Mission and School Facts

Our mission is to ignite the educational potential of students with language and learning differences so that they may succeed in school, college, and career.

Students

60 students
Equally divided between the Lower School (3rd to 8th grade) and Upper School (9th to 12th grade)
Students come from southern Maine, southeast and central New Hampshire, and northern Massachusetts

Classroom

Students engage with teachers, and each other, as part of a community of learners
Typical Lower School class size is 3 to 5 students
Typical Upper School class size is 4 to 7 students
Literacy and Math Labs offer 60-minute one-to-one tutorials
Theme-based curriculum focuses on experiential, hands-on learning
Classes often take place in nearby woods and at the beach
Adventurelore outdoor programs twice a month

Extra Curricular Activities

After-school activities and clubs shaped around students’ interests
Several dances throughout the year
Formal Prom for grades 8-12
Overnight outings for grades 7-12
Summer programs that blend academics and recreation

Community

Cooperative Council made up of volunteer parents
Mentoring families program offers parental and peer support to families new to WBA
Annual back-to-school picnic
Annual Harvest Dinner for families
End-of-the-year barbeque at Adventurelore
Alumni Dinner every other year

Accreditation

Approved by the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Departments of Education for the provision of special education and related services
The state of Maine accepts the NHDOE’s approval of program
Member of the New Hampshire Private Special Education Association
A diploma granting secondary school as approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education
Member of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools
Member of the Learning Disability Association of America

Tuition

Tuition for the 2023-24 school year is $61,239.60
Tuition and related service charges are set by the state of New Hampshire

“WBA changed the course of our daughter’s life. After struggling in middle school, both academically and socially, she now loves school, takes pride in her accomplishments, and her life is filled with joy. We would have moved anywhere for Lauren to go to WBA, and we are so lucky it is right here in seacoast New Hampshire.”

Current Parents

“Before WBA, our son was falling apart in every way imaginable. Addressing his academic needs felt like a pipe dream, and we prayed only for an educational environment where his spirit would not be crushed on a daily basis. After three years at WBA, he has blossomed into a passionate learner, producing a level of work we never thought possible!”

Current Parents

“We have WBA to thank for making our son feel just like everyone else. Now now he can concentrate on school—and friends.”

Current Parents

“Before my daughter started attending WBA in fourth grade, her confidence was low and she didn’t want to go to school because other students would make fun of her. But she has flourished in the WBA environment, and her confidence has been restored. I never have a problem getting her to go to school because she has made great friends, loves her teachers, and loves learning.”

Current Parents

“WBA honestly does ignite the energy it takes to study, learn, and teach in spite of challenges. Absolutely everyone who is a part of WBA stretches to reach students’ goals. Parents express relief when their child is happy to work and learn. Students greet visitors with a smile and a handshake. Teachers are solid with the basics but also creative and thoughtful.”

Mary Anker, Board Chair

“Everyone should know that a gem of a school exists that can fill that wish of finding a school that understands the educational, social, physical, and emotional needs of their students.”

Mary Anker, Board Chair

“WBA has been able to help so many children become young adult and achieve goals they did not think were possible prior to attending WBA.”

Thomas Beamer

“WBA is comprised of dedicated and talented teachers under an exceptional Executive Director. Together this entire community works to meet the needs of our students who flourish academically and socially while enjoying their journey at WBA.”

Carolyn Beaulieu, Treasurer

“WBA is a gem in the seacoast tri-state region. The students who attend WBA will live a better life because of their experiences here - and will enrich the lives of those around them.”

Carolyn Beaulieu, Treasurer

“I have listened to student after student tell me how their teacher helped them learn their way. Each story was unique - just like every student.”

Colleen A. Meader

“WBA is special because of its great teachers, great administration - people that care about the kids and giving them the ability to learn.”

Gary Rohr

“Every student at WBA is unique and given the right tools to succeed they become confident and productive individuals in society.”

Sarah Swenson

“I've known the school from its very beginnings and have watched, with delight, the growth of this institution.”

Paul Whitcomb

“I believe that learners with challenges merit a passionate advocate for their program.”

Rosemary Zurawel, Secretary

“WBA has created a balance of meeting student learning goals while offering each student a community that supports their social and emotional growth in addition to their academic success.”

Rosemary Zurawel, Secretary

“WBA is a school community devoted to the individual's growth in a warm and safe environment.”

Rosemary Zurawel, Secretary

Are you ready to ignite your child's ability to learn?