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GreatSchools Rating

Woodland School

Charter | K-8 | 199 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted April 14, 2011

I cant believe that this site has only given Woodland a 7. This is one of the most inovative schools in the area with amazing arts and academic programing. Kids love learning and become expert creative porblem solvers. They have choice and say in there education. Although the school does not teach to the standardized tests, the school routinely scores ABOVE the surrounding area schools much of the time. Class sizes are smaller than the average public school. Teachers get to know te students well becuase of the multiage structure. Woodland has changed both my daughters lives for the the better. My oldest left here and entered high school doing all junior level academic classes. I can not say enough!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2010

Woodland School has been a wonderful schooling experience for my son. He began going to Woodland (TBCS) when he was in the second grade. He will be entering the 8th grade next year and he has enjoyed every minute of it. Highly motivated teachers, a beautiful atmosphere as well as a unique approach to learning are amongst just a few of the many attributes that Woodland School offers. Academically, my son has gained a tremendous interest in both the sciences as well as the arts. He has become a motovated individual during his years here and I would like to thank each teacher that has played a role in his education. Teachers here really take time for each student both academically as well as personally. Looking back, I am grateful that we chose Woodland School. -Brandy Marvin
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 24, 2008

This school is one of my favorite that I sent two of my three children's too. Teachers are well organized and does spend that quality time with each child. The facility is beautiful the new auditorium they have is so nice and comfortable. I really do miss this school and wish my kids could have continue on schooling here. Out of all the schools in the area this is one of the best. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 3, 2008

This school is the best. All of the teachers are smart, nice, and helpful. There are 2 ponds on the property and they spend a lot of time outdoors. You can excel as far as you need to, either staying with your age mates or going to a higher class for a few subjects. There is a lot of parent volunteering with is great. I highly recomend it.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 27, 2008

I went to school here for 4 years and am very impressed! Everyone is very friendly. Great teachers and staff! It was unique in many positive ways.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 8, 2006

This is my granddaughter's sixth year at the school, and she has two younger siblings attending, as well. Our family is thrilled with their progress, the innovative curriculum, wonderful opportunities in the arts, dedicated and caring staff and director, and the spectacular setting. High quality education with small classroom settings. Added Cross Country team this year, which was very successful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 1, 2005

My son had addended this school for a couple of years. Though the multi-level classes were a smart choice to begin with, he was being pulled up to do harder work, when he became the top of the mult-level class the work was too easy for him. I saw as he didn't care about school any more, he didn't like it, he was bored. There was no help offered to challange him, even after I asked - many times. I couldn't not sit back and watch as my son's interest in education began to fade. We removed him and he is now thriving in another school. The atmosphere at TBCS is beautiful and the parents are friendly. It is like one big happy family. The Principal was not kind when we left.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2005

ok, i as a student at this school for 9 years, feel that although there is much friendship and family relationship feeling within the class, that it is deceptive and when you meet other real kids your child will be sorely disapointed and may not fit in. we have disregarded so many rules of conduct as a school, not on the individual level. personally i think that the math and science teachers should get more than they do because most of the students are a hinderance to better students learning, and they have to watch it. when a student asks a question above the comprehension of the masses, its not the place of the class to critisize, as is costomary, and even mock the person, although the question in the first place was legitimate. all in all its a good idea for parents, but not for a student.
—Submitted by Sean, a student


Posted September 13, 2004

My son has attended TBCS since the first year of its existance. He has excelled in the multiage classroom system. Now in the 8th grade is offered algebra and geometry as well as creative language arts classes. The beautiful campus adds to the ambiance but it is the extraordinary staff that makes this school special. The three distinct villages work together to familiarize the youngest students with the oldest, and it is awesome to watch the kindergarteners waving and hugging the pre-teens many of whom have participated as 'reading buddies' during the year. Volunteerism is welcomed and appreciated at TBCS. This school has a unique 'family' feeling. The vocal music department and bands are each lead by extrodinary teachers and the musical productions have been very impressive. I believe that there is a waiting list, but if you can get in you will not leave this school.
—Submitted by Kim, a parent


Posted February 23, 2004

TBCS has a different teaching style which my children learn best from. Everyone is very helpful and friendly. My children have learned so much from this school and they really enjoy being able to choose their classes which makes learning more appealing to them. They also love the week long intensives that the school has 3 times a year which gives them a break from the normal routine. I cannot say enough good things about this school and only wish they continue growing past the 8th grade before my children reach those grade levels. There aren't extra curricular sports at this school which isn't a problem because the YMCA and other various places offer sports. They do have scouting though and the leaders are wonderful and very adventurous.
—Submitted by Dawn, a parent


Posted April 18, 2003

TBCS is an excellent school. More parents are involved with this school than any I know of. It sits on 400 acres with small lakes & ponds, which are used to study nature and different sciences. The community itself is like no other. The kids receive the very best education. The curriculum is student driven, so children can go as far as their own ability allows. Much more focus is placed on math and science than any other school in our area. I only hope a high school program is in place by the time my kids are to that point.


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 41% in 2013.

23 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
39%

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

23 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
70%

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
77%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 45% in 2013.

20 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
50%

2012

 
 
24%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

20 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
75%

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
93%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 47% in 2013.

20 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
62%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 46% in 2013.

25 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
36%

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
75%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 70% in 2013.

25 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
76%

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
88%
Science

The state average for Science was 13% in 2013.

25 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
8%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
92%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 40% in 2013.

20 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
40%

2012

 
 
31%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

20 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
55%

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
92%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 30% in 2013.

20 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
92%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 38% in 2013.

24 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
38%

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2013.

24 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
79%

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
95%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2013.

24 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
43%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 33% in 2013.

18 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
61%

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

18 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
94%

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
95%
Science

The state average for Science was 16% in 2013.

18 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 98% 71%
Black 1% 20%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 3%
Hispanic 0% 5%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 15%N/A42%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 19N/A18
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Mr. Nathan Tarsa
Fax number
  • (231) 947-7667

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

7224 Supply Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
Website: Click here
Phone: (231) 947-7474

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