The Whitney Guide

Wildwood Elementary School

Wildwood Elementary is a developmental Westside school that has wonderful teachers and a state-of-the-art facility. On the first (of four) visits, I was dazzled by the new buildings. These beautiful, modern, two-story structures with clean lines and bright, open spaces were designed by a Wildwood parent/architect. Facilities include a soccer field, running track, tether ball area, science lab, art room, outdoor art yard, cafeteria/auditorium, music room, reading room, and library.

The buildings share a common courtyard that is handsomely landscaped with flowers, palm trees, and winding pathways. All the classrooms have connecting doors, a feature that helps facilitate Wildwood's 'team teaching' approach.

There are six primary 'pod' classrooms at the kindergarten through 2nd grade level. This system allows children of different ages to help and encourage each other. Each child stays with the same teacher for three years and has the opportunity to learn from the older children and to grow with the group. Over the years he will also be able to guide and teach the younger students.

In these six mixed-age group classes (pods), each age group is represented in equal number with a balance of gender. Each pod has a total of 24 children with a head teacher and a full-time teaching assistant. The mixed-age grouping allows for children's development at different rates.

For complete review, up-to-date tuition, registration, and application dates, purchase the private school guide.