Frequently Asked Questions

Delve into the Details

Location

Where will the school be located?

We are in advanced talks about a starting location on South Bend’s westside, with strategic planning in progress for a long-term school home.

Class Structure and Enrollment

What is the class size?

We are targeting class sizes with a maximum of 18 students.

What grades are you enrolling for Fall 2026?

For Fall 2026, we intend to enroll Grades K-5. We plan to add one grade each year, expanding to serve Pre-K through Grade 8.

What if our family has older siblings entering Grades 6-8 this upcoming year?

We desire to grow intentionally and slowly to meet the needs of a start-up school. If there happens to be a strong demand for older siblings this coming fall, we would prayerfully consider adding a cohort group to accommodate these families.

Educational Approach

What curriculum will you be using?

We are consulting directly with a team of experts with decades of experience in teaching and developing curriculum for Classical Christian schools. Our goal is to develop a robust scope and sequence tailored to the unique goals of our students and crafted to reflect the distinctive philosophy of our school. We look forward to sharing more with you once finalized!

In the meantime, feel free to explore the following schools who inspire our curriculum and philosophy:

The Field School | Chicago, IL

The Oaks Academy | Indianapolis, IN

Will children have opportunities for free play during school?

Yes! Children will enjoy outdoor recess every day as the weather allows, and younger students will have additional discovery time and outdoor play.

School Life

Does The Willows Academy offer before care and after care?

It is our hope to provide before and after care to families who need it or to partner with a local organization providing these services. If this would be a priority for your family, we welcome and value your input on how to best serve you in this capacity as we make plans.

Do students use technology in your school?

We are an intentionally low-tech school as we prioritize children engaging with natural materials and the world around them, growing in their habits of attention, wonder and real-word engagement.

A low-tech environment allows students to form deep relationships with ideas, people, and the created world—free from the distraction and haste that screens often bring. Limiting screens helps us preserve an atmosphere where contemplation, creativity, and character can flourish.

Is The Willows Academy associated with a particular church or denomination?

The Willows Academy is an independent Christian school and non-denominational.

Do students have to be Christian to attend The Willows Academy?

Our educational mission and community life are rooted in the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. Our staff and teachers profess faith in Him and seek to live lives shaped by the Gospel, while students daily worship, study Scripture, and pray together. At the same time, we welcome children of every religious background and faith tradition.

Admissions and Policies

Does The Willows Academy accept vouchers through the Indiana Choice Scholarship program?

We do plan to participate in the Indiana Choice Scholarship program and will post more enrollment / tuition details soon!

What if our family is coming from out-of-state in Michigan?

We are glad to serve families regardless of eligibility for the Indiana Choice Scholarship program. Please contact us to discuss tuition details.

Does The Willows Academy administer regular standardized testing?

We comply with any standardized tests required by the state of Indiana.

Is The Willows the Right Fit For Your Family?

We seek to serve South Bend families from all backgrounds with an exceptional education, where each child is individually known and loved in a Christ-centered environment marked by joyful discovery, rooted in timeless truths, and cultivated through creativity, conversation and companionship.

Vision and Values