At WHPS, we don’t teach to the middle. Instead, we use learning skill progressions—research-based roadmaps that help us identify exactly where each student is and what they’re ready to learn next.

Before planning instruction, our teachers take the time to assess what students already know and are able to do, then design learning experiences that meet them at just the right level. That means learning goals aren’t based solely on age or grade, like in a traditional program. They’re based on the student’s actual learning profile and growth trajectory.

This approach creates a much more modern and personalized way of teaching—and it’s one of the reasons we maintain intentionally low student-teacher ratios. It allows our team to monitor each student’s progress closely, adjust instruction in real time, and keep every child on a path of continuous growth.

Because there’s no artificial ceiling, learning goals can extend well beyond grade level. If a student is ready for skills typically introduced in middle or even high school, our teachers have the latitude and tools to take them there—at a pace that still feels joyful and developmentally appropriate.

📘 Want to see what a learning skill progression looks like? Visit the Literacy Overview page for a parent-friendly example.

At WHPS, social-emotional learning isn’t an add-on—it’s the foundation of our program. Rooted in positive psychology, executive function, and child development research, our approach helps students grow into thoughtful, self-aware, and compassionate individuals.

We draw on well-researched frameworks—including Responsive Classroom and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (adapted for children)—to help students build strong habits of mind and heart. Children learn to:

• Communicate with clarity and empathy

• Resolve conflict respectfully and independently

• Reflect on their emotions, choices, and relationships

• Set personal and academic goals—and track their progress

As students move through the grades, they take on increasing ownership by setting SMART goals tied to both academic skills and personal passions. These culminate in Student-Led Conferences, where children present their goals, reflect on progress, and articulate both what they’re proud of and what they’re still working on.

What makes SEL at WHPS unique is the consistency across classrooms and grade levels. This isn’t left to chance or teacher preference. Educators receive ongoing training to use common language, shared tools, and a clear, developmentally responsive framework.

Parents can also see this growth mapped out in our Learning Progressions, which show how skills in social-emotional learning, behavior, and work habits build step by step—so every child is always working toward the next meaningful goal.

Whether your child is in TK or 5th grade, they experience a coherent, schoolwide SEL approach—one that emphasizes student agency, continuous growth, and belonging to a caring, inclusive community.

Our approach to literacy goes far beyond filling out worksheets or responding to writing prompts. It’s a highly personalized and deeply engaging program designed to meet each student where they are—and help them grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

Students don’t just practice isolated skills. They take a deep dive into different genres, studying real books by real authors and learning to apply those techniques in their own writing. In reading, children may be working at a level like “P”—where all books share certain complexity features—but they choose the stories or topics that interest them, often joining book clubs to read and discuss with peers.

In writing, students explore genres such as narrative, opinion, or informational text—while choosing topics they care about. Whether writing about space exploration, skateboarding, or social justice, the motivation is real, and the skills they develop—structure, elaboration, revision—are rigorous and lasting.

Instruction is based on what each student actually needs. Teachers use developmental assessments to understand each child’s current level in reading, writing, and spelling. From there, they create individualized paths, placing students into small, leveled strategy groups that target specific goals. A student may be writing with advanced craft and voice while still developing conventions—or reading above grade level while strengthening comprehension skills.

Spelling (word study) is equally personalized. Instead of memorizing word lists, students learn spelling patterns and strategies that transfer to unfamiliar words—a much more meaningful and lasting way to build strong readers and writers.

Throughout the year, students celebrate their growth through publishing celebrations, where they share their finished work with classmates, friends, and family. These moments create pride, purpose, and a real sense of authorship.

Tests and assessments help guide instruction, but the learning itself is rich, joyful, and deeply relevant. And because it’s built on research-based progressions and personalized instruction, the skills students gain in literacy at WHPS don’t just prepare them for the next grade—they stay with them for life.

📘 Explore our Learning Progressions to see how literacy skills build step by step, and how students are guided toward their next stage of growth.

We use Singapore Math to build deep conceptual understanding and flexible thinking. Students learn through a three-step progression—Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract—making sense of math visually before moving to symbols and algorithms.

Rather than memorize procedures, children think like mathematicians. Using tools like bar models, they solve complex, multi-step problems and develop lasting reasoning skills.

Math at WHPS is never one-size-fits-all. Instruction is personalized, practice is purposeful, and homework is brief but deep—designed to challenge students right at their level.

STEM learning is embedded throughout our program. From early robotics and coding to hands-on engineering design challenges, students learn to experiment, collaborate, and bring ideas to life. Our tech and STEM specialists provide additional layers of challenge, creativity, and applied problem-solving as students grow.

📘 Explore the WHPS Math Approach

Our social studies and humanities curriculum is designed to help students understand the world—and their place in it.

In the early grades, children explore identity, family, community, and cultures through stories, role-play, and hands-on experiences. As students progress, they examine history, geography, economics, and ethics through project-based learning, primary sources, and rich discussions.

Throughout, we prioritize:

• Multiple perspectives and inclusive narratives

• Empathy and ethical thinking

• Civic understanding and responsibility

• Connections to literature, current events, and global issues

Rather than memorizing facts, students learn to ask questions, think critically, and communicate thoughtfully about complex topics—preparing them to be engaged citizens and thoughtful contributors to their communities.

Our elementary program is divided into two thoughtfully designed stages—Lower Elementary (TK–1st) and Upper Elementary (2nd–5th)—each tailored to the developmental needs of that age group, while still offering room to stretch, accelerate, and grow as individuals.

In TK–1st grade, students build strong academic and social-emotional foundations in nurturing classrooms that combine close guidance with plenty of flexibility. These early classrooms maintain a 1:12 ratio (typically 24 students with two full-time teachers), allowing for close observation, responsive instruction, and strong connections with each child.

In 2nd–5th grade, students take on more complex academic challenges and increasing independence. Upper Elementary classrooms typically include 26 students and two full-time teachers (approximately a 1:13 ratio), with daily small-group instruction and flexible learning blocks.

Because Upper Elementary uses a multi-age model—2nd/3rd and 4th/5th grade students are grouped not just by age, but by readiness. This creates even more opportunities to align students with like learners, explore advanced material, and reach academic heights that far exceed traditional grade-level expectations.

At every stage, students are empowered to set goals, reflect on their progress, and grow as both learners and leaders within the community. Our structure ensures that each child is known deeply, challenged appropriately, and continually inspired to reach their personal best.