Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School

Arts and Humanities Education in a Technology-rich Setting

Participating Districts

Hamden, New Haven, Wallingford, and Woodbridge

Student Enrollment:

600 students in grades K – 8

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE

The Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School (WIMS) provides a comprehensive liberal arts education rooted in the arts and humanities and supported by the integration of technology into all facets of learning. The school encourages the development of life-long learners through membership in a learning community which nurtures strengths, celebrates diversity, and encourages model citizenship. Wintergreen delivers a challenging, well balanced academic course of study in a technology-rich environment.

Extensive Parental Involvement

Classroom instruction in enhanced through the use of integrated technologies such as a laptop initiative in grades six through eight, desktop computers at home and school, DANA portable word processors, and handheld portable digital devices.  Spanish is taught to all students.  Wintergreen operates on an extended school year from mid- August to late June.  The school enjoys a tradition of extensive and vital parental involvement, commitment to family, and social responsibility.

WIMS is managed by the Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES) and housed in a facility leased from the town of Hamden. A Steering Committee consisting of the ACES Executive Director, the district Superintendents, and a Board of Education member from each district oversees school operations.

Goals

• To provide a challenging, diverse learning environment which meets the individual and diverse needs of each student
• To create an integrated curriculum which maximizes the use of technology in order to communicate effectively
• To encourage partnerships with families and community resources for the purpose of enriching the educational program
• To ensure a safe school environment through developing, implementing, and communicating clear expectations and guidelines for safety procedures

Challenging Curriculum in a 7.25 Hour School Day

• 90-110 minutes of reading each day using Guided Reading strategies
• The manipulative based Everyday Math Program developed by the University of Chicago with an emphasis on problem solving
• Hands on interactive Science
• Social Sciences with a multicultural orientation
• Spanish instruction beginning in Kindergarten
• Physical Fitness and Health Instruction including Character Education
• Creativity based Art instruction
• Vocal and Instrumental Music classes
• Technology integration across the curriculum, including a computer laptop initiative in grades 6-8
• Writing in all content areas

Structure

• A 7.25 hour school day
• An extended school year
• All day Kindergarten
• Class meetings in all grade levels
• Student leadership opportunities
• After school intramural activities
• Musical and dramatic performances
• Two special areas of instruction each day (art, music, physical fitness, health and Spanish)
• Daily team planning for teachers
• Extensive parental involvement

Student Selection

Parents of children living in the four participating towns may submit an application for their child to become a student at Wintergreen. Applications are available in the Board of Education offices in all four towns. Applications should be completed in accordance with the deadline established by each town’s Board of Education. The lottery to select students is held subsequently. Applicants are notified by letter of their acceptance or wait list status.

Looking for a program? Newsletter Featured Video