8 Ways WHPS Is Different From Public School
Public school districts vary, and each site has its own class sizes, staffing models, and resources. From my years teaching in the public school system—and from feedback we’ve heard consistently from WHPS families—these are some of the clearest differences between a traditional model and what we’ve intentionally built at WHPS.
1. Twice as Much Teacher Attention
Traditional Model (Public School): One teacher with 24–30 students, sometimes supported by an aide who rotates between multiple classrooms.
WHPS: 20–26 students (depending on grade) with two fully qualified teachers in every classroom—not aides or assistants, but full teachers. This model gives us the bandwidth to truly personalize learning, notice every child, and respond right away.
💡 The difference: Every child is noticed, challenged, and supported—no one slips through the cracks.
2. Work That Matters (Not Just Worksheets)
Traditional Model (Public School): Everyone does the same work at the same pace, usually from a worksheet or textbook. The work often stays in a folder or backpack.
WHPS Workshop Model:
Curriculum flexes to readiness—students can advance years ahead in areas of strength.
Students create authentic work—publishing books, essays, and projects across genres.
Parents are invited to Publishing Celebrations, where children share their learning with pride.
💡 The difference: WHPS students don’t just complete assignments—they create real work, share it with an audience, and learn to see themselves as authors, scientists, and problem-solvers.
3. Confidence Built Every Day
Traditional Model (Public School): SEL is often limited to an assembly or counselor visit.
WHPS: Social-emotional learning is part of every day, every grade. Students learn to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and build resilience—skills as important as academics.
4. Real Leadership From the Start
Traditional Model (Public School): Leadership roles are mostly reserved for older or outgoing students.
WHPS: From TK on, students step into authentic leadership—mentoring peers, speaking at assemblies, and leading class initiatives. Leadership here isn’t a title, it’s a habit.
5. Parents Are Partners (and Students Lead the Way)
Traditional Model (Public School): Parent involvement is limited to drop-off, pick-up, and one conference led mostly by the teacher.
WHPS: Partnership begins before the year starts with an intake conference to build trust and share goals. Throughout the year:
Students set their own academic and personal goals.
They lead two conferences each year—speaking directly to parents about their growth.
Teachers and parents collaborate continuously, with open communication.
💡 The difference: At WHPS, students own their learning, parents feel connected, and teachers have the structure to make it a true three-way partnership.
6. Built-In Enrichment Every Year
Traditional Model (Public School): Enrichment is inconsistent—sometimes art, music, or PE, often rotating or part-year. Technology and foreign language usually wait until middle school.
WHPS TK–5 Program: Enrichment is built into every grade, every year:
🎨 Visual & Performing Arts
🎼 Music (learn three instruments by 5th grade)
🏃 PE with a dedicated coach
💻 Technology & Robotics
🌎 Spanish
🐾 Animal & Nature Studies in our on-campus teaching zoo
💡 The difference: WHPS students don’t just get “extras”—they grow as artists, musicians, athletes, scientists, linguists, and leaders alongside their core academics.
7. Safety and Space to Play
Traditional Model (Public School): Large campuses, limited security staff, and students spend much of the day indoors at desks.
WHPS:
Full-time campus security ensures a safe, closely monitored environment.
Students spend a significant portion of each day outdoors—learning in gardens, playing on open fields, and exploring nature at our teaching zoo.
Learning is active, hands-on, and balanced—not confined to a desk.
💡 The difference: WHPS students are safer, more active, and more connected to the natural world, supporting both learning and well-being.
8. Everything in One Place
Traditional Model (Public School): After-school programs are often outsourced, off-site, or run by third parties, which can mean added logistics for families.
WHPS: Sports and after-school activities take place right here on campus, with our own staff—not outsourced childcare. Families can take advantage of extended hours from 7:00 am–6:00 pm, giving students a seamless experience and parents convenience and true peace of mind.
💡 The difference: WHPS provides not only academics and enrichment, but also the structure and convenience that support busy families.
A Warm Invitation
We believe deeply in the power of our program—but we also know that choosing the right school is a very personal journey. Each family must decide what feels best for their child.
Even for families already in our preschool, there’s so much happening in our TK–5th grade classrooms that we’d love for you to come see.
We warmly invite you to visit our campus, step into our classrooms, and experience firsthand how WHPS helps children grow into curious, confident leaders.
And the results speak for themselves: our students consistently score above grade level on standardized assessments. You can read more here: 2025 ERB Results »
Thank you for considering WHPS as you navigate this important decision for your child and family.
