At Woodstock Day School, learning is hands-on, inquiry-driven, and grounded in real-world experience. Students don’t just absorb information—they actively explore ideas, ask questions, and apply what they learn in meaningful ways.
Our approach is often described as progressive education, a tradition that emphasizes learning by doing, critical thinking, and education as preparation for engaged citizenship. In practice, this means teachers design curriculum around the students in front of them, support individual growth, and foster strong classroom communities rooted in curiosity, respect, and collaboration.
WDS enrolls approximately 180 students, between Nursery School and Grade 12. Our average class size is 14 students.
Yes, school districts within 15 miles of the school provide busing. Those public school districts include Saugerties, Onteora, Kingston, Rhinebeck, Catskill and Rondout Valley District.
We offer a fee-based after school enrichment (ASE) program with a wide variety of classes for students of all ages. Our offerings include, but are not limited to, martial arts, chess, ceramics, yoga, and theater. Classes are offered by a range of WDS faculty members and fully vetted vendors and community members. The ASE program is open to both WDS and non-WDS students.
We also offer a fee-based, drop-in aftercare program daily until 5:30 pm. Students at aftercare spend the afternoon engaging in arts and crafts, free play, and structured games.
WDS partners with local vendor Bistro-To-Go to provide daily, healthy lunch options for a fee. There is a convenient school-wide ordering form that families can fill out.
We want a WDS education to be available to an economically diverse range of families. To this end, WDS offers tuition assistance for families who qualify. For more information, please contact admissions@woodstockdayschool.org
Spanish instruction is an integral part of the WDS curriculum from Nursery School through 12th grade. Beginning in early childhood, students are introduced to Spanish and continue building language skills year after year through our long-term program. This continuity allows students to develop comfort, confidence, and fluency over time rather than encountering language study in isolated stages.
Students who wish to pursue an additional language may work with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction to identify an appropriate online option.
We believe that students thrive when there is a strong home-to-school connection and parents play an important role at WDS. The Parents Association consists of leadership and class parents who work to create clear communication between parents and administration, offer community-building events, and support individual classrooms with trips, events and special projects. All parents are welcome to volunteer and be an active part of the PA.
Homework at WDS is intentionally and thoughtfully designed. We prioritize meaningful, developmentally appropriate work that reinforces learning while ensuring students have time outside of school to rest, play, and engage with family and activities they enjoy.
In the Lower School, homework typically focuses on reading and occasional practice or reflection. In the Middle and Upper School, students may have regular reading, writing, practice work, or longer-term projects, with expectations increasing gradually and appropriately.
WDS is a member of the Hudson Valley Athletic League. We offer teams for Middle and Upper School. The goal of each team is to be competitive with similar schools by focusing on improving the skills of each individual, and building community amongst the team, rather than being strictly focused on winning. Everyone makes the team. We have offered Co-ed Cross Country; Co-ed Basketball; Co-ed Golf, and Co-ed Tennis and continue to look for ways to expand the program.
See our Athletics page to learn more!
WDS uses technology intentionally and in developmentally appropriate ways. In the early years, learning is screen-free or minimally supported by technology, while older students use digital tools in more structured and purposeful ways.
Early Childhood classrooms are screen-free. In Kindergarten and 1st Grade, technology is used sparingly by teachers. In Lower School (Grades 2–5), student access to tech is limited and used only to support inquiry-based learning.
In Middle and Upper School (Grades 6–12), students are assigned a school device. Teachers carefully scaffold digital work to support learning while aiming to limit overall screen time at school and at home.
To support students’ emotional and social well-being, WDS maintains a no-phones policy on campus. Students through Grade 5 may not bring phones or personal devices to school. Students in Grades 6–12 turn in phones at the start of the day and retrieve them at dismissal.
We have four separate divisions (Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School and Upper School) that focus on the particular age group that they serve, but we are also mindful of the ‘end-to-end education’ that we provide. For example, we begin a “writers workshop” in Kindergarten and watch the trajectory as our seniors craft excellent research papers for their senior project. We understand taking a long-term view and investing in the complete educational journey with a student and their family.
We believe that the range of ages on our campus provide excellent opportunities for modeling and mentoring. Our Buddy program, where every younger class is paired with an older class for monthly activities, is one of our most popular programs across all grades.
Taking care of the environment is a natural part of life at WDS. Every room has recycling bins and there is a school-wide composting program. All students have opportunities to help with gardening and campus care. Students study conservation of resources both formally through our Science curriculum, and informally, by learning about stewardship of our local resources like water and electricity.
Learning Lab is a fee-based intervention and enrichment program for students in grades K-12 that provides differentiated instructional support from WDS Learning Specialists with a NYS Special Education Certification. Our trained Learning Specialists provide support to students who benefit from more focused learning time, including students who have a 504 or IESP from their home school district. Learning Lab was developed to support students beyond classroom instruction which aligns with our school’s pedagogy and curriculum.
Based on the unique needs of each student, our Learning Specialists develop a learning plan that includes both direct (in the classroom) and indirect (outside of the classroom) supports. The learning plan is developed in collaboration with the students’ primary teachers to support their particular learning needs.
Within each classroom, our teachers create an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. Even in our youngest classrooms, children are taught skills to manage conflict and express themselves. We approach difficult situations with open lines of communication and transparency.
The school is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS).
The best way to get to know Woodstock Day School is by visiting campus. Tours can be booked directly through our scheduling system where you’ll find available dates and times.
Campus visits offer an opportunity to see classrooms in action, explore our grounds, and ask questions about the WDS experience. If you don’t see a time that works for your family, please reach out and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Our application process is designed to be thoughtful, personal, and informative for both families and the school. While applications are submitted online, we strongly encourage families to begin by scheduling a campus tour.
Visiting WDS allows you to experience our learning environment firsthand and helps determine whether the school is the right fit for your child. After a tour, families typically proceed with the application, which may include student materials, teacher recommendations, and conversations with school leadership, depending on grade level.
Nursery School students enrolling for the 2026-27 school year must have been born on or before March 31st, 2024.
Yes! Explorations at WDS is a child and parent/caregiver program for children ages 18 months – 3 years. Led by WDS Early Childhood educators, Explorations invites young children and their caregivers to learn and play together through process art, sensory exploration, music and movement, stories, and shared routines.
Families can join us for an 8-week session and get an introduction to WDS’s play-based Early Childhood approach while connecting with other young children, caregivers, and educators.
Click here to learn more about Explorations at WDS
Absolutely! Prospective students may be able to arrange a shadow or sit-in day to experience life at WDS more directly. These visits are typically scheduled after an initial tour and conversation with the admissions team.
To inquire about a student visit, please contact admissions here.