How Our Private School Prepares Students for Success in High School

For over 50 years, Woodcrest School in Tarzana, CA  has been dedicated to nurturing young minds and preparing them for the journey ahead. At Woodcrest, we believe that every student deserves a solid foundation for success in every facet of life. We support our students and teach them essential life skills through extracurricular activities, leadership development, and community engagement.

Some of the key differences between a private education at Woodcrest and a public school education are our small class sizes, leadership development, diverse curriculum, extracurricular programs, and community engagement program. Because of the education they received at Woodcrest, many of our students have matriculated to some of the top public and private high schools in the greater Los Angeles area such as Chaminade, Notre Dame, Viewpoint, and Harvard Westlake.

How Small Class Sizes Prepare Students for High School

With an impressive 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of just 14 students, our classrooms provide an ideal learning environment. This intimate setting allows our educators to tailor their teaching to meet the unique needs and learning styles of individual students. Through our personalized instruction, Woodcrest students receive the support they need to understand difficult concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve academic excellence.

The close relationships formed in our Woodcrest community help every student feel valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Teachers and parents work together to help our students push themselves and achieve their goals, empowering students to become resilient, confident, and self-motivated learners.

Woodcrest students develop essential skills such as advocacy, collaboration, and independent thinking. These skills prepare them for high school success and equip them for future academic and professional endeavors. 

Leadership Development

We nurture the leaders of tomorrow at Woodcrest, starting from kindergarten through the middle school years. We provide numerous opportunities for students to develop and hone their leadership skills, such as student council participation in elementary school and membership in the National Junior Honor Society in middle school. 

Student council and NJHS offer platforms for students to take on leadership roles, contribute to decision-making processes, and initiate positive change within their school community. Through these experiences, students learn invaluable lessons in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and responsibility – skills essential for success in high school and future academic and professional endeavors.

Fostering leadership skills in middle school is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it empowers students to take ownership of their education and become active participants in their learning journey. Secondly, it instills confidence and self-assurance, allowing students to navigate the challenges of high school with resilience and determination. Finally, it cultivates a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement, preparing students to become compassionate, ethical leaders who make meaningful contributions to society.

At Woodcrest School, we recognize the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals who possess not only academic prowess but also strong leadership qualities. By providing opportunities for leadership development in middle school, we lay the groundwork for students to thrive in high school and beyond, empowering them to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Diverse Curriculum and Academic Excellence

Woodcrest School prides itself on offering a diverse and comprehensive curriculum designed to foster academic excellence and prepare students for success in high school and beyond.

Our curriculum encompasses a traditional college preparatory program with a strong emphasis on STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and a wide array of elective courses. This multifaceted approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that equips them with essential knowledge, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills.

Central to our educational philosophy is cultivating critical thinking skills, note-taking abilities, and analytical writing proficiency. Through rigorous coursework and engaging classroom discussions, students learn to analyze complex concepts, synthesize information, and articulate their ideas effectively – essential skills that are applicable across all subject areas and are highly valued in high school and beyond.

In addition to core academic subjects, Woodcrest School offers a variety of specialty classes designed to enrich students’ educational experience. From our STEAM lab to visual arts, physical education, and more, these courses allow students to explore their interests, develop new talents, and broaden their horizons. Whether it’s conducting experiments in the lab, creating masterpieces in the art studio, or honing athletic skills in the yard, students are encouraged to pursue their passions and discover their potential in a supportive and stimulating environment.

By offering a diverse curriculum that promotes academic excellence, critical thinking, and creativity, Woodcrest School prepares students not only for the challenges of high school but also for a lifetime of learning and achievement. Our goal is to impart knowledge, inspire curiosity, cultivate a love of learning, and empower students to reach their full potential in all aspects of their academic and personal lives.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Woodcrest School, we understand that true education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. That’s why we offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities and clubs designed to enrich students’ lives, foster personal growth, and cultivate well-rounded individuals.

From sports teams to martial arts, theater, and cooking clubs, our extracurricular offerings provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge meaningful connections with their peers. Whether it’s scoring goals on the soccer field, perfecting a martial arts technique, or taking center stage in a school production, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and participate in.

Engaging in extracurricular activities is about more than just having fun – it’s also about personal development and growth. By pursuing hobbies and interests outside of academics, students learn valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, time management, and resilience. They develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of identity beyond their academic achievements.

Learning beyond the classroom is about embracing new experiences, expanding horizons, and discovering the limitless potential within oneself. At Woodcrest School, we encourage students to explore their interests, pursue their passions, and seize every opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Because true education isn’t just about what happens inside the classroom – it’s about embracing the world and becoming the best versions of ourselves.

Community Engagement and Outreach

At Woodcrest School, we believe in the power of community engagement and outreach to instill values of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility in our students. Our commitment to community service goes beyond the classroom, providing students with opportunities to positively impact the world around them.

One way we fulfill this commitment is through our participation in various fundraising and awareness initiatives. We partner with organizations like Toys for Tots and the American Red Cross to organize school-wide charity events where students are actively involved in giving back to those in need and supporting important causes. These experiences teach students the importance of generosity and instill a sense of pride and fulfillment in making a difference in the lives of others.

Central to our efforts in promoting empathy and inclusion is the Sanford Harmony program. This research-based social-emotional learning program is integrated into our curriculum to teach students essential skills for building positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and embracing diversity. Through interactive lessons and activities, students learn to communicate effectively, practice active listening, and appreciate the perspectives and experiences of others. By fostering a culture of empathy and inclusion, we empower students to become compassionate leaders who value diversity and strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

At Woodcrest School, community engagement and outreach are not just extracurricular activities – they are core values that shape our school culture and define who we are as a community. Through our collective efforts, we inspire students to become active citizens, compassionate leaders, and agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.

High School Placement and Alumni Success

At Woodcrest School, our dedication to academic excellence extends beyond the middle school years as we prepare our students for success in high school and beyond. Our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is reflected in the prestigious high schools that Woodcrest graduates attend, including Chaminade High School, Sierra Canyon High School, Viewpoint High School, Harvard Westlake High School, and de Toledo High School. Our students thrive in these challenging academic environments, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their high school careers and beyond.

Woodcrest School has a proven track record of preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Our rigorous curriculum, personalized attention, and emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills ensure that students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of high school head-on. Whether it’s mastering advanced coursework, excelling on standardized tests, or demonstrating leadership qualities in extracurricular activities, Woodcrest graduates consistently distinguish themselves as leaders and scholars in their high school communities.

Woodcrest School is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in high school and beyond. Our graduates go on to attend some of the most prestigious high schools in the area, armed with the confidence and competence to thrive in any academic or professional endeavor they pursue.

We invite you to experience the Woodcrest difference firsthand by scheduling a campus tour. Come see how our intimate learning environment and dedicated educators are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Schedule your tour today!

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