Mission, Vision, and Values
Every decision at Windward is mission-driven, anchored by a deep commitment to the students we serve.
A Proven Path Forward
Our Mission
Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average-to-superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.
Our Vision
Difference is Power
A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success
Our Core Values
At the heart of Windward's approach to education are four core values.
Growth
We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to professional growth for faculty and staff.
Impact
Each day, Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the greater learning disability population.
Commitment
Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.
Community
Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a diverse and inclusive community that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
DEIB Mission and Vision
At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success—a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity.
The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally-engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.
Hear From Our Leaders
Windward History
Windward founded 1927 Enrollment doubles
Windward opens campus at 13 Windward Avenue in White Plains, NY
Windward hosts first benefit for scholarship fund
Miss Marjorie Dunn appointed director of Windward
Enrollment reaches 91 students
Mr. Ronald Pavlak named director of Windward
Dr. Elmer Kane appointed director of Windward
Windward registered in New York State as school for learning-disabled students
Windward begins to serve high school students
Dr. Judith Hochman becomes head of school and mission clarified
13 Windward Avenue expansion and Windward Teacher Training Institute established
Dr. James Van Amburg becomes head of school
Campus at 40 West Red Oak Lane opens to students in grades 6-12
Windward graduates its last class of high school seniors
Dr. John J. Russell becomes head of school
Windward Teacher Training Institute accredited by IMSLEC
Expansion of West Red Oak Lane campus
Manhattan Lower and Middle Schools opens
Manhattan Lower and Middle Schools moves to permanent location at 212 E 93rd St
Manhattan Middle School adds eighth grade
Windward Summer Program expands to Manhattan
Jamie Williamson becomes head of school
Windward Teacher Training Institute becomes The Windward Institute
1275 Mamaroneck Ave campus opens to Westchester Lower School students
Windward launches Free Community Reading Screenings outreach program
Grand opening of Westchester Lower School at 1275 Mamaroneck Ave
Head of School Jamie Williamson appointed to New York Dyslexia Task Force
