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Excellence

How does Wooster define excellence?

Creativity. Collaboration. Confidence.

Deep Learning Initiative

Akin to a college seminar, DLI courses incorporate the Tutorial Model and include a curriculum that is both flexible and learner-centered. Through tutorial experiences, students in DLI classes practice agency, independence, and curiosity in pursuit of developing the skill of inquiry. As the name suggests, DLI courses emphasize depth of content.

Advanced Courses

Modeled after college-level survey courses, Advanced classes emphasize breadth of content, challenging students to engage with rigorous material in a fast-paced context. By design, these courses are more prescriptive, including teacher-designed curriculum and teacher-designed inquiry.

Embedded Honors

Students have the option to complete additional enrichment work, concurrent with the completion of basic course requirements. The embedded honors coursework allows students to pursue depth in curricular topics and cultivate essential soft skills and dispositions like time-management, independence, and agency.

What does excellence at Wooster mean to you?

Dr. Diane Martin
Director of Divisions
EdD, Education
Johns Hopkins University

"Excellence to me means ‘I can think about hard things, I can talk to people about hard things, and at the end of the day I can understand that there’s not always a right or wrong answer.’ If students can be challenged that way on a regular basis, to me, that’s what excellence at Wooster should be."

Alexandra '25
Pawling, NY
US Coast Guard Academy

"At Wooster School, excellence is defined not just by our academic achievement but by our personal growth, leadership, and community. It’s about challenging ourselves, creating a sense of community, and developing our skills and dispositions. Excellence at Wooster is also defined through our commitment to making a positive impact both within and beyond the school." 

Brayan '25
Danbury, CT
Babson University

"Getting people to take positive action and leaving your mark on others, by selfless kindness, defines excellence. At Wooster, moving outside of the classroom is where excellence begins."

Dr. Parvin Taraz, EdD
Chief Academic Officer
Instructional Leadership
Western Connecticut State University

"Our Advanced courses are designed to prepare students for traditional survey courses that they might experience in college, dealing with challenging material and moving at a fast pace. In contrast, Deep Learning Initiative (DLI) courses offer students more voice, choice, and agency. They partner with the teacher to co-construct the curriculum and pursue areas of personal interest in greater depth.”"

Teddy '25
Brookfield, CT
Boston College

"Wooster has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone by representing Wooster in a public setting…in student panels, tours, and speeches for alumni. Taking advantage of opportunities that are provided at Wooster grants excellence. " 

Marley '25
Newtown, CT
Case Western Reserve University

"Excellence at Wooster, rather than being an instance, is a mindset found through the culmination of individual instances. Through a curriculum that focuses on connecting students to each other, their work, and their faculty, creating a deeper respect for academic integrity, and the drive to outdo one's self."

Amelia '24
Holmes, NY
University of Richmond

"My first days of being a Wooster student were definitely different than public school. No matter where you start, every kid is going to end up being a leader, knowing how to reflect, and how to be open minded."

Jack '24
Ridgefield, CT
Temple University

"Every teacher wants you to succeed to make sure you reach your full potential. I became a better student at Wooster than I ever thought I would be." 

Abbe '25
Westport, CT
Endicott College

"Excellence at Wooster is working hard, advocating for yourself, and seeing results when you succeed."

Elliot '25
Newtown, CT
University of Richmond

"I define excellence at Wooster by embodying a balance of leadership, dedication, and humility. Whether in academics, athletics, or service roles, excellence at Wooster is leading by example, prioritizing teamwork, and striving to inspire and uplift those around you. " 

Ja'Miyah '25
Danbury, CT
Manhattanville University

"Excellence at Wooster is always striving to be the best you can be, whether that’s taking the lead or self-helping."