About Us

We empower learners with an innovative program integrating STEAM education and global citizenship. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that by combining these two powerful educational approaches, we can nurture well-rounded, forward-thinking individuals prepared to tackle the complex challenges of our interconnected world. STEAM: A GATEWAY TO GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP We view STEAM education as a crucial pathway to developing global citizens. Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics provides our students with a holistic learning experience beyond traditional subject boundaries. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills essential for understanding and addressing global issues. HANDS-ON LEARNING & REAL-WORLD APPLICATION Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving. Students engage in activities that connect classroom learning to global challenges, such as human impact and social inequality. By working on projects that have tangible impacts on their local and international communities, our learners develop a sense of agency and responsibility toward making the world a better place. CULTIVATING GLOBAL AWARENESS We strive to broaden our students' worldviews by exposing them to diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues. Through our program, learners develop: -An understanding of their own identities and privileges -Empathy and cultural competence -The ability to think critically about global challenges -Skills to collaborate across cultural boundaries PREPARING FUTURE LEADERS Our ultimate goal is to prepare students to become proactive, responsible global citizens who can navigate and positively impact an increasingly complex world. By combining STEAM education with global citizenship, we equip our learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to drive innovation, promote sustainability, and foster positive change worldwide. This unique educational approach aims to inspire a new generation of thoughtful, creative, and globally minded individuals ready to shape a better future for everyone.

WTWA serves grades 6-8 (11-14 year olds). We welcome learners who are passionate about STEAM and want to immerse themselves in other cultures. Our classrooms incorporate a mixed-age grouping approach in which all age levels can learn with each other.

A curriculum that intertwines STEAM and global citizenship fosters innovative problem-solvers equipped to address global challenges. This interdisciplinary approach combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics and focuses on developing global competencies. CORE COMPONENTS 1. Project-Based Learning: Students engage in hands-on projects that address real-world issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 2. Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Learners work with peers from different countries on STEAM projects, fostering intercultural competence and global awareness. 3. Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrate multiple fields of study to encourage creative, innovative, and critical problem-solving skills. KEY SKILLS DEVELOPED -Critical thinking and problem-solving -Cultural empathy and global awareness -Innovation and creativity -Effective communication across cultures -Collaboration in diverse teams IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES -International Virtual Exchanges: Connect students globally for STEAM projects through technology Community-Based Projects: These projects engage students in solving local issues with global implications, applying STEAM skills to real-world challenges. -Sustainable Development Focus: Align projects with SDGs to emphasize the global impact of local actions. By integrating these elements, the curriculum prepares students to become proactive global citizens who can innovate and collaborate to address complex global challenges using their STEAM expertise.

Below is a possible weekly schedule (subject to change): Monday: Global Challenges & Solutions 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: Global Issues Seminar 10:45 - 12:15: STEAM Problem-Solving Workshop 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 2:15: Virtual Exchange with International Partner School 2:30 - 3:00: Read Tuesday: Science & Technology for Sustainability 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: Environmental Science Lab 10:45 - 12:15: Sustainable Technology Design 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 2:15: Coding for Social Good 2:30-3:00: Read Wednesday: Engineering & Math for Global Development 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: Engineering Challenges 10:45 - 12:15: Applied Mathematics in Global Contexts 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 3:00: Project Work: Designing Solutions for SDGs Thursday: Arts & Culture in a Global Perspective 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: World Arts & Music Exploration 10:45 - 12:15: Cultural Communication Through Digital Media 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 3:00: Global Citizenship Through Creative Expression Friday: Field Trips & Community Service 9:00 - 12:00: Field Trip (alternating weeks) Local STEAM industries Cultural institutions Environmental conservation sites Tech startups with global impact OR 9:00 - 12:00: Community Service Projects (alternating weeks) Local park clean-up and biodiversity study Tech workshops STEAM mentoring at elementary schools 12:00 - 1:00: Lunch & Recess 1:00 - 2:30: Reflection & Documentation Group discussions on experiences Journaling and multimedia project creation 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Weekly Wrap-up & Global Citizen Spotlight Incorporated in the weekly schedules are guest speakers, global language practice, individual teacher-student check-ins

A social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum that empowers students to trust their inner wisdom and cultivate personal growth through emotional, mental, and physical practices. MBS includes foundations of self, personalized pathways, reflection cycles, and community connection.

Students and their adults can join engaging, frequent field trips. Explore new locations, gain valuable insights, and create lasting memories with peers. These experiences enrich our classroom learning and allow for real-world experiences. POTENTIAL FIELD TRIPS: -The Paintbrush -Junior Chefs Kitchen -Skyzone -Museum of Science & Industry -Field Museum -Adler Planetarium -Shedd Aquarium -Lincoln Park Zoo -Illinois Holocaust Museum -Theaters (plays) -Chicago Architecture Center & Boat Tour -Chicago Botanic Garden -Climbzone Chicago -American Writers Museum -Art Institute of Chicago -Fire Station -Botanical Gardens

We are thrilled to welcome our amazing guests, including guest speakers from various professions connecting to global citizenship and STEAM, workshop leaders, and engaged parents! Guest involvement truly enhances our educational journey and fosters a vibrant sense of collaboration within our community.

The year culminates in a class trip to Costa Rica! Traveling as a class offers a unique opportunity to explore the Costa Rican culture together. It fosters teamwork and collaboration while immersing students in diverse traditions, customs, and lifestyles. This experience broadens their horizons and creates lasting memories and friendships. While on our trips, we will focus on STEAM and global citizenship.