Academic Summer Program

A direct instruction teaching model is used to deliver the summer curriculum. In the direct instruction model —a structured, systematic, and effective research-based methodology— students are provided with a purpose and rationale for learning a new strategy or skill, clear explanations, teacher demonstrations, and time to practice with teacher feedback until mastery is achieved. Peer-led group work is not utilized in the direct instruction model.

Windward utilizes a group model of learning in a small class setting. Teachers deliver instruction to the whole class using the direct instruction model. In this model, students do not receive individualized curriculum or instruction. The Summer Program addresses student learning differences through a highly structured classroom environment and curriculum design. The Summer Program does not implement student IEPs or 504s.

Please make class selections based on the grade that your child will be entering as of this upcoming September.

In grades 3 through 9, we do not directly teach lessons dedicated to decoding due to the nature of the PAF program and the various needs of the students within one class. Reading and writing teachers will direct students to syllabicate words within a passage of an article or a book as needed.

Since we do not screen students for entry into the program, we will not need your student’s IEP, 504, psycho-educational evaluation, or any other related paperwork. The program directors would be happy to discuss if placement in the program will be beneficial for your student.

At the end of the program, progress reports as well as completed work from academic classes will be sent home. In addition, summer program teachers and guidance counselors are proactive in communicating with families when necessary.

Transportation to and from the School is the responsibility of each family. The Windward School does not provide or arrange transportation.

The earliest you can drop your student off in the morning is 8:45 a.m. The latest you can pick students up is 12:15 p.m. for a half day or 2:45 p.m. for a full day.

Snacks and beverages will be provided each day. Students attending the full-day program are responsible for bringing their own nut-free lunch.

The Windward School Summer Program does not require COVID-19 vaccination but encourages COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible students.

The Second Grade and Half Day programs are $3,700. The full day program is $4,700.

The $500 security deposit is non-refundable and is due at registration. A refund for additional tuition payments will be granted if the Windward School Summer Program receives written notice of withdrawal no later than May 31, 2025. No refund will be granted after the registration deadline of May 31, 2025, if a student is modifying from full-day to half-day enrollment. Registrations submitted after May 31, 2025 are subject to availability, must be paid in full at the time of registration, and are not eligible for refund requests.

The Summer Program makes every effort to ensure that every student who wishes to enroll has the financial ability to do so. Therefore, Windward offers financial aid to qualified applicants based on the individual needs of the families and availability of funding. Financial aid is awarded on a first come first served basis. Please contact the Financial Aid Director, Dr. Erik Bennett, for further information.

Applications for financial aid can be requested beginning January 8, 2025. The deadline for requesting an application is May 2, 2025.

Families should contact Dr. Erik Bennett to request an application for financial aid before trying to enroll in the Summer Program.

After submitting a complete application, a preliminary review will be conducted to determine eligibility. Once eligibility is determined, an enrollment passcode will be provided to the family. This passcode should then be used to complete the online Summer Program registration. Families can expect to be notified of exact financial aid allocations within two weeks* of submitting the completed financial aid application.

*Submissions prior to March 2025 may have longer wait times as financial aid funds are based on Summer Program enrollment.

Questions regarding the financial aid process may be directed to:

Dr. Erik Bennett, PhD
Financial Aid Director
(914) 949-6968, ext. 1271
Email: ebennett@thewindwardschool.org

All information related to the parents/guardians’ financial circumstances will be treated confidentially.

The following forms must be submitted for an application to be considered complete:

• a copy of both parents’ or guardians’ 2023 1040 federal tax return with all schedules and W2’s
• a copy of both parents’ or guardians’ 2024 W2’s
• if either parent or guardian is self-employed, a copy of the 2023 corporate tax return
• Once available, a copy of both parents’ or guardians’ 2024 federal tax return and accompanying W2(s) if these have not been provided earlier.

The Windward School believes that families have an obligation to pay for the educational expenses of their children to the extent that they are able. The Financial Aid Committee will consider the assets of custodial parent(s)/guardian(s), if living, before making any award, and cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent/guardian has disclaimed, legally or otherwise, any responsibility for educational expenses. If either parent/guardian has remarried, the committee will also consider the income and assets of the stepparent, as well.

Both custodial and non-custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) and their current spouses, if any, must fill out a separate Summer Program Financial Aid application form. If this information is not provided, the committee will not be able to consider the application for financial aid.