Willow Hill School

98 Haynes Road

Sudbury, MA 01776

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on November 07, 2024

It's bad! They me there students feel bad about themselves.
Submitted by other on October 23, 2024

As someone who has been to many other schools in my time, this is by far one of the worst ones. It reminds me of a movie where people are traped in a school with no out side contact. they take out phones and put them in "the phone hotel" its more like a jail, and question us when we need to call out parents (they rarely let us call) they also do not support anyone, weather or not its at home or even school. I have requested many times to get help with some one work and NO one helped me. This school does not understand the learning struggles that kids have, (ASD, ADHD, Anxiety, and depression!) this school is more focused on the money and spending in on god only knows what (they claim they are poor but we pay over 60,000$ a year, with over 70 students so the equals 4200000 a year. Ps, i used a calculator.) This school is a scam of money and sucks! !!!!DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD THEIR!!!!
Submitted by student on June 11, 2024

All right. I wrote the report about being stuck with their bully. Quick revisions: I have outgrown this school. It helped me at first with social issues, but when I outgrew that and needed academic help, it didn't give that. I've become friends with the student that I had issues with, and now, I feel like I'm just stuck dealing with other students issues. But, I will be leaving and going to a new school, and I think that Willow Hill is very good for students that need help socially. Sometimes, Willow Hill does simply foster kids who are severely socially disabled instead of attempting to help them, but other times, it does try to help. I would recommend this school for people that need social help, but not academic help.
Submitted by student on January 18, 2024

This is the best school I have ever been to. As a student who has had troubles in previous school settings that bullied me (teachers and students alike), this school was exactly what I needed. Everyone here is so kind, both teachers and students. Most Teachers are kind, supportive, thoughtful, and genuinely care for students and their education. The students for the most part are also amazing. There is no bullying, everyone knows each other because of the small school setting (having like, 70 kids total), and finding a friend is pretty easy since there as at least one person you can find that can relate to you and what you’re into and been through. The school provides fun activities and electives for students to participate in, such as theatre, basketball, woodworking, music learning, etc. with the electives being on Fridays replacing regular school days (and also they are half days). Some people on this website have been saying there isn’t a wide racial diversity in the school, and although that there are a significant amount of white people at the school right now as of writing, that isn’t done on purpose. I’ve seen black, Asian, Hispanic, etc. kids here, the fact that there are a lot of whites is purely coincidental. The school is also very welcoming to the LGBTQ community, having a Pride Club and some Pride themed events. As a current student of the school who has been going for 4 years now, I cannot stress enough how much this school changed me for the better. The nice teachers and students, the plethora of activities, all of this changed me into a great, all round person. For example, before WHS, I would never even consider doing art at all, and now here I am drawing in my free time because of how awesome the art class was. Bottom line, this school is great and will change your child for the better.
Submitted by student on January 13, 2024

This school makes students feel bad and uncomfortable about themselves. So many students cry because of the unsupportive teachers and administrators. Don't go to this school.
Submitted by other on November 10, 2023

The administration doesn’t understand kids with autism. They punish and humiliate kids that don’t fit a particular mold.. I wouldn’t trust them to educate a child unless it’s just a basic learning difference. It’s like a very basic private school with rules but very little empathy or compassion.
Submitted by other on November 10, 2023

The administration doesn’t understand kids with autism. They punish and humiliate kids that don’t fit a particular mold.. I wouldn’t trust them to educate a child unless it’s just a basic learning difference. It’s like a very basic private school with rules but very little empathy or compassion.
Submitted by other on June 17, 2023

I caution prospective students and their families to think twice before enrolling in this institution, as there are undoubtedly better alternatives As a former student who endured the entirety of my education at Willow Hill School, I feel compelled to share my candid thoughts on what can only be described as a disheartening and unfulfilling experience. Looking back, it is with deep disappointment that I reflect on my time within the walls of this institution. One of the most glaring issues at Willow Hill School is the lack of academic rigor and intellectual stimulation. Throughout my years there, I found myself constantly underwhelmed by the quality of instruction and the overall curriculum. Rather than challenging and encouraging critical thinking, the education I received felt uninspired and shallow. It seemed as though the school was more concerned with maintaining an appearance of achievement rather than fostering a genuine love for learning. In addition to the lackluster academics, the school's administration exhibited a shocking level of disorganization and indifference towards the needs of its students. Important issues were brushed aside, and concerns were often met with dismissive responses. The blatant disregard for the welfare and success of its students left a lasting negative impression on me and many of my peers. It was disheartening to witness the absence of effective leadership and support. Extracurricular activities, an essential component of a well-rounded education, were sorely lacking at Willow Hill School. The limited options available failed to cater to a wide range of interests and talents. Instead of encouraging exploration and personal growth, the school seemed content with providing a bare minimum of options, leaving students with few avenues to develop their passions or discover new ones. This lack of opportunity left me feeling unfulfilled and deprived of a truly enriching educational experience. Moreover, the physical facilities at Willow Hill School were far from impressive. Outdated and poorly maintained, the classrooms and common areas were drab and uninspiring. The inadequacy of resources further hindered the learning process, making it challenging for students to reach their full potential. It was disheartening to witness the school's neglect of creating a conducive environment that promotes engagement and creativity.
Submitted by other on February 08, 2023

