West Park Place Elementary School - Newark, DE

West Park Place is the hidden jewel in a wooded community in Newark. Our school is small, yet a diverse community of learners representing ten countries and eleven different languages. Traditionally, students do well on state assessments. Last year, 90% of our English learners met their goal on the ACCESS test. Our students were more successful on the Smarter Balanced Assessment than our State percentages. Over the last decade, our school has participated in the rollout of the Common Core State Standards and focused professional development around understanding the standards and the progression of mastery along the K-5 continuum. Our teachers have high expectations for all students and provide necessary supports for each individual. The staff exhibits a love of learning with students and provide opportunities for students to take risks and discover their strengths. Families enjoy coming to school for evening events such as Multicultural Night, where many families create exhibits of their homeland and some provide a tasting of authentic food; Math and Science Night, students show family members how to play workplace activities from their math program; and the yearly "Panda Walk-a-thon" when students receive sponsors from the community.

For many years, students and staff have focused on being model citizens by being prepared, positive and productive. Staff members ensure every student is respected and feels safe in our school. Every morning on the announcements children hear, "Smile, help someone in need, be kind to others and do our absolute best. You are a West Park Champion!"