Blending tradition and innovation, Weilenmann School of Discovery provides individualized learning delivered by Master Teachers in a close-knit community.
We exceed Utah core standards by integrating visual and performing arts, outdoor education, lab science, PE, and an off-campus Adventure PE program into the K–8 curriculum. Instruction is supported by technology platforms that assist in monitoring the progress of each student in each core subject.
“We are so happy to be at WSD and love everything about it!”
— Stephanie, Lower and Middle School Parent
“I like the teachers, they are really nice. And I love all the projects we do, especially art projects.”
-Kate, Lower School Student
The WSD Difference
The educational experience at WSD includes the following three components.
Individualized Learning
Strong relationships between teachers and students is just one advantage of our close-knit community. Student efforts are supported in a nurturing environment, watched over by master teachers who care and who know their students well. Their teachers recognize and value the fact that every student in their class is unique, that each student learns content differently, and that some work at vastly different paces.
WSD’s model of differentiated instruction supports an environment where students can take responsibility for their own learning and teachers can meet the unique needs of each student. Teachers differentiate in a variety of ways, including curriculum, learning process, evaluations and assessments, and the environment where learning happens, in order to respond to students’ interests and unique learning profiles. Project-based learning, technology-supported programs, small and flex groups, tiered learning assistance, and a comprehensive Special Education program are other ways teachers individualize instruction in an effort to help students at all levels achieve optimal growth.
“At WSD, it seems very individualized. Teachers engage with their students and really get to know them. And the kids know their teachers–and like them!”
-Heidi, Lower and Middle School Parent
Master Teachers
So much depends on a great teacher! Our teachers, like our students, are valued and respected as the heart of our school. They are drawn from the best talent available and have diverse backgrounds and interests, impressive professional, academic and leadership experience, and a passion for teaching!
Just as we nurture our students along their educational path, we also support our teachers along their professional path. We provide continued professional development that includes conferences, seminars and trainings, evidence-based goal setting, mentoring, and opportunities for leadership. Every teacher receives the personal attention and support needed to grow professionally.
“We love our Lower School experience at WSD! The teachers are kind, patient and do everything they can to challenge the students and help them learn and grow.”
-Jo, Lower School Parent
Close-Knit Community
WSD families, teachers, and administrators have one thing in common–we want the best education possible for our students. It’s what brings us together at WSD, and what continues to unite us as partners in the process.
Because we draw families out of their neighborhood schools, we have forged our own close-knit community of teachers, students, families and friends. Each of us plays an important part, and together we are an impressive network of support.
Within the WSD community are strong relationships between teachers and students, a reliable system of academic and behavioral support, and regular communication between school and home. Healthy school culture is actively promoted, service is a part of every school day, and every child has a friend.
An active and dedicated parent organization donates countless hours to organizing school events, classroom volunteers, carpool routes, fundraisers, and so much more throughout the year. We are governed by an equally dedicated Board of Directors, which oversees our academic and financial health, promotes WSD’s mission and vision, and strategically plans for our school’s future.
Each member of the WSD community is valued. And each contributes to the ongoing success of the Weilenmann School of Discovery.
WSD's Curriculum
In the Lower School (K-5), Language Arts and Writing is a balanced program, built around a structure of small and flexible grouping. Math instruction includes a vertically aligned curriculum series, supplemented by the online ST Math program. Science students learn methodology, principles and concepts in a hands-on environment. Social Studies includes age-appropriate inquiry into continents, cultures, history, geography, etc., as determined by the Utah Core.
Lower School Art students develop technique and experiment in various mediums and forms of self-expression. Music students enjoy a holistic approach that engages voice, listening, movement, recorder, and composition in K-3, and adds options for string, wind, and brass instruments in 4-5. PE focuses on developing gross and fine motor skills, and promoting physical activity for fitness and fun in both indoor and outdoor settings. Outdoor Education is integrated into the homeroom, where students learn skills and environmental awareness as they experience the outdoor classroom. Character Education is woven throughout the Lower School program, emphasizing explicit values and positive reinforcement.
In the Middle School (6 – 8), English students examine multiple genres and media, and continue writing in a workshop setting. Math instruction ensures that Common Core standards are introduced, reinforced, and assessed. Science for each grade level includes life, earth, and physical science, and uses a hands-on approach. Students explore World History (6th), Civics and Utah History (7th), and American History (8th), analyzing historical documents and data.
CCA students (7th) examine education and career opportunities, and learn digital literacy. Art students refine technique and process as they experiment and innovate in multiple art forms. Latin includes reading, writing, speaking and listening, comparative grammar, and cultural studies. Music students commit to a chosen instrument and may elect to participate in Chorus, Band, or Orchestra, with periodic concert performances. Adventure PE explores various indoor and outdoor sports and activities utilizing local venues. Character Education is supported by peer-to-peer programs and initiatives.
Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program
Keep the Arts in Your Child’s Education
Weilenmann School of Discovery is proud to offer the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program to our students. BTSALP helps hundreds of thousands of Utah elementary students receive the arts-enriched education they deserve by placing arts teachers specialized in one of four disciplines – dance, music, theater or visual arts – in schools to work alongside classroom teachers and create arts-based lesson plans in the core subjects of reading, math, science, and history.
Thanks to the support of parents across the state, more than 130 schools throughout Utah
are now experiencing the positive impact of arts-integrated learning, including higher test scores and improved student understanding, retention, behavior, attendance, and self-esteem. Without the advocacy of parents and teachers throughout the state, this program could not continue.
With your help, we can work to keep BTSALP at Weilenmann School of Discovery and expand the program into every Utah elementary school. The advocacy organization Friends of Art Works for Kids was established to protect funding for arts specialists in schools and to advocate for arts-integrated learning. If you have not already done so, please show your support of the cause by visiting www.artworksforkids.org. You can use the site to become a friend of Art Works for Kids, to contact your legislator and convey how important this program is to you and your child, and to learn more about how and why arts-integrated education works.
BTSALP & WSD
WSD’s partnership with the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program benefits students across all grade levels. Specialists in the areas of visual art, music, and PE/movement collaborate with homeroom teachers across multiple disciplines and content areas in arts-integrated instruction. The result is increased support to project-based learning, student engagement, and cross-curricular learning opportunities.
A highlight of WSD’s annual Spring Arts Festival is the student art show, featuring grade level works that have been informed by the study of multiple curricular subjects.