Westerly School Brochure

THINK

independently

EXPLORE creatively

LEAD

courageously

#myschoolofchoice

THINKEXPLORELEAD

welcome to westerly Dear Families,

I welcome you to explore the narratives in this brochure, which tell the story of the dynamic and student-centered Westerly experience. For over 25 years, Westerly has been committed to our founding vision: a school that recognizes, respects, and teaches to each student’s individual needs and potential—a school where every student thrives academically, emotionally, and physically.

Accreditation & Membership

CAIS

California Association of Independent Schools

WASC

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

NAIS

National Association of Independent Schools

We continue to realize our mission through our nurturing and talented faculty, who challenge, inspire, and connect with our students every day. They partner with families to ensure a connected community, and offer multidimensional programs that build on students’ curiosity, helping them become leaders, helpers, and creators. Through inquiry-based pedagogy and curriculum, we are committed to fostering students’ lifelong love of learning.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the unique and vibrant Westerly experience. Westerly strives to be an inclusive school community where children and families are inspired, connected, and empowered.

I hope to see you soon.

Dr. Lauren Plant

Core Values

#myschoolofchoice

Responsibility

Kindness

Westerly means friendship, learning and creativity.

The teachers are really kind and there are so many subjects! I get to express myself in all my work.

Honesty

– Westerly 4th grader

Adaptability Respect

“

Westerly School develops the whole child through a challenging, stimulating program in an inclusive and diverse community.

We ignite within each child a lifelong love of learning by encouraging them to discover their full and unique potential. Our students develop a true sense of self through meaningful opportunities for self-expression, service, and character development. Westerly graduates are leaders, helpers, and creators today and in the future.

Head of School

School Hours

Dr. Lauren Plant

8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Grade Levels

Campus size

Total Enrollment

% of 8th grade graduates who are accepted into their high school of choice

K-8 170

Student to Teacher Ratio

8:1

Average Class Size

19

5 acres

100%

Number of Faculty Members

22

Avg Teacher Stay

7 yrs

% of students who self-identify as students of color

55%

% of students receiving financial assistance

“ #myschoolofchoice Westerly means the world to me. It’s my favorite place when I’m not at home, and where I can dream of becoming someone special inside.

– Westerly 4th grader

51%

Average teaching experience

13 yrs

1–4

Grades MAC Mobile Lab

5–8

Grades 1:1 Laptop Program

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independently Academic Program Educational Philosophy Westerly School develops the whole child through an inquiry-based program that balances academics, creative expression, critical thinking, social-emotional awareness, and physical development. The school celebrates and understands each child’s viewpoint, culture, and capabilities so they may become compassionate, global-minded citizens.

Westerly School stimulates the joy of learning through collaborative inquiry, experiential learning, and making real-world connections.

Through service opportunities, our young leaders learn the value of giving back, on both a local and global scale.

Westerly School is a safe and trusting community where

students are allowed to take academic and emotional risks.

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Lower School Westerly’s Lower School (K–5) is rooted in our inquiry-based program where students learn by asking questions, thinking creatively, collaborating, and exploring. Small class sizes—24 students or fewer, alongside two full-time educators—ensure that each student’s needs are recognized and strong student-teacher connections are built.

Middle School Westerly Middle School students learn by doing. They are challenged to think critically and creatively about the world. Dynamic learning opportunities include advisory, mentorship, field studies, and Choice Workshops. Middle Schoolers learn to think deeply, question assumptions, and to play an active role in their learning process.

They conduct experiments, construct solutions, and present their understandings.

Middle School builds students who are ethical, prepared, confident leaders today—and the change-makers of tomorrow.

#myschoolofchoice Westerly school is amazing because I learn something new everyday! I love the teachers, the campus, and all my classes.

“

– Westerly 6th grader

Spanish Learning a second language enhances critical thinking and listening skills while supporting creativity and mental adaptability. Westerly’s K–8 Spanish program also fosters global and cultural awareness.

