Only at WIDE

Welcome to WIDE - since we are a different kind of school - we do things a little differently! On this page, we wanted to give you some info and behind-the-scenes details so you don't feel so lost!

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is my child in?

Yes it can be confusing at times, but the students really begin to identify with their class names.

The pre-school classrooms are rooted in nature, these names remain the same for the classroom.

Once they move into Kindergarten, they get their cosmic / crust name. It is important to note that this name will remain with the class the rest of their time at WIDE.

We also divide our classes into groupings, this allows students to not only socialize among other classrooms but also learn and engage in different subjects at varying levels.
Lower Elementary: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Upper Elementary: 3rd - 5th Grade
Middle School: 6th - 8th Grade
High School: 9th - 12th Grade

Can you explain the grading system?

Elementary students receive proficiency-based grades that show their progress toward mastering skills and concepts:

1 – Needs Improvement: Not yet making expected progress
2 – Developing Proficiency: Developing the skill with guidance
2+ – Initial Proficiency: Demonstrating the skill and beginning to show mastery
3 – Proficient: Independently meets grade-level expectations
3+ – Exceeds Proficiency: Exceeds grade-level expectations
4 – Above Grade Level: Demonstrates above-grade-level mastery and independence

In Middle School, grading gradually shifts toward traditional letter and number grades. High School students earn course credits and receive an official transcript.

Do students take STAAR testing? Can we see the results?

No. WIDE does not administer the STAAR test. Our curriculum aligns with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), while emphasizing hands-on projects, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application.

Student growth is measured through classroom assessments and MAP testing in the fall and spring. Parents may contact their child’s teacher to review MAP results and discuss their progress.

View the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

How will my student prepare for college without frequent traditional testing?

At WIDE, less emphasis on traditional testing in the early years does not mean less learning. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired, whole-child approach measures learning through projects, portfolios, presentations, observation, and demonstrated mastery—not test scores alone.

Formal assessments are introduced gradually. Fluency assessments begin in first grade, MAP testing in second grade, quizzes in Upper Elementary, and additional tests in Middle School.

High school students receive college counseling, TSI preparation, dual-credit opportunities through Wharton County Junior College, internships, and application and scholarship support.

WIDE graduates have been accepted into trade programs and universities including LSU, the University of Houston, San Diego State, UNT, and Emory, with many receiving scholarships.

Our goal is not simply to help students get into college. It is to develop confident, capable, self-directed learners who are prepared to succeed in college, a trade program, the workplace, and life.

Can we get a daily class schedule?

WIDE follows a flexible daily schedule that allows time for projects, collaboration, and student needs.

Lower and Upper Elementary students rotate through different Think Tanks. Beginning in Middle School, students select a Think Tank each semester and may request a change. High School follows more of a block schedule, with longer class periods and breaks throughout the day.

For a student’s current schedule, please contact their teacher directly.

What is Poetry Night?

Poetry Night is one of WIDE’s most cherished traditions. Parents and students share poems and self-portraits during an intimate evening celebrating creativity, connection, and each child’s growth.

This formal event is for students and their parents only. Due to limited space, grandparents, siblings, and other guests cannot be accommodated. Presentations and intermissions are carefully scheduled so parents with multiple students can move between classrooms.

Learn more about Poetry Night

Who can travel with the school?

Travel opportunities vary by age and are designed to support students’ learning and independence.

High School: May participate in international programs to destinations such as Japan, France, and Greece.
Middle School: Participates in domestic trips, such as Austin and San Antonio, with shorter international opportunities introduced gradually.
Elementary and Preschool: Participates in age-appropriate local and regional trips.

Each itinerary is tailored to the students’ developmental level, from focused museum and outdoor experiences for younger students to civic, historical, and cultural studies for older students.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Think Tank
Think Tanks are like electives - special classes such as chess, art, music, and technology where students can explore their interests and talents beyond core academics.

Atelier [ah-tel-YAY]
French for “studio.” At WIDE, the Yellow House Atelier is the creative heart of our campus - a space where students explore art in all its forms and work with practicing artists. It’s where creativity, community, and classroom projects come together.

Reggio Emilia Approach
An educational philosophy from Reggio Emilia, Italy that inspires WIDE’s project-based learning. It emphasizes hands-on exploration, collaboration, and viewing children as capable learners who help guide their own education.

Zones of Regulation
A framework that helps students recognize and manage their emotions. Using four color “zones,” students learn to express how they’re feeling and develop strategies to regulate their behavior — supporting the whole child, not just academics. Learn more

Executive Function
The set of skills students use to plan, stay organized, manage time, and follow through on tasks. At WIDE, students practice executive function strategies, including goal-setting, prioritizing assignments, keeping track of materials, and developing routines. These skills help them become more independent learners and prepare them for success beyond the classroom. This time is often used as a study hall so students can learn how to manage their workload.

Altitude
The learning management platform WIDE used before switching to Headrush. Families may still see references to Altitude, but all student learning is now tracked through Headrush.

Headrush
Our current learning management platform, where students document projects, track progress, and share their learning with teachers and parents.

PEG (Parent Engagement Group)
A group of parents who supported our school community and created an online parent hub, which has evolved into this current site.

Module & Tasks
An assignment in Headrush.

Rediscovering Food
Our Square Account - when you order food from the farmers market, cupcakes, etc or WIDE school shirts, the orders go back to our Rediscovering Food square account.

Goats, Chickens and Snakes! Oh My!

Animals are an important part of learning at WIDE. From classroom pets, fish, and an axolotl to quail, chickens, goats, and our monarch waystation, students have opportunities to observe, care for, and connect with living things. Younger students explore the animal life cycle by watching chicks hatch and voting on their names, while middle school students can follow an Animal Science track and help care for our chickens, goats, and quail.

Page updated

Report abuse