Willow Bend Academy is accredited by AdvancEd, which is the world’s largest community of educational professionals. Accreditation review teams highlight our innovative approach to teaching.  .

Rather than admissions testing to determine if a student is acceptable, we begin with an assessment of the student’s knowledge and skills. Then, a curriculum plan is chosen to match the student. If a student does not have sufficient skill in a foundational subject (such as English communication or algebra), then we concentrate on that first and then branch out into other academic areas as the student is able to do so.

In addition to working from their own starting points, students master each concept before moving on to the next step.  This process of mastering one concept before having to apply it to another concept is designed to develop self-confidence, self-motivation, and an interest in the learning process.

Many private schools offer one academic program. Willow Bend Academy offers several graduation plans – all of which meet or exceed the Texas state requirements. Students may also opt for dual credit at one of the local colleges.  For the few students with pronounced learning difficulties who will need postsecondary job training rather than further academic work at a college or university, we sometimes grant a vocational diploma that is suitable for entry into vocational/technical programs.

There is a lot of non-productive activity in a conventional school. At Willow Bend Academy, we seek to make every minute count by not having students change rooms several times each day. Teachers engage students in learning activities without these interruptions. Most students attend either in the morning (8:15 – 12:15 ) or the afternoon (1:00 – 5:00). However, students with special scheduling needs are accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

Willow Bend Academy draws its faculty from among the most caring, interested, and talented teachers in the area. We require that teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree with a college specialty in a related teaching field. All faculty receive training in the specific methods for developing students into independent learners who set and achieve personal academic goals.

All staff members of Willow Bend Academy are professing Christians and are expected to maintain a lifestyle consistent with Christian values as presented in the Bible. Within that broad umbrella though, staff members hold a range of perspectives and viewpoints.

Among students, there is no religious requirement. We have had students who ascribe to Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Atheism/Agnosticism, and a variety of different Christian denominations. Where appropriate, our own beliefs are represented in the curriculum, assemblies, and other presentations from the staff. When students ask questions about faith/belief, staff members are free to respond from their own individual perspective. So, while students will be exposed to Christian values and perspectives, we maintain respect for individual choice. We teach and expect our staff and students to respect one another and create a safe place to learn and grow.