Portrait of a Graduate
The West Chester Area School District is proud to launch our Portrait of a Graduate initiative in partnership with Battelle for Kids. This project will define the key skills and mindsets every WCASD student should develop by the time they graduate—creating a shared vision to guide learning from kindergarten through high school.
Why Create a Portrait?
We live in a world that is rapidly evolving—socially, economically, and technologically. As educators, families, and community members, we must ask:
- What are the hopes and dreams we hold for our students?
- What skills will they need to succeed in college, career, and life?
- How can we create learning experiences that prepare them to thrive?
The Portrait of a Graduate is our district’s answer to these questions. It will serve as a North Star, guiding instruction, programs, and decision-making to ensure that every student graduates ready for the future.
What’s Involved in the Process?
Creating a Portrait of a Graduate is a community-driven process. We are bringing together students, educators, families, and community leaders to shape this vision together.
- A Design Team of diverse stakeholders will participate in interactive sessions between May and August.
- The process includes exploration, reflection, and collaboration, focused on identifying the essential “durable skills” students need, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and adaptability.
- Community input will be welcomed throughout the process, with updates and opportunities to contribute along the way.
What Will Be the Result?
By fall 2025, WCASD will launch a locally developed, globally informed Portrait of a Graduate that reflects our community’s shared vision.
This Portrait will:
- Define the attributes every WCASD graduate should embody.
- Guide future curriculum and program development.
- Help students understand and strive toward meaningful, future-ready goals.
- Connect families, educators, and community partners around a common purpose.
Where Are We Now?
We are currently in the Design Phase, and have our first two Design Team sessions scheduled.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 20 | 4:00–6:30 p.m. | Spellman Education Center |
| Wednesday, May 21 | 4:00–6:30 p.m. | Spellman Education Center |
Invitations have been shared with selected participants.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Our goal is that this is more than a document, it’s a promise. Help us design the vision that will prepare WCASD students not just to graduate, but to lead, innovate, and thrive in the world they will inherit. If you're interested in joining or learning more about this initiative, please contact Dr. Kalia Reynolds, Deputy Superintendent at kreynolds@wcasd.net.
Additionally, we will continue to update this webpage with new information as it becomes available.