Frequently Asked Questions
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WNS is a private, independent, developmental-kindergarten through eighth grade day school. Our hands-on, minds-on constructivist and project-based learning approach represents a blend of best practices drawn from the progressive, developmental and traditional educational philosophies and is designed to prepare students for success in the 21st century.
When was WNS founded?
WNS was founded in 1980.
Is WNS accredited?
WNS is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.
What is the total enrollment?
There are 402 students enrolled for the 2010 – 2011 school year.
How many students are in each class?
Developmental Kindergarten: 18-20 students with a 2 full-time co-teachers
Kindergarten: two classrooms of 20-23 students with 2 full-time co-teachers per class
Grades 1-5: two classrooms with 22-24 students with 2 full-time co-teachers per class
DK-5th Grade Specialists for Music, PE, Art, Science and Technology with 12-16 students per class.
Grades 6-8: departmentalized, with 36-48 students per grade level; students are placed in groups of 15-20 for math, art, Spanish, and PE.
How many spaces are available for admission at each grade level?
The number of applications received varies from year to year. We anticipate that, as space allows, most qualified applicants will be admitted. However, we highly recommend that families apply to more than one school so that another option is available if the child is wait-listed or not accepted.
DK: 18-20 spaces
K: approximately 24 spaces
Grades 1-7: contingent upon attrition
Applications for eighth grade are not considered except in special circumstances, which are discussed individually with prospective families.
Westside Neighborhood School admits students of any race, religion, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.
How old must a child be in order to enter kindergarten?
To be eligible for the DK program, children must be 4 1/2 years of age by September 1 of the entering year. To be eligible for the K program, children must be 5 years of age by September 1 of the entering year.
What is your policy on siblings?
WNS’s sibling policy is consistent with our philosophy of supporting families. Although we cannot guarantee admission to a sibling, we do grant preferential consideration when all other factors determining admission are equal.
