Our Mission
WISH Charter is a free public, independent, non-profit, charter school authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District.Mission and Philosophy
The WISH mission is to maximize every scholar's learning potential within an atmosphere of caring and belonging. The WISH instructional philosophy rests upon the concepts of hands-on learning, meaningful and systematic instruction, and a collaborative group of professionals working together to make the learning environment exciting for students. Evidence-based teaching strategies will be tailored to meet individual development.
WISH is modeled after the award-winning CHIME Charter Elementary School in Woodland Hills, which received the distinction of "Charter School of the Year" by the US Department of Education in 2005. WISH was named a SWIFT Knowledge Development Site by the University of Kansas due to exemplary work implementing our core tenets - one of only 6 schools in the US selected for this auspicious designation. WISH has also been asked to host "Promising Practices" seminars for district schools by the LAUSD.
At WISH, we follow the principles of the constructivist theory. Constructivism emphasizes an internal-oriented approach--learning is an active process, built from a student's interpretation of their own experiences. Students benefit from working collaboratively in groups, enabling them to hear different perspectives and accomplish educational tasks with the help of their peers and experts.
Core Tenets of the WISH model
Optimal Class Size: All Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classrooms have approximately 20 students. Grades 4 through 9 have approximately 25 students.
Collaboration and Co-teaching: Highly qualified, credentialed educators are partners in planning, teaching, and assessing each child. In addition to classroom teachers, teaching specialists support each grade level and move between classrooms to enrich learning opportunities. Music, Art, PE, technology, and specialty teachers utilize a co-teaching model to increase adult to student ratios, provide tailored instruction, and demonstrate best practices for all scholars. Each staff member participates in a 30-minute debriefing session daily. At this time, staff members reflect on the day and share a success, challenge, and action plan for serving children better.
Differentiated Instruction: WISH empowers and inspires learners to reach their highest potential. With an emphasis on social-emotional learning, academic achievement, and a commitment to a whole scholar approach to learning using a variety of modalities, WISH prepares students to be leaders by developing character, building technology skills, and providing a deep understanding of the world. Each summer teachers attend professional development programs on gifted and talented education, technology, and differentiated instruction.
Family Partnerships: The WISH Community Association (WCA) is comprised of parents, students, teachers, staff members, and community members. Working together, we have built an incredible public school that is responsive to each student we serve. Volunteers are central to the success of WISH. The partnerships built with families have led to a thriving and nurturing environment for children. As part of our commitment to a whole-person approach to education, the WISH faculty and parent association work together to raise additional funds to ensure that all students receive high-quality art, music instruction in voice and theory, physical education, and technology instruction.
Core Tenets of the WISH model
Optimal Class Size: All Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classrooms have approximately 20 students. Grades 4 through 9 have approximately 25 students.
Collaboration and Co-teaching: Highly qualified, credentialed educators are partners in planning, teaching, and assessing each child. In addition to classroom teachers, teaching specialists support each grade level and move between classrooms to enrich learning opportunities. Music, Art, PE, technology, and specialty teachers utilize a co-teaching model to increase adult to student ratios, provide tailored instruction, and demonstrate best practices for all scholars. Each staff member participates in a 30-minute debriefing session daily. At this time, staff members reflect on the day and share a success, challenge, and action plan for serving children better.
Differentiated Instruction: WISH empowers and inspires learners to reach their highest potential. With an emphasis on social-emotional learning, academic achievement, and a commitment to a whole scholar approach to learning using a variety of modalities, WISH prepares students to be leaders by developing character, building technology skills, and providing a deep understanding of the world. Each summer teachers attend professional development programs on gifted and talented education, technology, and differentiated instruction.
Family Partnerships: The WISH Community Association (WCA) is comprised of parents, students, teachers, staff members, and community members. Working together, we have built an incredible public school that is responsive to each student we serve. Volunteers are central to the success of WISH. The partnerships built with families have led to a thriving and nurturing environment for children. As part of our commitment to a whole-person approach to education, the WISH faculty and parent association work together to raise additional funds to ensure that all students receive high-quality art, music instruction in voice and theory, physical education, and technology instruction.
All Students Growing and Thriving: Each class builds a strong, inclusive community together! Important academic, social, and ethical skills and attitudes are developed when students with various strengths, needs, and backgrounds learn together.
Affiliation with Loyola Marymount University's School of Education: WISH has an affiliation with the LMU School of Education that provides the ability to collaborate, continually study, and improve the instructional model at WISH while maintaining "best practices." LMU's nationally recognized School of Education is located in close proximity to the WISH campus.
"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand." Chinese proverb