What are the homework expectations in each grade?

Homework is an integral part of each student’s work at Ware Academy. Students in grades 1-8 are assigned homework daily.The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills learned in the classroom and to establish independent work habits. While it is difficult to determine how long each student will spend on homework, we recommend the following guidelines:

Why does Ware Academy use textbooks in some subjects that are a grade level above the grade being taught?

With small class sizes (20 students maximum) and dedicated teachers, Ware students are able to accomplish a great deal, allowing the pace at which material is covered to move quickly. Additionally, parents are generally very involved and help their children structure their study time, which in turn accelerates the pace at which students can learn and progress to new concepts.

What standardized tests do Ware students take?

Students in grades three through seven take the E.R.B.CTP IV Standardized Test.This measures a student’s aptitude and achievement in relation to national, public, and independent school norms. Individual test results may be reviewed with parents on parent conference day or with the Head of School at any time. All eighth grade students take the Secondary School Admission Test.

When are report cards sent home?

Students in Pre-Kindergarten – Grade two are issued a skills development progress report indicating specific skills mastered and those needing improvement for each student at the end of each trimester. Mid-term narratives are written on each student.There are no letter grades assigned.

Students in Grades three – eight receive a narrative report at mid-term and a report card with letter grades at the end of each trimester. A narrative also accompanies the first semester report card.

For students in Grades three – eight the grading system is as follows:

      A = Excellent                               D = Below Average

      B = Above Average                       F = Failing                           

      C = Average                                                                                                 

Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are calculated on the following grading system: 

Art, Music, Computer, Health and Latin are counted as 20 percent of a core subject. 

Does Ware Academy give the SOL (Standards of Learning) Tests?

The curriculum at Ware Academy is not restricted by the SOL's. Being an independent school, Ware is not required to administer the SOL tests. Our teachers find they have greater flexibility with curriculum planning and exceed the minimum standards of performance set by the SOL program.

What are the credentials of Ware Academy teachers?

The Ware Academy Faculty is made up of eighteen men and women with college degrees, who have been sought as a result of their enthusiasm and commitment to education. Mr. Thomas L. Thomas, III was appointed Headmaster in 2004 and holds a B.A. from The University of Richmond and an M.A. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Thomas has coached golf, soccer, and lacrosse. He has twenty five years of teaching experience, twenty-three of which have been in independent schools.

Does Ware Academy support community service projects?

There is a strong commitment at Ware Academy towards community service. Students and Faculty participate in many activities and organizations such as the Save the Bay Foundation Shore Clean-Up; Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society; Gloucester Convalescent Home; The Laurel Shelter; Red Cross Blood Drives; Hands Across Mathews; Hands Across Middlesex; Salvation Army; Gloucester-Mathews Free Clinic; Adopt-A-Family and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

What extracurricular activities are available at Ware Academy?

As students get older, more opportunities are available. The Lower School offers Student Council Association, Flag Duties, School Store, Dance Team and team sports. The Middle School participates in the Student Council Association, National Junior Honor Society, Elite Choir, dances and team sports. In addition, Middle School students are required to choose one elective per semester. Their choices may include choir, digital photography, Be-A-Ware, yearbook or advanced art.

Is Ware Academy accredited?

Ware Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, the National Association of Independent Schools, the Education Records Bureau and the Secondary School Admissions Test Board. 

Ware Academy is also a member of the National Middle School Association, the National Junior Honor Society and the Association of Supervision in Curriculum Development.

Do Ware students wear uniforms?

Ware Academy’s daily uniform for students in kindergarten through eighth grade includes several color options, and for the girls, several style options from skorts and jumpers to pants in the winter. Ware students are expected to wear a Dress Uniform on certain occasions, including most field trips. The Dress Uniform consists of ties, oxford shirts, khaki or navy pants and sweaters for the young boys, and blazers for Middle School boys. Young girls wear jumpers, blouses and sweaters, while Middle School girls wear skirts, oxford shirts, and sweaters. Blazers are optional for Middle School girls. There is a relaxed dress option on Friday called “Ware Fun Wear.”

Uniform Requirements Brochure

Do parents have many opportunities to be involved at the school?

Parents are encouraged to be involved in the activities of the school and its fundraising endeavors. The Parent’s Organization, WAPA (Ware Academy Parents Association), exists to coordinate enriching activities for the students as well as fundraising projects. Many volunteer opportunities exist for parents who wish to be involved in their children’s development at Ware Academy.

Does tuition cover all the operating expenses of the school?

Tuition covers approximately 80% of the school’s yearly operating budget. The remaining funding comes from the Annual Giving Fund, which is supported by a constituency of parents, grandparents and alumni. Representing the largest source of income outside tuition, this fund is vital to the maintenance of Ware’s standards of academic excellence. For additional information, contact the Office of Advancement.

Is lunch available for purchase?

A lunch menu is provided by a local restaurateur and is available at the beginning of each month or students may bring their own lunch. Lunch is generally eaten in the classrooms or under the pavilion during nice weather for grades four through eight. Primary school teachers often take their classes outside for lunch by the playground.

Friday is Pizza Day! Students have the option of purchasing pizza by the slice. All proceeds benefit the Athletic Department.

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Is bus transportation available?

School transportation is available to the Middlesex and Mathews communities for an additional fee. Bus routes are established each year to conveniently serve the students.

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