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Woodburn School for the Fine & Communicative Arts is a family-oriented, inclusive neighborhood school located between Annandale and Falls Church. Our student population consists of students from richly diverse backgrounds who work together as a community of learners. Woodburn's rich history of serving the area's children began in 1954. Total renovation and additions completed in 2009 upgraded the facility's learning spaces and technology. Reflecting our focus, special classrooms for the arts are located in the center of the building. All classrooms utilize interactive whiteboards to enhance engagement in learning. Laptop and netbook carts enable teachers to use technology as a tool within their classrooms.

Woodburn is a focus school dedicated to the integration of the fine and communicative arts into every aspect of school life. At Woodburn, the fine and communicative arts of music, drama, dance and movement, literature and visual art are utilized as meaning makers to enhance the FCPS curriculum. We teach with, about, in and through the arts because the arts:

• Have the power to engage today's active and visual learners
• Are a primary form of communication in all cultures
• Are correlated with higher academic success and engagement with school
• Provide additional ways for students of all learning styles to be successful
• Instill cultural knowledge that enhances success
• Build creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Develop important skills for life, such as self-regulation, self-discipline, perseverance, goal-oriented work habits, cooperation, problem-solving, and appreciation for hard work.

Woodburn is committed to the social and emotional development of our students. We believe in building strong classroom communities in which students feel safe, welcome, and comfortable taking risks. Students participate in morning meetings and learn about character traits using Positivity Project resources to support their social development.

Woodburn's teaching staff operates as a Professional Learning Community, focused on four guiding questions: What knowledge, skills, and dispositions should every student acquire as a result of this unit, this course, or grade level? How will we know when each student has acquired the essential knowledge and skills? How will we respond when some students do not learn? How will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient?

Guided by these questions, teaching teams develop common curriculum pacing and assessments, and closely monitor student learning. Systematic intervention is provided for students who need more time and support to achieve learning goals. Enrichment is provided for students who master curriculum content. At Woodburn, we do whatever it takes to ensure our students are prepared to meet the future as competent, self-sufficient adults.