About our program
William Smith is an EL Education school recognized locally and nationally as an exemplary program. We are dedicated to providing a diverse student body with outstanding academic and character education through engaging project-based work.
Our Success Lies in our Students and Faculty
William Smith’s success lies in the strength of its culture and community. Highly engaging projects, an emphasis on teaching compassion and kindness, and a strong school spirit, create a unique educational experience. Cross grade level crews, meaningful academic conversations, and strong leadership creates a positive atmosphere for both students and teachers.
el education at William smith
what is el education?
ELED-WhatIsELEducation-0718-v02.pdfdimensions of student achievement
ELDimensions.pdfcharacter frame work
Character Framework.pdfWE are crew, not passengers
William Smith believes in a strong CREW foundation. Time in CREW is used for social emotional learning, building a positive school culture, and weekly check-ins about academics. Students build relationships with other CREW members and their CREW teacher. We believe CREW builds a Culture for Respect and Equity at William Smith.
William Smith High School is an EL Education school, recognized locally and nationally as an exemplary program. Dedicated to providing a diverse student body with outstanding academic and character education through engaging project-based work, the school enjoys a 95% graduation rate with alumni attending colleges and universities, technical schools, and the workforce. Projects integrate fieldwork, guest experts, and authentic audiences that bring curriculum to life. Hands-on work reflects a workplace environment in order to prepare students for their future. Students develop products and presentations that demonstrate the knowledge and technical tools of professionals. At William Smith, students learn to create the lives they want to lead.
project based academics
As a 100% Project Based Learning school, William Smith offers a variety of different projects throughout the year. Students can choose to spend their day engaged in one project or working on several projects. Projects not only teach students content knowledge, but incorporate 21st century skills such as collaboration, creativity, problem solving, and innovation. Projects integrate guest experts, fieldwork, and experiences that bring curriculum to life.
To start off the school year, William Smith devotes the month of August to Induction and Adventure trips. Students have the opportunity to choose their trip and engage in a week long adventure. Students are pushed out of their comfort zones and are put in authentic situations that encourage group work and risk taking for future endeavors in the classroom.
To see more of what Projects we have going on, click HERE!
Reflections of Learning
William Smith creates a culture of reflection through many structures throughout the year. One such structure are bi-annual reflections of learning. Mid-year Habits of Excellence Presentations and end-of-year Academic Conversations give students the opportunity to demonstrate their academic and personal growth. Habits of Excellence presentations are presented to each students’ CREW and focus on how the Habits of Excellence contribute to their academic success and help them grow personally. Academic Conversations are one-on-one conversations students engage in with 2 or more teachers. Students present their body of work from the year and show evidence of many things, including reflection, revision, breakthrough moments, and discovery of new passions.
here's why you'll love our school
Unrivaled Quality and Innovation
We are committed to our students 100%. We teach students to look for quality everywhere they go.
Learning Strategies for All Students
Students present their body of work from the year and show evidence of many things including reflection, revision, breakthrough moments, and discovery of new passions.
Leadership for the Future
When your student attends William Smith, they are not attending a traditional high school, they are attending the real world.
Education for Tomorrow's Leaders
At William Smith, we believe that education should be challenging, that education should be immersive, that every student has infinite potential, that every student "chooses the life they wish to lead."