Lower School students learn fundamentals through the study of Spanish-speaking cultures, music, and dance. In Middle School, they learn grammar, reading, and writing while continuing multicultural studies. By the end of 8th grade, students will have taken an advanced course that prepares them for high school Honors Spanish.

The culminating service-learning trip immerses students in a Spanish-speaking country where they will communicate in the language they have learned over nine years at Westerly.

Westerly School stimulates the joy of learning through collaborative inquiry, experiential learning, and making real-world connections.

Integrated Technology Technology integration is a priority at Westerly, where students build the skills they need in a globally connected digital world. Technology is both a tool for learning and an integral part of the curriculum.

In K–4, students utilize iPads to learn math and language arts, research skills, and coding/computer programming. All K–4 classrooms have access to MacBook carts and other learning tools, including robots and circuit boards.

High School Westerly’s Middle School curriculum is a comprehensive high school preparatory program in which 100% of graduates gain admission to their top choice of school.

The rigorous academic program, test preparation, counseling, and parent education begins in grade 4.

The Head of School and 8th grade advisor help students and families identify high schools that match their goals and prepares students for exams, interviews, and essay writing. Faculty ensure their academic readiness, and write recommendations for students applying to independent schools.

Grades 5–8 feature a 1:1 laptop program. Students receive either a Chromebook or a MacBook Air to expand on their skills and to creatively use technology in slideshows/presentations, podcasts, and storytelling. Students develop skills to utilize Google Education, including Google Classroom, Drive, and Forms for writing, organizing, and communicating.

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creatively creatively The Arts program at Westerly supports all the dimensions of student creativity. In K–8, students explore painting, charcoal, sketching, and watercolors alongside ceramics, glass work, and sculpture. Our art studio features kilns, spinning wheels, and workstations for individual and collaborative work.

Students build an online portfolio that they can take to high school and college.

Students also perform in theatrical productions and act, sing, choreograph, produce, and design sets.

The performing arts program includes music and theater production. Students take general music, music history, and instrumental music from grades 5–8.

All arts programs are integrated with core classes, so that content is brought to life and reinforced through the visual and performing arts.

#myschoolofchoice The small class sizes and teaching styles of all the teachers is what makes Westerly special. The teachers always put the kids first.

– Westerly 7th grader

4

“

In grade 5, students select an instrument and perform in the

Westerly Band or String Ensemble.

Instrumental Program Students in K–8 are exposed to and taught how to play instruments, starting in K–2 with drums, tambourines, bells, and xylophones.

In grade 3, students are introduced to the recorder, a fundamental instrument for improving musicality, and an excellent pre-band instrument. They stay with and develop their skills on their instrument throughout their Middle School years.

2D and 3D 2D and 3D Art at Westerly instructs students in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, multimedia, glass work, and printmaking.

Students learn the principles of art and design as well as the technical skills to complete a variety of projects in different media. Students are also introduced to art history, criticism, and aesthetics as they learn about historical and contemporary artists and movements. They utilize visual communication as self-expression, and incorporate research and written personal reflection into projects.

The goal is to instill a lifelong love of music, drama, and performance, cultivating students’ passions.

Musical Theater Westerly’s performing arts program is based on inclusivity, exploration, and self-expression. We provide an environment in which students can take risks and experience dramatic play and stagecraft.

Our curriculum includes a robust performance element — students perform in the Winter Concert, Talent Show, K-8 Theater Productions, and Spring Arts Festival. The goal is to instill a lifelong love of music, drama, and performance, cultivating students’ passions as they discover their full and unique potential.

#myschoolofchoice My favorite things about Westerly are our Co-Curriculars.

I love all of my classes but especially Music and Spanish.

– Westerly 4th grader

5

courageously Social-Emotional Learning Program At Westerly, we are attuned to every student’s academic and emotional needs, which allows school to be a welcoming and nurturing place.

A Social-Emotional Learning program (SEL) enables students to develop the selfawareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for success in school, work, and life. We integrate the RULER SEL program into our curriculum through common language, classroom activities, leadership, mentorship, and sportsmanship.

