William Wharton K-8 Dual Language Academy

Wharton has recently gone through various changes, improving it beyond the great school it already was. The parents are very involved and motivated to get its International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) certification. There is only one other IB PYP dual language school in the city.
--Submitted by a parent

Wharton is not a wonderful school, everything has a dual meaning, literally. The parents are told one thing and another thing is done, beginning with the principal, she absolutely hates to spend money (budgeted) on the kids for improving materials, her ethics and professionalism towards insubordinates is poor, and discriminates towards people with less education.

What a wonderful school. We have two children that attend. Both have different academic styles, yet their needs are met. The principal is incredible, she really appears to believe in the schools mission. Her daughter attends the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Rare and excellent duel language program! Native English speaking children should start out in K or 1st in order to learn & function in both languages throughout their elementary years.
--Submitted by a parent

Great learning center, great community center, very involved in the community.

I love this school! My son began in Kindergarten with no Spanish knowledge, and is now in first grade at Wharton, and can read well in English and Spanish. Initially, I was worried he would fall behind because of the language barrier, but he has really taken to it. I agree with the other review that said the first few weeks were an adjustment, but he is truly learning and enjoying school. The staff and faculty are great with the kids, and the parents are very involved. The kids that go there are a great group. There is a real sense of community, and while the school may not have the resources some of the wealthier elementary schools do, the 'it takes a village' mentality and positive spirit that is fostered there make sure the students do not suffer for it. Best of luck if you are interested in this school!
--Submitted by Bethany, a parent

Small intimate setting, the faculty and staff know all of the students and their caregivers. The extended day program is structured and well rounded. The teachers and principal actively encourage and solicit parent involvement. Team teaching, focused on student development and enrichment. Wharton provides an extraordinary academic foundation. The Recognized rating only tells half the story. The standardized test are given in English, over 75% of Wharton students spend more than 50% of their day being taught subjects like math, science, reading, language arts and social studies in a Spanish speaking environment. Yet they are excelling in an arena where most of their counterparts are being taught 100% of their subjects in an English speaking environment. These children are being prepared to excel in a global society.
--Submitted by Dee King, a parent

My son started as an english-only speaker in kindergarten for the 2002-2003 school year. The dual language program was difficult for all of us the first couple of weeks but by the end of the school year, he was able to read english and spanish, solve math problems and speak some spanish. We gave it a lot of thought and prayer before putting him in this program, but are very glad we did. If you are considering this program and would like to discuss it you can email me at jennifer.dial@hayneswhaley.com