Alternative assessments are a wonderful tool to use to assess student understanding. Traditional methods call to mind pencil and paper, independent work, a grade from the teacher, and limited to no reflection. However, alternative assessments center on teacher-designed assessments that share insight into the content and way in which students are learning, assess a wider range of skills, and allow students to play a more active role in the learning and assessment process.

In French class, the 8th graders spent the year preparing for an exciting Parisian adventure. They studied the city of Paris—its iconic landmarks, how to navigate the metro system, and classic French cuisine. Their learning extended beyond geography and food to encompass the broad sweep of French history, beginning with the Gaulois in 400 B.C., moving through the Gallo-Romans, the Middle Ages, Modern Times, and into the Contemporary Era.

April brought something very special for our 8th graders—their long-awaited trip to Spain finally happened! After so much excitement and preparation, the students were ready for a week full of learning, fun, and unforgettable memories.

In honor of National Poetry Month, Grade 3 students learned about different types of poetry, rhyme scheme, tone, and figurative language. They were then asked to pick a poem from a collection of classic children's poetry books to memorize and perform with the appropriate rhythm, tone, and expression.

Spring is in full swing, and Grade 2 is thriving as we explore new genres in reading and dive into the world of poetry, all while learning about the fascinating types of weather! Our students are expanding their reading horizons by exploring different genres, from adventure tales to informational texts.

The Woods Academy would like to congratulate our many chess club attendees who represented the school at this year's Knights of Columbus Spring 2025 Charity Youth Chess Tournament. Attached is an image of this year's Woods Academy attendees. We would also like to celebrate the achievement of Aditya K. (Grade 2) who finished in first place for his age bracket at the tournament. Attached is an image of Aditya with his first-place trophy. In years past, The Woods Academy has had other students win awards, and we have also won team trophies. 

On March 4th, the whole school celebrated Mardi Gras and Carnaval before transitioning to the solemn season of Lent. Students in French and Spanish learned about the holidays, created their own masks, and wore them while parading through the halls to the beat of French and Spanish songs.

This March, the Art teacher, Ms. Branitsky and World Languages teachers; Mme. Jibladze, Sra. Sheehan, and myself, Sra. González had the wonderful opportunity to take our Grade 5 students to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in honor of Women’s History Month. In this enriching experience, students explored remarkable works created by Spanish- and French-speaking women artists such as Frida Khalo, Remedios Varo and Sarah Bernhardt. They analyzed the significance of these works and discussed their historical and cultural impact

Our Grade 3 students are all about the solar system this trimester! From the planets and the sun to the International Space Station and astronauts, we are exploring all the facets that are associated with the great vacuum we know as outer space!

A child’s ability to learn and thrive in school is deeply connected to their emotional and physical well-being. When children feel loved, happy, and safe, their brains are more open to absorbing new information, solving problems, and developing critical thinking skills. Creating a secure and joyful learning environment is essential for fostering their growth, curiosity, and confidence.

While summer is supposed to be a time for relaxation and a slower pace, it can be hard to find that peacefulness when you’re overscheduled with swimming and diving, camps, and inconsistent schedules. We all know it’s important to limit screen time, in general, but trying to do so during summer months can be hard. Here are a few benefits of reading this summer vs. consuming digital medi

In today's digital age, where screens dominate and schedules often seem overstuffed with academic pursuits, the significance of outdoor play for young children cannot be overstated. Beyond simple recreation, outdoor play serves as a cornerstone for development, fostering physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being in young minds. At The Woods Academy, we know the importance of educating the whole child. That includes preparing them for the everchanging 21st century world, but also making sure we are educating our students to be well-rounded individuals.