Whether it's the moment a 7th grader loses their breath stepping into the cavernous halls of a British cathedral, or a 1st grader's goosebump-inducing experience of being inches from endangered wildlife at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, our teachers strive to provide educational experiences that inspire and help students to discover their passions. Our small class sizes and teacher independence in the classroom allow WCDS to design a tailored curriculum dotted with field trips that enhance the learning process. Our unique location at the foothills of Shenandoah National Park and just over an hour to Washington, DC, grants us the opportunity to provide an unparalleled excursion-focused education for students of all ages. From canoeing on the Shenandoah River just down the road to trips across the globe, students across all grades develop a deep sense of our community, surroundings, and world. Our various excursions and trips are closely integrated with the curriculum. They exist as extensions of the classroom, helping students understand the relevance of their coursework outside of the classroom.