Williams School

182 Mohegan Avenue Parkway

New London, CT 06320

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 02, 2025

The Williams School used to be a great place 20+ years ago when my sibling and I attended. I was hoping my child would have the same experience, but my oh my, how things have changed. I wish I had listened to the advise of others before sending my child. Williams was once considered quite selective, but now it seems they will take anyone, regardless of academic ability. The only ability they seem interested in is the ability to pay. The current administration is completely without backbone, kowtowing to select parents with the fattest wallets. The school actively recruits in China and don't seem to care if the students "accepted" to Williams from half way around the world even have a command of the English language. Back in my day, cheating and plagiarism was simply not tolerated and would result in suspension or expulsion. Now it has nearly become a varsity sport. I know of a student who plagiarized for the THIRD time with barely a slap on the wrist. So so many great teachers have left in recent years and who could blame them? Academic integrity has clearly taken a back seat to the almighty dollar at The Williams School.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2021

I watched my daughter get on the bus today with a big smile. She was happy to go to school and I thought, I’m glad we made the decision to send her to Williams. It was the right thing to do. She is being challenged academically and finds the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts to be fantastic. She enjoys her science, math, latin, history classes and more, and the teachers have been excellent and great at communicating with us.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2019

Our student was excited to learn. We quickly learned the schools administration and teachers had a great deal of tolerance for disrespectful students who had no desire to learn. No difference in behavior between public school students and private school students. Academics were not challenging, many gaps in subject matter being taught. It's a business and everyone gets wonderful comments on reports which was admitted by a teacher in class. It's a shame because this school has the potential for so much more than what students actually receive.
Submitted by student on December 10, 2017

The review bellow this one is mostly false. The school is very effective and I do recommend it.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2015

Our family has a 8th grader at Williams and who has been thriving. The teachers are accessible and the culture is positive and supportive. A child who is intelligent can flourish here without undue pressure from super intense peers and peer families. We chose this school over Hopkins for these reasons and it appears to have been the right choice.
Submitted by other on May 20, 2014

This school welcomes anyone serious about applying themselves academically. The disparity in socioeconomic background is irrelevant to the teachers and administration. They appreciate hard working, quality students and even more so if they are good community members. Do not be afraid to give this school a try.
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2014

We moved our children to Williams from public school when one was in the 7th grade and one in the 9th grade. It quickly became apparent to us that Williams is a class act and that our children were being taught study skills they never would have received in public school. And, they actually came home with homework and were held accountable for completing their work. No question that Williams curriculum is challenging but, the tools are provided to the students to be successful. And, more importantly, we know that the base that Williams provided has made the transition to college that much easier. Well done, Williams!
Submitted by other on January 14, 2014

The Williams School gave me an excellent education. I was more than equipped with all the skills necessary to do well in college. However, the majority of the students and families are from a very specific culture. They are very wealthy and have a very specific set of values and worldview. While politically correct, they are not very accepting of those who are different. Especially as it is such a small school; if you don't fit into their culture, it can be very difficult emotionally and socially. Fortunately I was able to go to a college with a large community that I could identify a lot more with, and have the full experience that I didn't have in high school. Like any school, Williams has pros and cons. If you fit into their culture and want a small school, or if you can sacrifice and seek social development outside of the school, it may be worth the excellent academics.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2013

Another wonderful year at this outstanding school. The environment is that of a college campus and the children rise to the expected maturity level (even the middle schoolers). The students are nurtured as they are simultaneously encouraged to individuate and experiment with new things. The academics are complete and robust, unlike our former public school who taught to the shallow CMT test. This administration understands that Latin is a necessary for high-achievers. My child was able to derive answers to biology tests from her knowledge of Latin, which will extend to better SAT scores. Any disciplinary problem is dealt with swiftly, and with finesse by the upper school Principal. The Head of School is a compassionate, truly nice person who leads through his dynamic persona. The department heads are truly gifted and unique people. The front office people and administration are all so nice and they somehow know ALL of the student's names! I cannot say enough good things about this school - it is still my daughter's "dream school", as she described it after shadowing a student a few years ago, during the application process.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2012

My child comes home every day and teaches me things that she learned in school that day. The depth of instruction far exceeds what I remember from my public school days. This school understands that children will rise to the challenge if you give them the opportunity. I wish I could have attended Williams, as I believe I would have been much more prepared for life both socially and academically.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2012

My child has been going to the school for just over a year. He is very happy there and the work is challenging. Parents should know that attendance is in a steady decline and as a result, the school seems to be getting rid of veteran teachers and scaling back in several areas.
Submitted by other on January 21, 2011

when i attended this school,it wasn't any different than a public school, besides the additional cost.i do not recommend going to this school
Submitted by other on January 21, 2011

when i went to this school,i had a full scholarship and was provided everything expense-wise.i ended up transferring because i really hated going to the school because of some of the teachers.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2011

I do not like Williams one bit.I rather homeschool my future children than bring them to Williams School,New London CT