Willowbrook Day School

101 West Dupont Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 02, 2015

I just want to say, this school is so amazing! It's so rich with culture and knowledge. It also has the kindest staff around. I don't know how they keep up with everything. It's a small staff that has to be stretched to the max. After reading other reviews I agree with the other reviewer, the parents are a bit much! Very pushy, very demanding. They are a bit relentless and intense. I've spent time volunteering and it's amazing how these people think. But just avoid that and it's all good! The administration is great, and you get what you give!
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2015

After searching all over the place to find a preschool with a warm, loving atmosphere, I believe I have found it. We moved from Indy where there were lots of options and I was disappointed bc I didn't think I would find a comparable program. Now that I have my child enrolled in Willowbrook, my faith is restored.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2015

As a family who has been with this school for other 6 years, it has been an investment worth making! The current leadership of the school has transformed it into a magical place where children are getting the type of education you can't find any where else. The ONLY draw back to the school are some gossipy parents who seem to be unplease-able. Many families have a huge amount of entitlement. Over all, the school is wonderful and full of amazing staff!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

The SCHOOL HAS A BOARD!!!! Because I serve on it! I think it would be most healthy for you and your family to move on. Everyone here at Willowbrook is more than qualified! I think Willowbrook should researching its families a bit better though.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

The staff here is so well rounded and educated. Both Directors hold a Masters Degree! I should know, I hired them!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2014

This school needs a board! The head and the dean as the only avenue to appeal a matter is dangerous! Please do not sign their contract! It is also dangerous. As a precaution, you may want to research the credentials of the school administration. The transparency spoken of below is in reality a lack of boundaries.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2014

Willowbrook is such a great academic environment. Where other schools fail this one exceeds expectations. There is extream transparency, you have a ton of access to your child's teacher and administration. The students experience so many great things at Willowbrook. The students are currently learning about Bob Dylan and his contribution to the civil rights movement. How progressive! The art program is so impressive. And the academics are world class. Pound for pound Willowbrook is a great value, and a peace of mind.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2014

This school has been such a wonderful place for my two boys. They came to Willowbrook after experiencing a public school environment. The teachers, staff, and students made them feel so welcome and helped them transition beautifully. My dons come home from school happy, healthy, and excited about their day. I can honestly say that it was rare for those things to occur on a daily or even weekly basis at their old school. When your child or children are excited to go to school every morning or after holiday breaks, you know you've found the right fit!
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2014

Words can not express how warm, caring, and engaged the Head of School is. Mrs. Westropp is the best thing that has ever happened to Willowbrook, it's parents and the students. She is often seen standing in the rain, snow etc greeting the students. Any questions we have ever had are instantly handled in a professional manor. This little school has come so far under her leadership. Everyone I speak to is so happy with the program. I recommend you take a visit.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2014

The past comments about "cold" and "arrogant" staff is no longer a problem. My daughter is in her 3rd year at Willowbrook & this year has been the best. Her first year I would agree with those previous comments but since the founder of the school left & a new head was appointed, it is a very warm & loving atmosphere with small class sizes & great teachers. We will continue sending our daughter there & would recommend this school to everyone.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2013

As a parent who has been with Willowbrook for some time now I just want to say its a wonderful school. Very warm and inviting atmosphere, great academics. You won't regret enrollment, the results are amazing. I want to personally address the teacher turn over which is addressed in so many reviews. While I wouldn't dare over step personal boundaries and ask a teacher "why" he or she was leaving, I'm pretty sure it's no more then a typical school. Only problem is Willowbrook is small so it's noticed. And if you ask me I think a teacher should go where he/she wants. I don't want a teacher for my child who isn't a good fit for the school I choose. I'm at Willowbrook for the school and its structure, not a specific teacher. As long as the admin hires well, we are good. One word of advice to newbies, go in the direction of the positive parents. There is a few bad apples in the bunch, and I for one love when they leave.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2013

Willowbrook staff is the most compassionate around!! My two youngest children attended Willowbrook Day School for 3 years. The staff there is absolutely AMAZING!! The small class size allows EVERY teacher in the school to get to know each child personally. It is a wonderful feeling leaving my children in the care of such highly qualified and caring teachers. Mrs Ripley deserves the Teacher of the Year award. One of my children had anxiety issues but the staff, being exceedingly compassionate, took extra measures to build trust and ultimately helped conquer his shyness and anxiety. The school Head (Miss Ide) would sit with my anxious child and go to recess with him. He came home and told me he had a best friend. I asked who and he said ' Miss Ide'. Wonderful!!! He was even allowed to come in to school two weeks before the school year started to help Mrs Ripley in the classroom. She made him feel so comfortable and special. When the school year started, there was no issue at all. She even writes him little notes from time to time and signs them with ' love, Mrs Ripley'. She is incredibly kind!! Highly recommended!!
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2012

