✏️ 2026–2027 School Supply Lists Are Ready

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 is my kid 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 have created a graphic to help you! Link Graphic Here

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

How will my student get into college if they never take test? include schools kids have been accepted to / scholarships

Starting in Middle School your students will begin to have quizzes and tests. We also have a college counselor to help them to get into college

Beginning in Upper elementary - quizzes

map testing begins in second grade, additional fluency in first.

TSI -College Readiness test and dual credit with Warton Junior college and other opportunities.

Can you explain the grading system?

Need someone on staff to help with this one...

Elementary

1 Needs Improvement: not making expected progress
2 Developing Proficiency: developing proficiency in skill/concept with guidance
2+ Initial Proficiency: Proficient; starting to exhibit mastery of skill/concept
3 Proficient: Proficient; exhibits mastery of skill/concept
3+ Exceeds Proficiency: Exceeds Proficiency, exhibits grade level starndards
4 Above Grade Level: Demonstrates above grade level proficiency & independence

IN middle it begins to shift to letter and number grades

High school - they will get a transcript with credits.

Is WIDE an acreddited School / Are you approved for the Texas voucher program?

What accreditations do we have?

yes National Private Schools Accreditation Group

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

No. WIDE does not administer STAAR testing.

Instead, WIDE aligns with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the same state standards used by all Texas public schools. These standards outline what students should learn in each subject from kindergarten through 12th grade.

While WIDE covers all required TEKS, our students go beyond memorization and checklists. They learn through hands-on projects, real-world connections, and critical thinking. This approach allows them to question, create, collaborate, and apply their knowledge meaningfully.

To measure growth, WIDE uses ongoing assessments throughout the year, including the MAP test (administered in the fall and spring). Standardized tests like MAP provide helpful data, but they’re just one part of how we evaluate each student’s learning journey.

If you would like to review your student’s MAP results or discuss their progress, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

Parents can view the full list of state standards here: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Can we get a daily class schedule?

explain a loose schedule.

high school is more of a block schedule. Some are longer blocks with breaks during

rotation of think tanks when in lower and upper elementary

beginning in middle school they can select one per semester and move around if they want to change.

What is poetry Night?

Poetry Night is one of WIDE School’s most cherished traditions. Each year, parents and students come together to share poems and self-portraits in an intimate evening of reflection, creativity, and connection. It’s a special time to celebrate each child’s growth and the bond between parent and student.

This is a formal evening event for each student and their parents only.

Please do not invite grandparents, siblings, or other family members, as space is limited and the evening is meant to be an intimate parent–child experience. Families who arrive with additional guests will not be admitted.

To accommodate families with multiple students, presentations are scheduled in a specific order with planned intermissions so parents can move between classrooms.

Learn more about poetry night here

Who can travel with the school?

High School (Grades 9–12):

Eligible for international travel programs like Japan, France, and Greece.

Middle School (Grades 6–8):

Participate in domestic trips such as Austin and San Antonio.

International travel will be gradually introduced with shorter, age-appropriate programs.

Elementary & Preschool:

Included in local and regional trips, such as Austin or San Antonio, with itineraries carefully tailored to their age group.

Example: A preschool itinerary might focus on a single museum and outdoor exploration, while a high school itinerary includes civic engagement, historical tours, and in-depth learning activities.

question about guiding students once they get to highschool

Answer

What are graduates up to now? and how have they adjusted from such a small school to the college expereince?

Answer

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.

Amelia Reggio / 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.

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.

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