Special Programs
Essential Skills. Dynamic Learning. A Complete Foundation.
At Woodward, learning goes way beyond standard textbooks and lectures. Our Special Programs, like hands-on Engineering, active Movement, and reflective Seminar classes, are all about giving you the space to explore new interests, challenge yourself, and discover who you want to be.
In these classes, you’ll get to test your own designs in the lab, build healthy habits that actually fit your life, and master smart study skills in a space where it's totally safe to try, fail, and try again. Every single class is an opportunity to grow your skills, find your voice, and build the confidence you need to thrive here and out in the real world.
In these classes, you’ll get to test your own designs in the lab, build healthy habits that actually fit your life, and master smart study skills in a space where it's totally safe to try, fail, and try again. Every single class is an opportunity to grow your skills, find your voice, and build the confidence you need to thrive here and out in the real world.

From seasoned stage performers to anyone who just loves to sing, our Chorus elective is your chance to turn up the volume. This is a unique space where middle and upper schoolers from all grades come together to find their rhythm as a team. Under the guidance of Kyle and Healy, our amazing theater directors and former Broadway professionals, you'll expand your vocal skills, build your range, and find your unique stage presence.It’s all about collaboration, having fun, and sharing your voice with the community. You’ll get to show off your hard work at several performances throughout the year, including our lovely Winter Solstice Assembly, Grandfriends Day, and sometimes a special send-off on the very last day of school.
In our Middle School Engineering elective, you get to roll up your sleeves and bring your ideas to life using our awesome Maker Space or Computer Lab. You’ll dive straight into hands-on projects, building real creations like sturdy popsicle-stick bridges and rubber band-powered cars. Plus, you’ll get to use actual tools and our 3D printers to make your designs a reality.It’s a creative, high-energy space where you can brainstorm, test your limits, and learn by doing. We make engineering fun and accessible right from the start, helping you build confidence in your skills and discover just how exciting innovation can be!
Taking care of yourself is about so much more than just physical fitness. Our Health and Wellness courses meet you exactly where you are at different points in your Woodward career, focusing on the topics that matter most to your grade level. You’ll dive into conversations about nutrition, building genuine self-esteem, navigating healthy relationships, and even mastering financial wellness. It’s all about looking at the big picture of health and giving you the tools to take care of every aspect of being human.These classes give you a supportive, open space to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn how to balance the demands of school and life. By focusing on your well-being now, you’ll build the real-world habits and inner confidence you need to thrive both today and long after you graduate.
Managing a busy high school schedule can be a lot, which is why our Learning Lab elective is a favorite for so many Upper School students. Think of it as your ultimate structured work time, giving you direct access to a teacher who is there specifically to help you tackle tough homework assignments or big projects. Instead of just sitting in a quiet study hall, your Learning Lab teacher will actively check in with you to see what’s on your plate, help you prioritize your to-do list, and guide you through your individual goals.It’s the perfect space to get ahead on your workload, stay organized, and build smart study habits. By giving you dedicated time to focus with expert support right there in the room, Learning Lab helps you take control of your academics and walk out of school feeling confident and prepared.
Sitting at a desk all day can get old, which is why our Movement class is all about getting up and shaking things up. Built specifically for Middle Schoolers, this class lets you move your body in fun, non-traditional ways. You might find yourself taking a crisp walk to the park one day, or dancing to the projected Just Dance video on the big screen in the auditorium the next.It’s the ultimate way to burn off some extra steam, laugh with friends, and keep your body feeling good. Instead of a rigid gym class, this gives you the perfect active break to recharge your batteries so you can tackle the rest of your school day feeling refreshed.
Conference is the ultimate pause button in your busy week. It’s a dedicated class period where the whole school tunes in at the exact same time, giving you a chance to huddle up with your advisor and your advisory group. This is your time to team up and plan fun, community-focused events, like plotting out your upcoming advisory potluck breakfast or scripting your skits for the annual Thanksgiving Feast event.Beyond group planning, Conference serves as your built-in catch-up time. You can use it to get a head start on your evening homework, study for an upcoming quiz, or drop in on other teachers around the school to make up a missed assignment or test. It’s a flexible, supportive time designed to help you organize your week, connect with your friends, and take a deep breath.


