OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide a high quality individualized education to all students within a positive, safe environment.

Our goal is to motivate our students to become active participants in the learning process. We will use the best curriculum and the best teaching practices available in order to help each of them to reach his/her full potential. We desire to be a supportive influence to each of the families represented and to model and teach a Christ-like attitude in every area of life.

OUR STORY

Our administrator, Charlotte Tollefson, began her career by working as a special education teacher in the public school system. Dissatisfied with what the public school system was able to offer to its exceptional students, in 1999, Mrs. Tollefson established Woodlawn Community Academy.

Its mission from day one was to provide a top quality, individualized education to all students, regardless of economic background or intellectual disability.

The academy distinguished itself early on by hiring experienced special education teachers with a commitment to the success of every student, low teacher to student ratios, a highly structured behavior management system, and the latest in curriculum and technology.

To date, hundreds of students have found success at Woodlawn Community Academy. Sometimes this success was quite unexpected. Christy Warden enrolled her son Shawn at WCA in 2009. Prior to discovering WCA, Christy had been told by doctors that her son, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome, may never speak, write or read. This year, Shawn is writing his name and beginning to speak. Christy commented,
“WCA has accomplished more for Shawn in 4 years than we thought possible. We are so thankful that we discovered this school. It has changed our family’s life.”

Shawn is just one of the success stories of WCA. Like Shawn, every student at WCA is given an individualized education plan that sets gradual, attainable goals. Every day they have access to computers and technology, are instructed in small group settings and are challenged to grow.

All that WCA does is based upon the belief that every story matters. Each and every student is valuable and can be successful. We hope to offer the best that education has to offer within a safe, Christian environment.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The educational philosophy of Woodlawn Community Academy reflects our vision of a Christian learning community in partnership with the family.

We desire to develop the whole child to their highest potential in all areas: intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, and moral. We want our students to be successful, self-reliant citizens.

Each child is accepted, loved and treasured as a gift from God. Areas of special attention in our school environment are love for others, as well as for God and for ourselves. The ideals of respect, responsible decision making and problem solving are emphasized. Student’s needs are met individually so that each child can successfully learn.

We believe that students learn best in a positive climate of respect, safety and trust where the educational program is designed and implemented by knowledgeable, dedicated and loving educators. We do not work alone, but in cooperation and good communication with the family of each child. As team members we work together in the best interests of the child.

OUR BOARD

The Woodlawn Community Academy Board of Directors is the governing body of Woodlawn Community Academy Inc., a 501 C-3 non-profit organization. The Board of Directors is made up of members of the community who have an interest in and commitment to the mission of WCA.

The Board of Directors does not make policy, but governs the policies, plans, and goals, which have been set in motion by the Executive Director and staff. This governing role is critical to helping the organization achieve its mission and goals.
You may download a PDF that lists in detail the specific responsibilities of the WCA Board of Directors by clicking HERE.