What Makes Us Extraordinary
The Whole Learning School was founded in 2003 to offer students with unique learning styles a trusting, safe environment where teaching and learning are enjoyable and students are assisted as they develop responsibility and independence. All aspects of the school's organization, curriculum and life-skills activities are child-centered and designed to accommodate individual learning styles so that all may experience success.
At TWLS, we find out how kids are smart. We believe that that all human beings possess "multiple intelligences." This concept, developed in 1983 by Harvard University Professor Howard Gardner, proposes that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead he proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential. We explore all the ways our students are smart and we make learning fun.
We also go beyond simply feeding students information. We explore students' strengths and provide the extra help needed in others. To accommodate the ways in which our students can excel, we promote a well-rounded curriculum that allows them to use their heads, hands, and hearts in an environment where they feel acceptance and safety. Our 9:1 student-teacher ratio means that each child is known and understood by his or her instructors and assignments can be tailored to fit each student's individual learning style.
In serving a population of kids who often fall through the cracks in a typical school setting, TWLS focuses on reading, writing, thinking, music, drama, and art. Some kids learn best by doing, others by listening, still others by seeing or reading. We encourage each child to use his or her strengths to succeed and our total approach delivers an educational structure supportive of individual learning styles. Go to our program for more.
Who We Serve
TWLS currently accepts students in grades 1-12 who present with below average intellectual and academic profiles. They may also have the diagnosis of a cognitively or neurologically-based learning difficulty. These children present an intellectual and academic profile that corresponds to standard scores of 70-85 on psycho-educational assessments.
Our students must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability and behavioral functioning to allow them to fully participate at TWLS. Because many of our students are fragile learners, we are not equipped to serve children with significant behavior challenges.
About Our Logo
Our logo, the Flower of Life symbol, is considered to be sacred among many cultures around the world, both ancient and modern. The symbol can be used as a metaphor to illustrate the connectedness of all life and spirit within the universe. At TWLS, the flower of life symbolizes our connected approach to teaching the whole child, inspiring head, heart and hands.
Member of NAIS
The Whole Learning School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The NAIS represents more than 1,200 schools nationwide and is devoted to the purpose of serving and strengthening independent schools. To learn more, visit www.nais.org.
The Whole Learning School
5524 West 41st Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 345-2295