The Mountain School at Winhall 2024 Viewbook

MISSION

The Mountain School at Winhall’s propose is to establish an educational foundation of curiosity, confidence, and competence while practicing kindness to oneself, the community, and nature.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Margaret Schlachter

FOUNDING YEAR 1998

ACCREDITATION

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

OUR LOCATION

9 School Road Bondville, Vermont MEMBER

Approved Vermont Agency of Education Independent School

Association of Independent Schools of New England Vermont Independent School Association

VISION

Our students develop the courage and resourcefulness to pursue a passionate and fulfilling path that leaves the world better for tomorrow.

VALUES

Creative Learning - Caring Community -

Individual Growth

Kindness - Inclusivity - Respect - Integrity

ABOUT US

The Mountain School at Winhall is an accredited Kindergarten through Sixth Grade independent school preparing students for success academically, socially, and emotionally with a rigorous curriculum, diverse experiences leveraging Vermont's outdoors, and a personalized approach for each student’s pathway of successful development.

We provide each student a challenging and supportive learning environment that emphasizes character, values individuality, and encourages creativity.

FAST FACTS

Founded: 1998

Campus: 8 Acres

Including: Forest Classroom, The Outpost, 4 Season Greenhouse, 2 Playgrounds, Soccer Field, Baseball Field, and ample room to run and explore

Student to Staff Ratio: 5:1

Staff with Advanced Degrees: 50%

Average Class Size: 8-10 students

Grades: K-6 Grade

After School Programs: 3 Days a Week

Unique Focuses: Outdoor Education, STEAM, Thematic Learning, Project Based Learning, Individualized Learning. Special Education Services available (504s & IEPs)

Admissions: Rolling

Financial Aid: Limited Need-Based Aid Awarded Annually

LOWER SCHOOL

Kindergarten & 1st Grade:

In Kindergarten and first grade, students focus on a play based education that also includes a strong student centered pedagogy focused on building strong literacy and mathematical skills. Our small class sizes and outdoor focused program allows for these students to have opportunities to put their skills into practice and interact with the real world around them.

Second & Third Grade:

In the Second and Third Grades, students begin to focus heavily on moving from a play based approach to a more scholarly approach to their learning as they are asked to think ever more critically about the world around them. Thanks to a strong foundation in their core subjects during Kindergarten & 1st Grade, we see our Second and Third graders often discussing topics in class with such depth that it would be easy to recognize them as beyond their years.

UPPER SCHOOL

The upper school at MSW (grades 4-6) builds upon the the experiential based learning in the lower grades. Teachers in our upper school work closer with students to prepare them for a strong middle school transition.

Our teachers are empowered to build their our own unique MSW Curriculum building on the foundational skills learned in lower school and aligned with Common Core standards meeting or exceeding state and national standard.

Thematic Learning

Our thematic learning approach helps students make connections between their different courses and is an instrumental component of building student interest and giving them the choices they need to be successful.

UNIQUE PROGRAMS

STEAM CLASS

Every student at MSW takes part in STEAM Class 4 days a week. STEAM combines the best of science, technology, engineering, art, and math to create a unique class that by design is an interdisciplinary experience for every student building on learning across the school.

O.W.L.S.

Fridays are for O.W.L.S. and the Forest Classroom. O.W.L.S. (Outdoor Wilderness Learning Survival) is a unique program which bring students into the Forest Classroom each week teaching them essential outdoor skills while deepening their connection with the natural environment.

JISP

On Tuesday afternoons in the winter MSW students take to Stratton Mountain for the JISP program. This program allows all our students to get out on the mountain and enjoy one of the best ski resorts in Vermont. Sometimes we even have a race course for our students.

THE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL AT WINHALL

DIFFERENCE

Small classes, individualized project based and thematic learning, outdoor lunches, Forest Fridays, no cell phones, making fires, eating lunch together as a community, buddy block, and community gatherings are just some of the ways The Mountain School at Winhall sets itself apart from other schools.

We believe a strong academic foundation is rooted in establishing a foundation of curiosity, confidence, and competence in each student while at the same time instilling in each kid a practice of kindness to oneself, the community, and nature.

The Mountain School at Winhall is ready for you to experience the MSW Difference for yourself. Join us for a tour, shadow day, and stay for a great education in a safe nurturing environment where every student encouraged to be their best.