The Independent School of Winchester (ISW) and the Youth Development Center (YDC) are proud to announce that ISW’s Middle and High School programs will soon be offering a full array of classes, available full or part-time, at the YDC. Classes will include: Humanities, Math, Middle School Science and High School Biology, Spanish, American Sign Language, Performing Arts, and Communications. Beginning Fall 2014, ISW students will gain access to a gym, a black box theater, a picnic area, a stream, lots of green space, and, of course, several well-equipped classrooms.
The two organizations are thrilled to be partnering. ISW and YDC have very similar missions. ISW’s mission is “to create a learning environment where young people discover and develop their own unique abilities: to think logically and critically, to effect positive change in the world, and to approach life with an open heart.” YDC’s mission is provide “area youth with the opportunity for recreational and educational programs focused on their total development.” Both organizations were founded as gifts to the larger Winchester community—with the goal of benefiting as many school-aged area residents as possible. According to ISW Head of School Claire McDonald, “ISW isn’t your typical private school. Our entire program faces outward and seeks to engage the larger community. We regularly offer educational opportunities for parents and students from many schools. Partnering with the YDC was a natural next step. Think of the possibilities!”
The first ISW/YDC co-presented program will be Young Actors Academy, with Thomasin Savaiano directing. This workshop runs July 21 to August 1 and culminates with students presenting two plays, chosen specifically for their acting abilities. More information about this workshop can be found at www.iswva.org.
ISW and YDC look forward to many more opportunities to partner, and discussions are in progress exploring the options. “Together, we are going to make a big difference for our area’s young people and their families,” comments McDonald.
For more information, contact Claire McDonald: Claire@iswva.org, 540-877-5552. For Middle School admissions information, see http://www.iswva.org/isw-admissions-process/ and for High School admissions, see http://www.iswva.org/download-application/.