Exploring Wingra

In 1972, Wingra School’s founders envisioned a progressive school for a better world. Central to that vision was a dedication to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational environment. As a progressive institute, we seek to be the school society needs at this very time — to both uplift society and democracy’s strengths and help to address its ails. Our mission compels us to take responsibility for transforming ourselves and our systems with an anti-bias, anti-racist approach. Entering our second half-century, Wingra continues to live the tenets of an evolving progressive education which includes active, inquiry-based, and interdisciplinary learning, a deep commitment to social justice, nurturing empathy and compassion, and environmental and global awareness. We know it’s as critical as ever that we sow respect for diversity, pursue equity, and recognize and welcome each person’s unique abilities, interests, needs, and identity. What does this look like in action and how are we creating a culture that enables each person to feel valued and experience a sense of belonging? Through our institutional actions, we will explore questions such as this in community with you and hold ourselves accountable — in service of a more just, inclusive, and equitable society.

At Wingra, we honor and emphasize the process of learning and create an environment in which children’s strengths and unique ways of learning are supported. Our progressive educators are highly knowledgeable about child development and work to address the trends and challenges of modern childhood. With inquiry at the heart of our curriculum, we teach children to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and effective advocates.

Education is a matter of experience. Learning at Wingra is an active, multi-sensory engagement that involves people with different resources and lenses. Wingra is fortunate to be located across from the UW Arboretum, down the block from Lake Wingra, and on the city bus route and Southwest Commuter bike path, allowing us easy access to some of Madison’s amazing outdoor and learning spaces.

CO-CREATING CURRICULUM

Wingra educators co-create developmentally appropriate curricula with their teaching team and with students, bringing their creativity, insight, and love of learning into the classroom. Their dedication, expertise, and teamwork are what make progressive teaching practices possible at Wingra.

CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS

Our students interact fully with their teachers. Teachers and students are on a first-name basis at Wingra. The learning environment and the building of trust give the teachers great insight into their students’ understanding and perspectives. Our teachers know that when students feel seen, heard, valued, loved, and safe to be themselves, they are able to take risks in their learning, to challenge themselves, and to grow as people.

MODELING THROUGH ACTION

Our teachers model the behaviors and skills we hope for children to learn. Students see their teachers work collaboratively with one another. They see how teachers approach problem-solving and conflict, show empathy for others, and advocate for social justice. They see teachers themselves as lifelong learners.

• Established in 1972
• 105 Students
• 12:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
• Curricula Includes
  • Art
  • Library Studies
  • Literacy
  • Integrated Studies 
  • Math
  • Music
  • Science & Tech
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish
  • Wellness