Wayland Academy

Wayland Academy is a coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. At Wayland, we prepare our students for the rigors of higher education through a challenging, robust curriculum and a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and diligence.

Wayland attracts students from all over the United States and 32 different countries. Our students benefit from the unique experience that only a boarding school can provide. Students are always actively engaged while they are on campus, both through their academic work and their involvement in Wayland's numerous extra-curricular activities. Wayland Academy prepares each student for college and beyond through a liberal arts curriculum and campus programs devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and the development of character.

Since 1855, Wayland Academy has been dedicated solely to the education of young people. The curriculum of the Academy, seen in its broadest sense, encompasses time-tested activities that prepare students to be successful beyond their high school years and to lead meaningful lives. The four Corinthian pillars of Wayland Hall symbolize the four pillars of a Wayland education: Scholarship, Faith, Health, and Service. The Academy recognizes these components as essential to developing well-rounded individuals.

• The first pillar grounds the student in traditional college preparation in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, History, Modern and Classical Languages, and the Fine Arts.
• The second pillar reinforces the ethical, moral, and spiritual awareness of students in their daily lives. Chapel is held every Friday and is a non-denominational service with community building as its core purpose.
• The third pillar strengthens the emotional and physical well being of students through participation on athletic teams or in the Alternate Activities Program (AAP) and through policies designed to encourage healthy lifestyles.
• The fourth pillar upholds our belief in the importance of student awareness of social obligations, both in our community and in the world.

Wayland's comprehensive writing initiative incorporates every subject. The milestones of this program are a Capstone Project and Senior Thesis that require undergraduate-level work. Our students move on to college and the world prepared to write well, no matter what field they pursue. While our college acceptance list is strong, we use the word fit to describe college selection. Wayland students in every grade work with our college counselors to prepare for the college admission process. Our students graduate to a college or university that meets their academic goals and their pursuits outside of class.

The Wayland community is socioeconomically diverse and home to 185 students of 32 different nationalities. Our graduates leave with an international perspective that helps prepare them for college and the global economy beyond. Wayland extracurriculars, including drama, fine arts, clubs, and athletics, promote both excellence and participation. Our students have opportunities to take risks and try new activities or further hone talents in areas where they are more experienced. Most students are varied in their pursuits which leads them to confidence and a broad range of experiences when they leave us. Our community never typecasts a student as just an athlete or just a musician.

Academic integrity, a challenging curriculum, and a faculty dedicated to cultivating a passion for knowledge are integral components of a Wayland education. Small classes allow teachers to interact with students as individuals, hone their strengths, and prepare them to excel in college. Wayland's faculty members work closely with students in every aspect of campus life. Most faculty live on campus and serve as mentors, coaches, and residence hall supervisors. They have open office hours, study sessions, and are devoted to helping students reach their academic and personal potential.

Wayland is a welcoming, safe community where students can truly be themselves. Strong faculty/student relationships, regular seated meals, small class sizes and residence hall communities, and plenty of one-on-one attention help students think of the community as their "Wayland family." Students and faculty members come to trust and care about one another since they interact in the classroom, in the residence hall, in athletics, and in student organizations.

Students gain leadership skills through student government, Student Activities Board, Prefect and Proctor positions, and a variety of other fun and educational opportunities. Wayland's mentoring program ensures that every student has close contact with a faculty member. Students are taught the value of giving back to their community through the Life Skills program, the Day of Caring, and other service opportunities. Through these and other activities, students form lasting friendships and receive a well-rounded education in and out of the classroom.