Have you been considering a private school for your children where parents are encouraged to be more involved? Would you like to keep the distractions of today’s world out of your children’s education or a classroom that incorporates curriculum-based learning and hands-on learning?
If you answered “yes” or “maybe” to any of those questions, Warda Foundation Academy (WFA) in Fenton might be what you’re looking for.
This school was founded in August 2021 by the Warda Foundation, under the direction of Jason Warda and his family.
The Warda Foundation is a Fenton-based charitable foundation dedicated to giving back to the community. The Warda-owned businesses — The Barn, Whiskey Glasses Saloon and the Fenton Pub — host events throughout the year to support the Warda Foundation.
Maggie Hendrickson, director of WFA, has been onboard since the beginning. Warda and others were inspired to create this new school after growing somewhat frustrated with what they observed in public schools at the start of the pandemic.
They found a space to rent, met with potential teachers, rounded up books and started having meetings with interested parents to come up with a plan and mission.
WFA is a K-12, tuition-based private school. The school currently has students through the eighth grade; however, Hendrickson said they expect the school to grow with the interest they are seeing. WFA features student-led pacing so that each student moves faster in their strengths and gets more help where they need it. Multi-age classrooms have a maximum of 15-17 students per teacher. WFA is a microschool and focuses on character, courage and kindness. The academy offers a variety of real-life enrichment skills, weekly field trips and an after-school program.
Hendrickson said they have identified five signs to determine if your child is not in the right school setting. These signs include: your child dreads going to school; your child says they are bored or not learning anything; they feel lost in a too large classroom; your family is not aligned with the school’s values and lastly, your child isn’t growing in confidence.
Through their discussions with parents who were inquiring about the school, Hendrickson and the others realized many local parents were driving long distances to provide their child with a small, private school setting.
Teachers currently include Miss Rachael and Miss Lisa. Hendrickson said the students enjoy calling their teachers by their first names. Parents are encouraged to occasionally teach their skills to a classroom or volunteer other services that would benefit the building and students. Hendrickson said the kids love it when their mom or dad visits the school to teach something they are good at. This volunteering option can help reduce a student’s tuition.
To assist with tuition, which covers all operating costs, the Warda Foundation and the Academy host fundraisers throughout the year. Hendrickson said she is constantly looking for grants and other forms of donations to assist their parents.
WFA welcomes any family to take a tour of their space to see if it’s right for their child or children. Hendrickson said she and Warda are available all summer to meet with parents to answer any questions they may have and for parents to learn WFA’s approach to educating students of all ages.
To fill the need, the WFA is growing its co-op sports program. Current options include hockey, wrestling and Jiu-jitsu. The school recently applied to become a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
Despite being a relatively new school, Hendrickson said they have seen enrollment growth already, especially with the youngest grades.
Small classroom settings are becoming one of the school’s biggest benefits for students. This environment allows the teacher to see and learn what the child needs. If a child is struggling with an assignment, teachers can immediately transition and turn that assignment into a fun project. If a child struggles or dislikes math, the teachers and volunteers turn a task into a hands-on experience.
The school also incorporates the principles of a Montessori educational approach, which was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 1900s. The Montessori approach includes self-directed learning, hands-on learning, mixed-age learning, independence and responsibility, freedom within limits, and focus on the whole child.
When asked if WFA tried to replicate another existing school, Hendrickson said they did not. “We’ve built this brick by brick,” she said. “We’ve done a ton of research and talked to a lot of parents, trying to learn what their dream school would be.”
If you would like to schedule a tour of WFA or to learn more, email Hendrickson and Warda at thewardafoundation@gmail.com. Parents can also learn more by visiting thewardafoundation.org
