Weisser Park Elementary School serves students in first through fifth grades, drawing students from throughout the Fort Wayne Community Schools boundary. The school has been part of FWCS’ arts magnet program since 1981 when the program expanded from Whitney Young Elementary School. Weisser Park lives its motto “Weisser Park has a heart for the arts” by educating students through a fusion of rigorous academics and distinguished art instruction. The curriculum for music, visual arts, theater arts and dance is based on the National Standards for Arts Education. An expanded school day offers additional instruction in band, strings, choir, piano, theater arts, dance, pottery, textiles, chimes, photography, drawing and painting. Spanish instruction is also offered to all students.

In 2018, Weisser Park began a partnership with Discovery Education to provide professional learning services and the development of an enhanced STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum. By partnering with Discovery Education, Weisser Park’s curriculum was updated to a modern fine art learning experience. While still valuing the variety of fine art experiences, lessons are intertwined with technology and engineering concepts.

Over the course of three years, Weisser Park staff worked with Discovery to establish a vision and build the foundations for STEAM, including students and parents in the changes and new expectations. The enhanced focus on project-based learning coincided with a district-wide initiative to integrate Deep Learning philosophies into everyday instruction. While learning the Indiana Academic Standards, students at Weisser Park are also learning how they can make a difference in their world by developing the 6 Cs: character, citizenship, communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.

All students have the opportunity to attend STEAM-focused classes and develop computer science skills throughout all content areas. Employability skills are reinforced in classroom-based community meetings and school-wide town hall sessions. Students have opportunities to participate in extended learning opportunities such as robotics, coding, Math Bowl, garden club, dance, band, strings, piano, drama, media arts and other fine arts programs.

Community partners play a vital role in providing instruction to students. Weisser Park has several artists in residence and also partners with Purdue Fort Wayne, Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne Dance Collective, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Science Central, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and others. A STEAM Advisory Board made up of parents, teachers and local community members provide valuable input for the success of the school.

Through the day-to-day integration of arts and technology, Weisser Park strives to develop students who have a strong foundation in learning. With that foundation, students will be able to see themselves in STEAM-related careers. Exposure to a wide variety of career options and diversity in the community partners who work with students, helps students realize what they can become.

Weisser Park has a heart for the arts and a commitment to student success.