My eldest daughter attended Willowbrook for three years, two of them in pre-school and one in kindergarden. My youngest attended two years of pre-school. A lot of our experience was good, but there were too many terrible incidents with the administrators and teachers for me to say that our overall impression is anything other than unsatisfactory. One of the school's founders verbally attacked and abused me so much during a parent conference that I was reduced to tears, all because we objected to their using an enrollment form to tell us our child was not ready for kindergarden. In kindergarden the next year she was stressed out with what we thought were heavy homework assignments given how young she was. Every weekday evening she had to complete anywhere from 5 to 8 pages of homework. The final straw was when the school refused to let me look at an evaluation exam they had her take on language skills. I explained that I wanted to see the test to help my daughter with challenge areas over the summer. They refused to copy it or even allow me to review it in their offices. Ridiculous. What was our tuition for? Students are not allowed to hug either. It is a cold environment.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2011

We were referred to Willowbrook by a friend after our daughter had difficulties transferring from TRMS to Oak Farm Montessori. She had SEVERE levels of anxiety and was showing obvious signs of distress and discomfort there. We brought her for a visit to Willowbrook and she IMMEDIATELY felt comfortable, wanting to stay when we were done!! We followed her lead and pulled her out midyear and haven't looked back since! This school gave our daughter back to us! Not only did they welcome her with open arms, they adapted to HER needs, never forcing her to fit their mold. This school far exceeds our expectations! The staff and families are amazing! In the 5 months she was there, they brought her PASSED her her current grade level in all areas and she is not anxious any more. She loves going to school and looks forward to it every morning! We will FOREVER be indebted to them for bringing our child back to life! We have referred friend to the school, they are just as in love with it as we are! Thank you Brie, for such a wonderful gift! Also, Mrs. Ripley is an angel disguised as an Elementary teacher! :) We look forward to growing our family here at this amazing school!!!!
Submitted by other on June 02, 2011

The concept of this school is adapted from the Montessori which is a great one, but not very innovative on WillowBrook part!! The staff are very cold and arrogant!! I have been to many countries around the world and seen many schools and so I give this school and especially the staff zero however some of the teacher are o.k There are many other schools around town that are less expensive and provide excellent quality education and experience for the kids, and employees staff that are both professional and warm and open with others!!
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2010

Willowbrook is the most amazing place for any child to learn. To be able to send my child to a school of this caliber means so much. We are excited to begin another year at Willowbrook in the elementary school classrooms. There are so many things that sets Willowbrook apart but what stands out to me is the leadership of the school. The teaching staff is pure excellence. Everyone is held accountable and at anytime I can call or come in with questions and the directors are so friendly and approachable that it makes me feel confident that I chose the right place for my child. Thank you Willowbrook!
Submitted by teacher on July 23, 2010

I am a teacher at Willowbrook and it is truly an amazing school. I have previously taught in the public school system and the advantages of sending a child to Willowbrook are unprecedented. The individualized attention each child receives cannot be matched. For the first time in my career as a teacher I feel that each child in my class has the opportunity to learn at his/her fullest potential. I understand that some parents may be concerned with the staff turnover. However, parents should realize that many of the staff members left because, for one reason or another, it was not a good fit. The staff members that are currently with the school are all beginning at least their second year, and the majority have been here longer. Most importantly, we all absolutely love our jobs and believe that Willowbrook is an amazing school with an outstanding philosophy.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2010

Willowbrook is a wonderful place! I have looked at all of the private schools in the Fort Wayne area and Willowbrook by far is the only place that I will send my children. The teachers are wonderful, the directors are always available with questions and welcome us every morning when I drop the kids off at school. The education that my children are receiving is well above their peers at other schools and the best part is that the kids love every minute of every day. The stuff they do with the kids is AMAZING!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2010

Willowbrook has wonderful teachers! They always communicated with the parents and gave my child a great education. However, I believe the school lacks in responsility and due fairness to all families. Their is obvious favoritism towards certain children and their families over others. It was apparent in yearbooks, the PTO and most unfortunately scheduled programs. The children of the employees all attended morning preschool. Instead of having programs in both the afternoon and morning or alternating between the two, they only would have the programs for the morning preschoolers. My child didn't see the fire truck, the zoomobile and several other exciting programs. Please beware of the frills of Willowbrook. I believe my child could have recieved the same education at another school at a much lower price and he wouldn't have missed out on the fun experiences that go along with preschool!
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2010

I have two children who attend Willowbrook Day School. Willowbrook is pure class. From the smallest of daily activities to the biggest of events the staff and leaders of the school are impressive. I am so thankful that I am able to give my kids such a head start to life by enrolling them in such a great school.