Wingra School

Motivated to Learn! My daughter loves Wingra School. Each morning she is motivated to get to school. Each afternoon she's excited to talk about the new thing she discovered or a new perspective on a familiar topic. I am happy to send her to Wingra School and know that her teachers, all the teachers (and staff), are engaged in the learning process of each child. I have seen my young child relish learning math; get excited about scientific inquiry; and request that she read to me. Without a doubt, Wingra School was the right choice for our family and we have had a wonderful learning experience there.
--Submitted by a parent

Wingra is a wonderful learning community. The students and teachers are so engaged in the learning process. We have 2 children at Wingra and they are both thriving. The teachers are really invested in each child's academic and emotional growth. Wingra is a fantastic and joyful place to learn and grow.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a great school academically because they teach you how to think independently and think about a certain object in a different way than you would have ever thought about. You have the independence of learning but also have a teacher help you but you don't have to stress about the subject at all. Socially the school needs more help in. A lot of the students are supportive of each other and care about each other but some of the students talk behind each others back and for some people thats really hurtful. I think the teachers need to step in more to prevent that from happening. Overall, this school is a great school.
--Submitted by a student

Our son loves school! Never has he expressed anything negative about Wingra. (He's in his 4th year.) What impressed me upon my first visits to Wingra was the true spirit of joy in the halls and classrooms. The kids feel confident and comfortable at their school. They each have an investment in themselves developed by the self-direction, communication and involvement in learning offered by the Wingra environment . The teachers are first-rate, continuing to learn about education, esp.Progressive Education, as they guide their students through the wonder of learning. I echo the comments and ratings offered by other parents of Wingra students listed in prior reviews. Wingra is turning out enthusiastic students with a confidence more rare than common in the youth of today. We appreciate that students are not "going for the grade", but instead understand concepts, research and methods to solve problems. It's a small school with limited funds, space, and facilities, limiting things like specialized sciences and athletics as compared to other schools. But small isn't always a drawback; we all know each other, we're like family. But best of all; the kids are learning!
--Submitted by a parent

There is such a deep committment to nurtering the children encouraging creativity, community service and spirit, de-emphasis on competitioin and testing, recognition that each child is a unique and special individual, no grading, just teaching, observing, interacting, evaluating the children as whole people.

Wingra is fantastic! Our kids love every day there. Best teachers in Madison by far! Don't be discouraged by the tuition - there is financial aid. Wonderful art, music, and PE teachers. Hot lunch program needs more choice - catered in. Weird foods. Should get Milios or Subway. Basically no homework! Director of Ed. is SUPERB. Interesting parents from all over Madison and surrounding areas.
--Submitted by a parent

I so wanted Wingra to work out for my son. I believe in the values of the school and appreciate the approach they take to education, but they are not able to handle any kids with any sort of learning disability. My son started 1st grade at Wingra and it was immediately apparent that the teachers thought him dumb and/or spoiled. After three months of complete failure we had to pull him out of Wingra and he is now prospering at MMSD where they can provide some special education supports. I understand they don't have the funding to support special education, but it really bothers me that the attitude was that my son was a problem rather than just not a good fit. His self esteem suffered drastically because of the attitude the teachers had towards him.
--Submitted by a parent

Dedicated teachers, progressive education, dedicated administration

Wingra takes the time and effort to be creative with their lessons and to look at each child individually. It's such a positive place.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are all so very kind and skillful.
--Submitted by a parent