About Us
Why we exist
Statement of
Purpose
We strive for the continued availability of a local k-5 public school that engages the community as a classroom rooted in arts and nature.
Our purpose is to foster an inclusive learning environment focused on developing our students' physical, social-emotional, and academic strength. We grow our students into creative, critical thinkers who confidently use their voices to lead positive change in their communities and the wider world.
Our Founding Team
The People Behind WCCS
Our founding team brings together educators, parents, and community members committed to building a school that serves children and strengthens the wider community.
Dr. Susan Paynter
Founding Team Member
Dr. Susan Paynter has spent more than four decades in education as a teacher, principal, head of school, charter founder, assistant superintendent, and teacher trainer across public, private, and charter school settings. She was the founding principal of Unity Charter School in Morristown, New Jersey, and a founding board member of Ridge and Valley Charter School in Blairstown, New Jersey. Her handbook on operating a charter school was published by the New Jersey Charter School Resource Center, and she holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Seton Hall University. Dr. Paynter has also taught curriculum design at the master’s level, with a focus on backward planning and teacher-led school design. Locally, she serves as chair of the Woodstock Environmental Commission and has also served on the board of the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum (WAAM).
Tansy Michaud
Founding Team Member
Tansy Michaud is a Woodstock parent, community organizer, and graphic designer for film and television. She has worked on major network and streaming productions and brings a deep appreciation for storytelling in all forms, visual communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Tansy is especially passionate about arts-integrated curriculum and believes that regular exposure to music, visual art, movement, theater, and creative expression helps children become more confident, original, and flexible thinkers. She is excited to help build a tuition-free public school option designed around strong academics, arts integration, outdoor learning, and meaningful local partnerships.
Your Voice Matters
Help shape our school
We're gathering input from families, educators, and neighbors. Your perspective matters. Take our short community survey.
Take 5-Minute Survey