RULER is an evidence-based approach for integrating social and emotional learning into schools, developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

RULER teaches the skills of emotional intelligence—those associated with: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions.

Decades of research show that these skills are essential to effective teaching and learning, decision making, physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond.

As we develop emotional intelligence and the “soft skills” so often ignored in schools, students become more empowered, supportive, and thoughtful learners and leaders.

#myschoolofchoice In middle school, advisory and morning RULER is where we talk about how we are feeling; it is where I feel supported and cared for.

– Westerly 7th grader

6

“

Leadership Programs Developing the leaders and change-makers of today and tomorrow is central to Westerly’s mission. Through our many leadership opportunities, students work to achieve goals, build relationships, problem-solve, and resolve conflict.

The Mentor-Mentee program develops leadership skills and ensures that younger students feel safe and connected to older students. Through activities and partnerships, 5th through 8th graders connect with and advise K–3 students. Fourth graders act as “mentors-in-training” to learn mentorship from the Westerly seniors.

“

The Middle School advisory program for grades 6–8 nurtures kindness, responsibility, respect, honesty, and adaptability—core values at Westerly.

Middle School advisors build connections with students beyond the classroom setting to provide perspective and build independence.

We consider service learning vital for all participants: students, faculty, and the community. It supports the next generation of leaders and fosters academic knowledge, interpersonal skills, and self-confidence.

Every grade level participates with local organizations in civic and environmental change-making.

#myschoolofchoice Westerly means a safe place where learning is fun!

– Westerly 5th grader

In Middle School, students engage in the three-year PREP Program (Passion, Research, Engineer, Present). Students identify a social need they feel connected to, then research the problem and design solutions.

We recognize that physical education is integral to developing the whole child.

Athletics/Physical Education Westerly features a K–8 physical education curriculum along with intramural athletics beginning in 4th grade. The program is based on inclusivity, fitness, and sportsmanship. Students are exposed to a wide variety of sports, as well as nontraditional games and cooperative activities to enhance their social-emotional learning, communication, and teamwork abilities. We recognize that physical education is integral to developing the whole child—their bodies and minds—and our program is designed to support that though multiple opportunities.

Beginning in 4th grade, students can participate in league play in these sports: Football

Basketball

Volleyball

Cross-Country

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THINKEXPLORELEAD Admission Checklist

m Step 1. Campus Visit Community tour days are opportunities for visitors to tour our campus, experience our classrooms during the school day, and learn about Westerly’s curriculum and community.

For dates and to sign up, visit westerlyschool.org.

m Step 2. Application & Supplemental Information Applications for the 2021–22 school year are due:  Grades 1–8: February 5, 2021  Kindergarten: February 19, 2021 Applications for all grades are available on our website, westerlyschool.org.

Click on the Apply Now button. Please complete the application online and download the forms within the online application portal.

Complete applications include:  Application questionnaire (students applying for grades 6–8 must complete the student portion)  Teacher Recommendation Form(s) (for all grades)  School Transcripts (for Grades 1–8 only)  Application Fee of $125 due with online application

m Step 3. Student Visit Day & Parent/Guardian Interview m Step 4. Financial Assistance (if applicable) The Financial Assistance (FA) application is available online and must be submitted with the admissions application to be considered.

Admission notification will come out in mid-March. Westerly will continue to accept applications after the priority deadline if space permits. For more information about our admissions process, please visit our website at westerlyschool.org.

We look forward to getting to know your family.

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NOTES

Westerly School of Long Beach 2950 East 29th Street Long Beach, CA 90806 562.981.3151 | westerlyschool.org @westerlywildcats

@WesterlySchool

#myschoolofchoice

Westerly School of Long Beach 2950 East 29th Street Long Beach, CA 90806 562.981.3151 | westerlyschool.org @westerlywildcats

@WesterlySchool

#myschoolofchoice