The Wilson School

400 De Mun Avenue

Clayton, MO 63105

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 11, 2024

For the amount of tuition paid to this school, they should have: up to date technology where children have their own computers and not have to go to the computer lab that has broken computers, a decent playground area for children, where the equipment is not broken, maintenance staff for cleaning, and a real administrative staff. No gym equipment for children during PE. There is no programs included in the tuition as advertised on the website, these are outsourced programs that are additional paid outside of the tuition. There are 2 grade levels in each in classroom. I was proud of my child going to an all black school, but it really lacked and did not meet up to what we were paying every month at all. Very overpriced. The one good thing that I can say is my child gained more discipline in his learning, but that was due to the excellent teacher that will not be returning. Then had the nerve to increase the cost for the next year. Please, I did not bring my child back the following year. Mr Wilson you could do better.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2023

I cannot imagine a kinder and more dedicated group of teachers and staff. Both of my children have thrived at The Wilson School because of the small school environment with two teachers per class (excellent, rigorous instruction with teachers who balance each other's strengths while supporting the students). The curriculum is accelerated, yet students do not feel anxious or pressured because the school teaches them how to manage their time and build independence. They value social and emotional learning. They teach students how to be good citizens of the school, region and world. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2022

The office staff assured us that our child would receive what he needed to excel. Not true. They scheduled his core classes for the afternoon because there is only one teacher per subject and apparently the “scholars “ get the morning slot. There is no air conditioning on the classroom side. The teachers make inappropriate comments to the students. They don’t use textbooks. During dismissal if a few students are disruptive, every student in the class is kept until the teacher gains control. In the meantime parents are waiting outside in the car. The tuition is overpriced.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2021

My daughter goes to The Wilson School &I absolutely love it! They cater to children's needs, are committed to social &emotional well-being of students&not solely academics&the families=community. In the midst of a pandemic, they did not miss a beat. Our school seamlessly switched to online learning &didn't fall behind educationally. They exceed CDC COVID-19 Guidelines; have the option of ConnectED Flex which means that even if my child is an in person student, if I feel the need to keep her home I can do that &she's learning along with her classmates;frequently hold Town Halls to get parents' input;celebrate ALL cultures &holidays;teach kids to be independent thinkers &speak up on their own behalf; &discuss real, relevant issues (e.g.,Jan. 6th @Capitol, George Floyd). As a Wilson mom, I could not have dreamed of a better school for my daughter. My daughter is happy EVERY DAY. She NEVER wants to miss school. They offer tuition assistance so don't be deterred by costs. Hope this helps!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2020

As a current Wilson parent, I was curious about the reviews and was very surprised to see a few negative reviews. Upon closer inspection, the experience that is being described by the negative reviewers sounds, in my opinion, extreme, even polarizing. Thad Falkner may be one of the kindest and gentlest people I've ever met as well as conscientious and incredibly thoughtful; the perfect head of school, somewhere between Mr. Rogers and Professor Dumbledore. Every staff member puts your child first and kindly (and patiently) handles challenges across the classroom. If you want to drop your child off every day to a safe, warm and loving environment, where they will be challenged but not overwhelmed, apply to Wilson. If you want teachers that will be available to your children via email evenings and weekends, apply to Wilson. If you want you and your family to feel known, apply to Wilson. If you want to see your child academically grow, learn to embrace math and learn to write well, apply to Wilson. If you prefer small class sizes so your child can receive help when needed, apply to Wilson. If you want your child to like school and develop a love for learning, apply to Wilson. If you are looking for a private school and plan to pay the premium of a private school, do the homework on what it is you are truly looking for, then apply for that. Go to the open house. Spend time with several families (not just one) before you commit. Be honest about the outcomes you expect when your child graduates grade levels or matriculates out of Wilson. Based on the negative reviews, the families who’ve had problematic experiences at Wilson may not have been the right fit for the school (and vice versa). Wilson is a wonderful school. I am beyond grateful my child has attended. The Wilson education has been more (and better) than I could have ever hoped for—even during e-learning due to covid-19!
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2020

I cannot imagine my child attending another school. Wilson has become family and the education in a variety of subjects is world-class. Highlights include classroom and educator diversity, small class sizes with individualized education and a strong focus on social responsibility.
Submitted by other on January 29, 2020

Wilson's an outstanding school and I credit them for my life-long passion for learning. I developed strong writing and communication skills thanks to my teachers. My brother's still fluent in French, many years later! My family has so many fond memories of the warm, supportive community at Wilson. I transferred to Wilson mid-year, in 4th grade, from another school. The teachers gave a lot of individual attention to each student thanks to the small class sizes. That really helped me catch up and thrive. I remember how relieved I felt when the kids enthusiastically welcomed me on my first day. Decades later, two of my Wilson classmates are still my best friends. Pretty incredible!
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2019

Wilson has been the best school for my child and my family. Wilson has been a second home for us and also been a place that we feel that what we bring to the table is valued.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2019

We have been very happy with the Wilson School for its family like atmosphere, challenging academics, kind teachers, welcoming families, and innovative curriculum. Kids can be themselves in a great atmosphere. The homework amount can be heavy at times and the school could look at improving their agility to change fundraising and administrative strategies more quickly in such a competitive school market. But overall, a very good independent school option if you are looking for a well-balanced and diverse group of smart and creative students with an innovative curriculum.
Submitted by other on February 10, 2018

Terrible just absolutely awful. It was atrocious.
Submitted by other on May 19, 2017

