Windham-Ashland-Jewett is a student focused school district with
high achieving students and a dedicated staff, employing many high
school teachers who are dually qualified as adjunct professors. The
teacher to student ratio is 10 to 1, providing small class sizes
and individualized instruction. The school is consistently
improving and in 2016 moved up 12 spots to a ranking of 11th in the
Capital Region for overall district performance and is ranked
number 1 in College Placement by the Albany Business Review.
Statewide, WAJ is consistently in the top 20% for overall academic
performance, and in the top 15% for math and science performance!
Further, US News and World Report has consecutively awarded WAJ
with the distinguished Silver Medal. Windham-Ashland-Jewett ranks
well above New York State's average for Math and English
proficiency. In addition, the graduation rate is almost ten points
higher than the national average, with over 94% of students
attending colleges and universities such as Harvard, Cornell,
Boston University, Skidmore, University of North Carolina, SUNY
Geneseo, Middlebury, University of Rochester, Colgate, Hamilton,
University of Pennsylvania, Temple, NYU, and Syracuse. Student
academic achievement is a top priority. High school students have
the opportunity to graduate with a two-year degree by enrolling in
a variety of college credit courses through a partnership with
Columbia Greene Community College, SUNY Albany, and Syracuse
University. WAJ's own teachers instruct college level and distance
learning classes to provide educational opportunities to students
in districts across the Capital and Mid-Hudson Region.
Additionally, the school offers Advanced Placement Courses,
accelerated programs in math and science and a university-level
language program. Over half of the high school population enrolls
in Advanced Placement or College level courses with the opportunity
to earn over thirty college credits. Qualified seniors can also
participate in the New Visions Health, Government, or Engineering
program apprenticing in the field and gaining real world
experience.
Moreover, the district has instituted a new technology
initiative in which all students graduate with the technological
skills required for 21st century employment. Elementary students
receive two periods of STEM class, starting in Kindergarten. Each
classroom has multiple device options available to teachers and
students, including new computers, iPads, Chromebooks, high-speed
networking and internet, wireless laboratories, and access to fixed
computer labs.
Student support is not only evident in the classroom,
but also after school. The success of WAJ athletes is
reflected by their dedication and hard work, receiving the
distinction as "Scholar Athletes" across the board. The Boys Alpine
Ski Team were 2013 State Champions and in 2015 Delaware League
Champions and Sectional Champions. The Girls Varsity Ski team was
2015 League and Sectional Champions. Boys Varsity Soccer earned
first place in the 2015 Booster Club Tournament. Girls Varsity
Soccer qualified for sectionals and was 2015 Hunter Tournament
champions. The Golf Team is unstoppable with five League
Championships. In 2015, Boys Cross Country placed second in the
Greene County Championships. The Girls Varsity Softball team is
three time division champions. The Boys Varsity Baseball team have
earned back-to-back division and league championships and ranked as
high as eleventh in the state. The WAJ Tennis team won four
straight league championships and consecutive sectional
championships. Students who do not play sports have the option to
participate in over thirty extracurricular clubs and activities to
meet their desires and talents. See full list here.
This K-12 school is situated in a beautiful mountainous area
within the Catskill State Park. It is particularly attractive to
people who enjoy the outdoors and the advantages of rural living.
The area has two ski resorts, numerous golf courses, and hiking and
fishing in the Catskills. In addition, there is an active concert
series during the summer, which attracts world-class musicians from
institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera. Hotels, guesthouses,
and restaurants add significantly to the quality of life and the
economic base of the community. Cooperstown, the Baseball Hall of
Fame, and the cultural resources of the surrounding communities and
Albany are within comfortable driving distance.
The community is proud of its school and shows its support in a
number of ways. The school budget consistently passes with wide
community support. In 2005, the community overwhelmingly approved
an $18,870,000 building renovation/addition improvement project.
The project was completed on time and on budget, allowing for
significant upgrades to classrooms and additions, including new
classrooms, computer labs, gymnasium, and library. The positive
relationship between school and community helps support our
students and families both in and out of the classroom.
Successful applicants will be joining a professional staff
committed to student achievement and their own professional growth.
Teachers are actively involved in making educational decisions
at the district and building level. The teacher contract encourages
and rewards professional development and involvement in educational
decision-making. Salaries are competitive and the benefit package
is excellent. The strengths of a small school are evident at
Windham-Ashland-Jewett in which students feel supported by their
peers, teachers, and the community.
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