Culture
Our teachers are gifted, called, and committed to the Wilberforce mission. Teachers model the integration of faith and learning, and affirm the spiritual truths that our students learn at home and at church. Our teachers believe in educating the whole student -- mind, body, and soul -- to form a vibrant community of learners. They also are the leaders of our community of learners, modeling our growth mindset philosophy and inviting our students to join them in a lifelong love of learning.
We also recognize that parents are a child’s first and best teachers. We maintain strong lines of communication between teachers and parents as we seek to partner with families in educating our children. Wilberforce also has many opportunities for parent involvement in the classroom and in our community. Our Parent-Teacher Fellowship enables parents to support the school by volunteering at events, and weekly praying together for our entire school community.
Traditions
While our distinctive culture is played out every day in the normal activities of the classroom, there are also several key special moments throughout the year that have become beloved traditions in our community. We invite you to join us!
Weekly Chapel is a time to foster devotion through music, testimonies, communal reading, and teaching from Scripture. Chapel is open to families, and is an integral aspect of our student life. Convocation Chapel, our special first chapel service of the academic year, sets a tone of dedication and renewal of commitment, presenting ourselves to God for His great work at Wilberforce.
GrandFriends Day and Evening with GrandFriends celebrates the grandparents and friends who are essential supporters in a student's life. We invite these important people in to see a glimpse of their students' school lives, and celebrate these vital relationships with a day of student recitations, project presentations, speeches, and a joyous reception.
Our Lessons & Carols service is structured like the traditional 18th-century service of scripture and song celebrating the incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ. Students lead recite scripture, perform music, and lead congregational singing as all those gathered meditate on the miracle of Christmas.
Wilberforce Week kicks off our spring semester each year with a time of remembering our namesake, William Wilberforce. Special events educate our students in Wilberforce’s life and works. The week concludes with a special chapel including guest speakers, music, and prayer.
Reading Rally honors classical literature and continues to foster delight in reading great books. In February, students commit to reading a certain number of minutes each week. Students seek out donors who will financially sponsor students to reach their reading goals. Donations are used to build our school library. Reading Rally culminates with a “Dress Like a Book Character Day.”
Fine Arts Day and Evening of the Arts celebrate the artistic work and achievements of all students in the fine arts. Students invite friends, family and neighbors to view their art from the entire year, and to listen to students perform music, memorized speeches, drama, and forensics. Students also display their service-oriented trimester projects.