World Learner Charter School

Our family has been at WLS for almost 5 years now. After reading through some of the reviews posted on this site, I would like to stress to parents who are considering WLS, that WLS has gone through a lot of changes over the past few years that have had a hugely positive impact on the quality of the school. The current administration, school board and teachers are all superb. Both of my children have very different learning styles (one is self directed and the other not so much) and both are thriving at WLS. For our family, there is no other place we would like to send our children and we always recommend WLS.
--Submitted by a parent

We love World Learner. After a horrible kindergarten experience in public school we were concerned about our son. He was so unhappy. At World Learner he is blooming. He is so excited about school. In third grade he is reading at an eighth grade level. He is so interested in learning new things and exploring the world.
--Submitted by a parent

It's our second year at WLS and I really love this school. My son's teacher is amazing and the principal (who only started a year or two ago) is amazing. The teachers work hard to foster a love of learning in kids, as well as make them proficient in the basics. My son's teacher encourages him to pursue subjects he loves, and finds creative ways to engage him in subjects he doesn't enjoy (like spelling ... :)). They really do teach the whole child here, and provide them with life-long skills (like working in groups, managing their time, and researching). I am amazed at the work he is doing. That said, not every child is cut out for Montessori education. Or parent, for that matter. But if you are looking for an alternative to teach-to-the-test traditional education, and if you're concerned school is preparing your child to be more obedient than thoughtful, check out WLS.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been thrilled with the level of attention our children have received at this school. The Montessori method worked absolute wonders for my children's confidence and their love of learning. They will research the answers to problems on their own and are always excited to try new things. I have three children and they are all scoring above average, their reading and vocabulary is high, and their math skills are deeply intuitive. I wish there had been schools like this when I was a kid!
--Submitted by a parent

My kids attended the school for several years and they are so far behind, so we are moving to another school. Each classroom is an island and there is no integrated curriculum. So, you might get a good class or you might struggle and administration is no help when you are in a bad situation. Your only choice is to leave.
--Submitted by a parent

WLS has been great for our son. He can learn indepently, with others, or even one on one with the teacher. His love of learning has returned and the depth to which he is learning is fantastic! The teachers are sincere, caring, and gentle. They are highly skilled at differentiating curriculum for each child. The environment fosters community between ages and classrooms. They are constantly getting out into the community for field trips, event, etc. The only negative that I can say is that some policies seem a little 'fuzzy' and communication to parents could be stronger. That being said, the office sends a weekly email to parents and most of the teachers do the same.
--Submitted by a parent

I had three children in this school and then moved to a larger public school. All three were behind in reading and math. We had to do a lot of extra help, tutors and self-confidence building after they left this school. The general feeling I have is if your child is already advanced they'll benefit from the independent, project-based curriculum. HOWEVER, if you have a mainstream child, or a special needs child, Forget it! They will be left behind. When I asked my child about the lessons they learned, it was always the same lesson as before, now I don't know if they do this to master the work, but it seemed to me that they were just keeping them busy without an overall plan for learning. It's best to enter this school with a Montessori background--beginning in Pre-k. Administration seems overwhelmed. Some teachers are a bit odd.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in first grade at Worl Learner School. We couldn't be happier with his progress. He comes home with spelling words and asks me to quiz him numerous times. He has come home with examples of complex addition (in the thousands), and he has already brought several books home and read them to me. I'm amazed with his progress as he was resistant to reading in his kindergarten class. At home, I've noticed an improvement in concentration and focus. The school environment is very welcoming and comfortable as opposed to institutional. As far as reviews posted regarding test scores, I'm much more interested to see what my child is learning on a daily basis and throughout the year rather than at any one point in time.
--Submitted by a parent

The school represents a community approach to education. It is important to be an active parent participant in any educational experience for your child. This school offers regular and on-going parent education nights -- many more than offered in a traditional public school setting. The students of parents who choose to participate reap the rewards. As a part of a smaller school community children excel by feeling connected to caring adults and feeling a true part of their school environment. We are always side to see parents enroll their child and then take a seat on the bench. Get involved, ask questions and be willing to hear different answers. Education is all about stretching possibilities -- for parents and kids!
--Submitted by a parent

The student retention is low. Many families including ours opted to leave for another school than staying here. WHY??? For some of the same reasons other parents have commented here. Compare test scores from 3rd to 5th grade. Ask why there is a decline in enrollment during these same years. Ask lots of questions before enrolling here.
--Submitted by a parent