We love the Wilson school!! After the very first day of PK my son said "Wilson feels like home". A dozen people say hello to my kids by name between walking from our car to the classroom. It is such a warm and welcoming environment. The perfect environment to learn in. We went to pick up my son early from aftercare at Wilson to go to a private event at the Magic House and we had to drag him out of aftercare kicking and screaming because he was having so much fun!
Submitted by other on May 18, 2017

First, let me start by saying that Wilson was our FIRST choice school. It wasn't our "Safety" choice and we were accepted to both The Community School and The Forsyth School as well. We wanted our children to attend a school where they were known for not only their strengths but to be held accountable for their shortcomings and lets be honest, every child has both. We came from a major West Coast city and knew all too well what it took to navigate the academic waters of choosing a school that fit both of our children. As parents, we wanted to be heard but also feel like we were part of a community that had the greater good in mind. Choosing a school for us meant finding a team of educators, families and staff that would help us grow intelligent, thoughtful, curious humans that would always love to learn and also appreciate the many perspectives and learning styles of the people around them. We also sought out a diverse community, not only culturally but also economically. It was important to us that we find a school that safely challenged to prepare them for years to come but also allow them to be children. To address the bullying topic that has been mentioned previously, over the years we have seen the conduct code change for the better. The very few issues that have come up over the many years we have been at Wilson (as they would in any school) have been handled very well and have been productive in helping to form respect for both the children and the staff. Overall, we have been very impressed with our children's growth academically and socially at Wilson. We joke about the silly "Gratitude Attitude" song the created one year but its one that sticks for a reason. We are very grateful to be part of the Wilson family.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2017

The school has a strong focus on developing "good humans" as well as strong academics. My student was beyond prepared for secondary school and this dual focus of academics and character development made the transition seamless. It is my child's 'home away from home' where they know all the students and teachers, and the teachers and students know them. The two teacher approach provides an arena to develop each student to their individual best. Most importantly, as a parent, I feel 'heard' by the administration and feel they are always working for the best interest of the children.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2017

Make Your Mark A Good One is the motto of the school. This year's theme is respect but there is no curriculum beyond a song taught to further this theme. The head himself is not a model of respect and, as mentioned in earlier reviews, bullying (the ultimate kind of disrespect) continues. The school does not value diversity of learning styles or religion. The school as an organization does not support students and families that have differing perspectives from their own. The school also censors expression regularly. This year they did not even publish the results of their mock presidential election to their student body. The rationale was that it would be too difficult for some students and parents to cope with the results. What kind of learning experience is this? What kind of respect for others have our children learned from that experience?
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

The Wilson School is not just a school but a community. My child feels safe and cared for at school. She knows all of the teachers and staff and they know all of the children. The small class size allows for children to learn at their own pace and have the one on one attention that they need and deserve.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2016

The academic program at the Wilson School is amazing. The teachers are highly experienced and supported with continuing enrichment programs that keep their curricula current and challenging. I appreciate the multi-disciplinary teaching approaches, the attention given to each student, the international perspectives, and the number of male teachers. My sons are graduating Wilson with organizational and writing skills that will carry them through the most competitive secondary schools.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2016

My 3 daughters had an outstanding experience at the Wilson School. In addition to the outstanding academic preparation for secondary school, the Wilson School provides a warm, nurturing environment where each child is known.
Submitted by student on March 31, 2016

Make Your Mark A Good One! Happy to be a Wilson School Student. MYMAGOHappy Spring Break!
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2016

Our family loves Wilson! This school is without a doubt, one of the best schools in St. Louis where our kids (very different than one another) are challenged academically. The school strikes a great balance, however; and is also a warm and nurturing environment for all. Great parent community, too! For the past several years, our kids are greeted at the door with smiles and hellos (most of the time in French!) and known as individuals. It is a GREAT community to be a part of!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2015

Wilson is a good “safety” choice if you are intent on a private school but your child was not admitted to one of the brand names like Community, MICDS, Forsyth, or New City. The majority of people we know didn’t get accepted by their first choice, or they decided to look outside the normal admissions cycle. Wilson usually has space available in the early grades even when other schools do not. Some families chose it for the small size, which is a great feature when managed well. A fair number of students tend to leave over time. The parents who leave almost always tell other parents it is because of the administration’s low standards for student behavior. You can find bullying anywhere, but in such a small class there is nowhere to hide. This makes it especially important for a school to have the courage to enforce standards when necessary. Instead, Thad Falkner, the head of Wilson, simply has students visit his office for a few minutes and then return to class. This is the only known punishment even for some acts too unspeakable to describe in this forum, but let me just say that our sweet little girl was scarred by something that had no apparent consequence for the perpetrator. Likewise, there is no courage to intervene with teachers who are struggling. There are many talented and committed educators, especially Pre-K/JK/SK. However, there were also two years we consider lost, due to teachers who were inept and/or couldn’t manage control of their classroom. Some could be solved with coaching, and letting go of poor performers. A great school needs to be more than the sum of its parts, and what you get at Wilson is a set of parts. Many of the parts are great, but some are substandard. The school’s new strategic plan calls for greater word-of-mouth advertising, because somehow the board believes that the enrollment problem is merely due to low brand awareness because it is a small school. However, attrition would seem like the bigger problem, because enrollment would be at its cap from SK onwards if they could just address parents regularly pulling out their kids for other private schools. You might ask yourself why Wilson usually has space. Many of us wouldn’t recommend the school to someone with other options. Let’s hope this changes, because it could really be something if the administrators found courage inside themselves.