Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School: A History of Innovation and Success

Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS) is a public school located in Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City, that serves students in grades PreK-12. WHEELS is a K-12 EL Education school (part of the NYC-Outward Bound schools network). The school's history is one of innovation and success, with a focus on providing students with the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

Founding and Early Years

The school opened in 2006, starting with 150 students in grades six through twelve. Brett Kimmel was the first principal.

Commitment to College Readiness

WHEELS has demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing its students for college. Its first graduating class in June 2012 achieved a one hundred percent college acceptance rate. This achievement highlights the school's dedication to ensuring that its students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Student Demographics and Support

WHEELS serves a predominantly Latino student body, with all students being students of color. Over 90 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, indicating the school's role in serving students with economic needs. At Equity Focus Schools, students often have limited access to resources and learning materials. Every donation funds real needs - pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more - helping students learn and thrive.

Expeditionary Learning and Student-Led Conferences

WHEELS is an EL Education school, which emphasizes active learning, character development, and teamwork. One of the key practices at WHEELS is Student-Led Conferences (SLCs), which replace the traditional open-house parent-teacher conference model. SLCs are a central practice in EL Education network schools. At WHEELS, three full days of the school year--one each trimester--are dedicated to SLCs, where each teacher participates in fifteen twenty-minute conferences, with fifteen families. Each conference is led by the student.

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In the weeks preceding SLCs, students use part of their crew time to identify two or three pieces of work from each subject that demonstrate complexity, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Students prepare their upcoming presentation to align with a rubric that describes clear expectations of what to include and how they should conduct their conference. They practice presenting with their peers and get feedback that holds each person accountable. They are very quick to celebrate honesty and also to call out their classmates who sidestep responsibility.

After 10 years of doing student-led conferences, WHEELS has approached 100 percent parent participation. Because the student’s crew leader is also at the table, parents know whom to call as the school year progresses to monitor actions that were decided upon at the conference. When students and parents really feel that they’re being heard, these meetings become a true collaboration, not a series of orders.

The Impact of Student-Led Conferences

Student-led conferences have a significant impact on students' development. As Rachel Folger, an 8th grade social studies teacher at WHEELS, notes, the simple yet impactful presentation students give may shape their confidence in advocating for themselves for life. Through SLCs, students take ownership of their learning and develop the skills to lead these conferences. Family members also speak during SLCs, building a bridge between school and home to support the student toward mutual goals.

Academic Environment and Support Systems

The fifteen students whose conferences teachers manage are all members of their Crew. They meet together daily to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of our diverse group with guidance from our school’s character education traits, a.k.a HOWLs (Habits of Work and Learning). They evaluate their HOWLs (responsibility, perseverance, craftsmanship, and curiosity).

Success and Recognition

Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School, called “WHEELS,” graduates its 98% Latino students at far higher rates than other schools in New York City. The enthusiasm and commitment that drives the teachers and the students in this innovative and successful program.

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