Windward School's academic program focuses on the three basic challenges faced by all students who learn differently: Acquiring skills so they can reach their academic potential.   Developing self-confidence in their own ability to achieve success.   Understanding their learning differences so they can become effective advocates for themselves. When students understand their learning differences and experience academic success, a new world of competency and potential opens, where learning becomes exciting and self-confidence grows. The majority of Windward students return to mainstream education within 2-5 years. Our curriculum is language intensive with classes of 12 or fewer students. Students receive direct instruction in all academic areas, rather than working on independent assignments during classroom time. In order to provide direct instruction and use time effectively, students are taught in small groups formed according to instructional levels. Progress is monitored continually and modifications in group placement are made whenever needed. The small group setting allows the teacher to be sensitive and responsive to the daily academic needs of each student. It provides the student with consistent support, intellectual challenge, and the social and academic benefits of group learning. Windward's curriculum is comprehensive:   Language Arts: There are three periods of language arts each day, including reading, writing, language skills, and study skills. Our language arts curriculum is highly structured, using a sequential language-based approach. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are all emphasized. Our staff is Orton-Gillingham trained and committed to the "Preventing Academic Failure" (PAF) reading program and Basic Writing Skills (BWS), a course we also offer to Windward parents. Mathematics: Students participate in daily periods of math taught in small homogeneous groups, aimed at helping students develop the ability to solve problems, reason logically, and communicate mathematically. Science: Our science curriculum is laboratory intensive, meeting NY State guidelines for problem solving and cooperative learning techniques. Social Studies: This program helps students develop the skills and processes needed to be educated citizens. It integrates content with reading, writing and study skills, following NY State guidelines. In addition, all students enjoy regular periods of physical education, library, art and music. Computer classes for keyboarding and word processing begin in the fourth grade. Students of grade 8 take a course called GAINS, an acronym for Getting Ahead in School, to help them examine their learning strengths and weaknesses so they can become more effective advocates for themselves.