No matter the month or time of year, the hallways are alive with anticipation for beloved annual traditions such as the Bonfire, International Day, the Alligator Stomp, the 12 Days of Christmas, Field Day, the Medieval Banquet, and Lower School Science Night. Each division and academic department brings its own special events that students look forward to year after year, from the Key Club’s spirited week-long game of Seek to countless other celebrations that strengthen our community and school spirit!
The Great 100
A list and brief description of 100 notable historical figures that provide "signposts" through history. Students in grades 4–12 are tested on 10–15 names every 2–3 weeks and also take a final exam at the end of the second semester.
International Day
In February, WCDS celebrates our international, multi-cultural community with PowerPoint presentations during Assembly by international students who talk about their own cultures and homelands. Every other year (in rotation with Science Fair projects and presentations) a day is set aside for international class displays and festivities, which include donning costumes, playing games, and dining on food from various nations.
Field Day
A spirited end-of-school-year event when students—as Athenians and Spartans—gather to compete in friendly “Olympic Games” and enjoy an outdoor barbecue.
Medieval Banquet
This spring event welcomes students in grades 3–9 and their families to an evening of medieval costumes, food, fun, and games. The school provides "the beast" which is a roasted pig on a spit over an open fire.
Word of Day (WOD)
The Word of the Day program developed at WCDS is part of the vocabulary/spelling curriculum for students in grades 2–12. The school publishes WOD books and distributes them at the beginning of each school year. In the Upper School, words are specially selected to promote success on the verbal portion of the SAT. Testing on the five words for the week is administered on Friday, and students take a second-semester exam covering the words learned throughout the year.
Weekly Assembly
Weekly events where grades 1–12 gather in the school auditorium to hear outside guest speakers, school announcements, and cheer on student and guest performances of music, poetry, dancing, and the like.
More Information of Each Division: