Washington School (Mississippi)
Encyclopedia
Washington School is a small, non-denominational, private school in Greenville, Mississippi
. Washington School offers pre-school, elementary, middle, and college preparatory education to Greenville and the surrounding areas.
In its first year, Washington School had a total of 23 staff members and 323 students.Classes were originally held in the current elementary building. The current total enrollment is over 740 students with the average size of a graduating class being around 60 students.
Washington School continues to remain true to its mission statement: "As a college preparatory school, Washington School's mission is to promote life-long learning, moral and spiritual values, and academic excellence."
Washington School also boasts a fine arts program consisting of concert and pep bands, violin instruction, 3-D and 2-D high school visual art programs, weekly visual arts classes for PK-6, optional visual arts classes for grades 7 and 8, as well as an impressive drama department. The elementary school has participated in the Mississippi Arts Commission's Whole Schools Initiative, which is a program designed to assist schools in integrating the arts into the school's existing curriculum.
A particular strength of Washington School is the faculty and staff. All faculty are teaching in their area of degree and certification. A special point of pride is that 55% of the faculty have their Master's Degree and beyond.
is an honorary society that recognizes academic excellence. Mu Alpha Theta
is another club that honors achievement in mathematics. There are also The Fellowship of Christian Students and Younglife for those interested in religion. Students also have the option of participating in competitive academic teams, such as Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, Envirothon, Mathletes, Poetry Out Loud, and Mock Trial. The school makes community service a priority for its students in all grades. Washington School is proud of its student government; the Washington School Student Council has earned recognition as the "Most Outstanding Student Council" in MAIS for nine consecutive years.
Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville is a city in Washington County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 48,633 at the 2000 census, but according to the 2009 census bureau estimates, it has since declined to 42,764, making it the eighth-largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Washington...
. Washington School offers pre-school, elementary, middle, and college preparatory education to Greenville and the surrounding areas.
History
Washington School has a proud tradition of offering a quality education and nurturing environment to generations of students that spans forty years. The school was established in the spring of 1969 when citizens saw the need for a local college preparatory school. Since then Washington School has continuously built upon its reputation of being a leader in academic excellence.In its first year, Washington School had a total of 23 staff members and 323 students.Classes were originally held in the current elementary building. The current total enrollment is over 740 students with the average size of a graduating class being around 60 students.
Washington School continues to remain true to its mission statement: "As a college preparatory school, Washington School's mission is to promote life-long learning, moral and spiritual values, and academic excellence."
Academics and arts
Washington School's college prep curriculum is tailored to meet the requirements mandated by the Institutions of Higher Learning (College Board) and the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. To challenge the top students academically, Advanced Placement, honors classes, and advanced classes are offered. Additionally, seniors have the option to earn up to 15 hours of college credit in a dual enrollment program. Exploration Station and Support Services are available for students who need additional help outside the instruction given by their teacher during class.Washington School also boasts a fine arts program consisting of concert and pep bands, violin instruction, 3-D and 2-D high school visual art programs, weekly visual arts classes for PK-6, optional visual arts classes for grades 7 and 8, as well as an impressive drama department. The elementary school has participated in the Mississippi Arts Commission's Whole Schools Initiative, which is a program designed to assist schools in integrating the arts into the school's existing curriculum.
A particular strength of Washington School is the faculty and staff. All faculty are teaching in their area of degree and certification. A special point of pride is that 55% of the faculty have their Master's Degree and beyond.
Clubs and organizations
There is a growing arts and athletic program that develops more and more each year. There are also a number of clubs that bring together students with similar interests and goals. The National Beta ClubNational Beta Club
The National Beta Club is an organization for 5th-12th graders in the United States, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, character and service....
is an honorary society that recognizes academic excellence. Mu Alpha Theta
Mu Alpha Theta
Mu Alpha Theta is a United States mathematics honor society for high schools and two-year colleges. It has over 89,000 student members in more than 1,800 schools worldwide. Its main goals are to inspire keen interest in mathematics, develop strong scholarship in the subject, and promote the...
is another club that honors achievement in mathematics. There are also The Fellowship of Christian Students and Younglife for those interested in religion. Students also have the option of participating in competitive academic teams, such as Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, Envirothon, Mathletes, Poetry Out Loud, and Mock Trial. The school makes community service a priority for its students in all grades. Washington School is proud of its student government; the Washington School Student Council has earned recognition as the "Most Outstanding Student Council" in MAIS for nine consecutive years.
Athletics
Washington School supports 13 very competitive sports for boys and girls that include softball, soccer, cross-country, football, basketball, tennis, golf, baseball, and track. The facilities in place to support the various sports include a football and track complex, gymnasium, softball field, baseball field, soccer field, and an indoor practice/weight room facility. Over the years, Washington School has won numerous state championships in the top division of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA-Division II. The football team most recently captured the state championship in 2008 and 2009. Many Washington School student/athletes choose to continue playing their respective sports at the junior college level, the Division II level, and a few at the Division I level.Administration
- Headmaster: Rodney Brown
- Secondary Principal: Al Ray
- Elementary School Principal: Nan Johnson