingra.

What can I expect my child to learn at each grade level? How is reading taught here? How is math taught?

To learn more about how Wingra teachers approach these subject areas, follow the subject links on the descriptions by subject page.

If individual children are reading or doing math at higher or lower levels than their peers, how will their needs be accommodated?

We firmly believe that children best acquire skills when they are developmentally ready to do so. Therefore, instruction at Wingra is constructed to suit the needs and strengths of individual learners. Each Wingra classroom is staffed with 2 full-time, certified teachers, which gives our teachers the opportunity to plan and deliver challenging and developmentally appropriate instruction for each child.

Do you teach a foreign language?

Yes, Spanish is part of the curriculum for all ages.

If you don't give grades or do standardized testing, how are children evaluated at Wingra?

Student progress at Wingra is assessed in a way that gives a holistic and complete review of the growing child as a learner. Read more about our assessment process »

More questions about daily life at Wingra School »

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 »