Everyone has questions! Listed below are frequently asked questions and their answers.
How is Willow Bend Academy “different” from other schools?
Willow Bend Academy is quite unique in several ways:
- Willow Bend Academy uses “prescriptive teaching”. Each student is assessed upon entry to identify strengths and weaknesses. Often students are strong in one area such as Math, but need additional help in Reading and Writing (or vice versa). We design the curriculum for each student and teachers work with students individually.
- We employ “Mastery Learning”, which means that students advance as they demonstrate mastery. This allows students to advance at their own pace rather than having to wait for the entire class to advance. Students who need additional time may advance at a slower pace in some subjects while moving quickly through other subjects. This allows some students to graduate early.
- Students are given responsibility in planning their progress. We stress students establishing goals for themselves rather than only being told what to do. Teachers work with students to teach goal setting and monitor progress to ensure that students progress at a reasonable pace. Our alumni have reported that this skill has proven invaluable to their college success.
- The normal school day for American Students is four (4) hours – either in the morning or in the afternoon. (International students have a full-day schedule which includes intense English instruction in the afternoons.) During the four hours, students concentrate on academic work at their own pace and do not spend time moving from one classroom to another several times during the day. Courses such as Band, Choir and Physical Education are arranged by students outside of school, but receive credit with verification of participation. This allows many students to pursue outside interests such as dance, and participation in select athletic programs or to be employed part-time.
What type of curriculum is used at Willow Bend Academy?
Willow Bend Academy uses curriculum from many sources as well as material that our own faculty has developed. Our curriculum is tailored to each student, so students are taught individually rather than having large group lectures.
Does Willow Bend Academy offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
No. There are other options for gaining college credit while in high school.
- College credit for AP courses depends on the single test grade in the Spring of each year. Many students complete the high school AP course, but fail to pass the AP exam and therefore only receive high school credit. We have our students attend dual credit classes at the nearby community colleges. Upon successful completion of a course in this manner, students both receive high school credit as well as college credit that can be transferred to other colleges and universities. Our students often graduate from high school with 12 to 18 hours of college credit. In addition, the students get a “real” college experience attending classes with young and middle aged adults.
- Another option to the AP program is the College Board CLEP program. CLEP exams test mastery of college-level material acquired in a variety of ways — through high school courses, significant independent study or extracurricular work. CLEP offers 33 exams in five subject areas.
Is Willow Bend Academy affiliated with any church or religious organization?
No. However, our faculty and staff members are all professing Christians from several denominations. While students are not required to be or become Christian, the school’s programs are presented from a Christian, non-denominational point of view. Our student population is international, so students hold many beliefs including Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist and those who profess no faith. All are treated with respect. We expect the students to respect our beliefs as well.
Is Willow Bend Academy accredited?
Willow Bend Academy is accredited by AdvancEd, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. AdvancEd is the largest accrediting agency in the world. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a regional area of AdvancEd which includes several states from Texas to Florida. Major colleges and universities in this region as well as most public schools strive to achieve accreditation from this agency. Willow Bend Academy has been accredited since 2003.
Does Willow Bend Academy provide transportation?
No. We can provide information about other families who live nearby so parents can arrange carpools. Some of our students use DART public transportation and other private services.
Do students wear uniforms?
Willow Bend Academy does not require uniforms. We require students to dress modestly. The Parent/Student Handbook describes our dress policy. (See page 20.)
When can students enroll?
Willow Bend Academy accepts new students year-round. Students may transfer from other schools at any time during the school year and may also begin during our summer school sessions.
What grades are offered at Willow Bend Academy?
Willow Bend Academy offers Middle School and High School programs. Middle School begins at 5th grade. High School begins with 9th grade.
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