 | Why Watkinson? Our Mission and More Every school can tell you its mission statement. Can every school tell you what it means—and point to where it works?
Watkinson's Mission
To develop in our students the power to shape their lives and the world around them—is more than a viewbook philosophy; it is alive in our classrooms every day. It forms the foundation of our academic program and grounds our community in a set of common values and attitudes. How do we make sure this happens? We invite you to ask us. In fact, we believe you should ask this question of every school you consider for your child. Below are a number of important questions that might form a starting place for your inquiries. |
| Q. | What is the object of your curriculum and how does your program support it? | | A. | Our rigorous college-preparatory curriculum demands that we keep the “bar” high for every student in every class. A focus on each individual is the key; the knowledge of each student’s learning style is essential to helping her or him realize academic and personal success. Our program is designed around the idea that with small classes (12-13 per class, on average) and small teacher loads (55 students per teacher, on average), heterogeneous classrooms are the best source of stimulation and collaboration. These small classes have created an atmosphere of “unanxious expectation” where students are encouraged to think critically and creatively. Content is, of course, essential to all learning. At Watkinson, however, it is only the beginning. We go beyond the test, the “right answer,” to challenge students to be adventurous and mature in their thinking. |
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| Q. | How does your daily schedule support your mission? | | A. | In 1999, Watkinson redesigned its class schedule in order to create a more active and vibrant learning environment. Our 90-minute classes allow students and teachers more opportunity for projects, discussion, debate, collaboration, critical thinking, analysis, and reflection. Substantial and compelling educational research supports our belief that having fewer classes per day (our three versus the traditional six or eight) allows students to focus and work in greater depth in their studies. Longer periods allow students and teachers to work together more supportively, growing equally engaged in the educational experience. |
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| Q. | How does the diversity of your school further the mission? | | A. | The makeup of a school’s student body says a great deal about its commitment to diversity. At Watkinson, we believe in maintaining a diverse educational environment in the broadest sense of the term—which is to say that there is no such thing as a “typical Watkinson student.” Nearly one third of our student body receives financial aid of some sort, 21% are students of color, and we draw students from over 35 towns yearly. At “The Wat,” athletes, artists, techies, extroverts, introverts, activists, intellectuals, and inventors are all respected as individuals—not funneled into a particular group. In fact, as students gain confidence and begin to explore unfamiliar ideas and activities, such labels often disappear completely. |
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| Q. | What core values drive your mission? | | A. | At the heart of Watkinson lie the core values of respect and integrity. By living these values, our school grows a sense of community, an appreciation of diversity, a commitment to service, and the practices of healthy living. We work to help students develop the tools they need for ethical decision-making. These are just four important questions that can teach you about a school’s commitment to its mission. Others include: “How does your school support professional development for your faculty to better achieve the mission?” and “How does your mission drive your college counseling?” We invite you to ask us these questions when you visit our campus. We feel strongly that no decision should be made on your part until you are comfortable with the answers to all these questions from us and any other school you may be considering. |
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