This school's response to bullying and harassment is grossly inadequate. I was harassed in a sexual manner (as have many others I know). When I attempted to report what had occurred, the school rules made it impossible for the person responsible to face punishment if they denied what had occurred.This school also has a serious problem with lecturing students. They treat high school students like sixth graders, and when a rule is broken, they mostly resort to ineffectively lecturing the students (sometimes no rule is broken at all and they still get in trouble). Who gets in trouble is also inconsistent (some students get more in trouble than others).The school also has a significant issue with diversity. There are no Latinos, African-Americans, or Asians here. The school is also very secretive about its LGBTQ support.The school also has a significant issue with private spaces. There are no quiet spaces provided for students, nor are there any gender-specific spaces (which I personally think is a important thing to implement).This school may have ruined my high school experience. Avoid, even though the majority of the teachers here are nice, at least to me.
Submitted by student on February 01, 2023

Helpful in middle school but treats students like children in high school.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2023

I was relieved when I found WH. My child was struggling in her other school. She did not have ASD or ADHD, was just overwhelmed and had other minor LDs. It was sold as medium-high cognitively. I would say that is a stretch. My child is an average cognitive ability and I quickly realized she would never go to college if she stayed there. There is no set curriculum and they do not tie towards any national expectations for the math/science/ELA requirements. For some kids, this is a great place, but it was not for my child because although she has some LDs, definitely was interested in learning and in going to college after high school. Most of the kids that graduate here go to the working world or PT community college. Or if they go away to college, are back home soon because they cannot handle the academics.The main issues are 3 IMO 1) Lack of academic transparency- its very unclear what a typical high School course load looks like. Even in the "advanced" group, it's extremely diluted and does not at all compare to anything close to a normal MS or HS class. There are no syllabuses or curriculum or standards. 2) Administration- the head of the school is a financial manager not educator. She's extremely hands off, and there is no culture building, focus on long term success etc. No regular communication home, no newsletter, no goals, no accountability for admin whatsoever. The principal does not seem to have authority to impact the culture at all- head of school is a black box that takes your check 3) Culture- They treat the students like babies- search backpacks, confiscate phones every morning, have to have to be put in their cars at pick up like preschoolers. This is NOT preparing them for life after HS! Honestly did not feel they respected my child at all/ talked down to kids like she was dumb.A few good things- the sports coaches and teams allow everyone to feel successful. The LEAP program helps real world experiences and life building skills. This needs to be a step further to help students figure out if they want to go to college or the working world earlier on in their academic careers, and then work towards those goals accordingly. It could be a good place to land for a year or two if your kid needs to take a beat to regroup/reassess. I would not do it for their entire school through HS. At the end of the day, the administrations aloofness and lack of engagement scared me. Like the emperors new clothes.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2022

Willow Hill School was the best school ever for me i particapted in every school sport and play and was inspired to become an actor by the theatre teacher Margot Law. Thank You
Submitted by student on December 25, 2021

Some really unprofessional and immature teachers, some would even call them toxic. Ruined my high school experience. Do not go here if you want to have a "normal" high school life. They lock up 18 year old's phone in the "phone hotel."
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2019

We have only been at Willow Hill for a few years now, but I forget how painful every single day was for my child at his other schools. We are home now.
Submitted by teacher on July 12, 2018

I have been a teacher at Willow Hill for many years (as have many of my colleagues) and am not sure if I could possibly have found a more rewarding experience as an educator. The ability to see (on a daily basis) that you are making a real difference in student and family lives is very special. I feel so supported by my colleagues and by the Willow Hill community, in general. In order to truly thrive and not just "get by", some students need a place that will understand them as a learner. Willow Hill (along with our amazing staff) is that and so much more. If you have any doubts as to whether or not students are thriving here, stop by one of our Summercomes Celebrations in June. These kids SHINE. I am so proud of all our Bees and so grateful that I get to come to work here each day.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2018

thank you for everthing, Willow Hill School! LIFE-CHANGING.
Submitted by teacher on June 21, 2018

Teachers ( my colleagues) great! Kids totally lovable. Parents very supportive. I still rate the former administration easily as the worst I have ever dealt with in my lengthy career as an educator.
Submitted by other on January 29, 2018

Some kids are not there for learning issues. Be careful of who your child makes friends with. If it seems off, it probably is.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2017

Some really positive aspects, some really great faculty and students, but then, there are some negative aspects that adversely affect everything. Most of this is about the people. In such a small school, one person can impact many. Some staff need to go, as a few are not able to meet student needs. Same with the student body, a few who are not acting safely around others need to go to a therapeutic school, which this isn't. Parents aren't sought out for input other than bare minimum, i.e., what is required by monitoring/licensing organizations. School should care more about trying to retain students, as it's not good for those left behind to experience so much turnover, nor do the ones leaving enjoy more change in their lives. And no doubt some teachers find it disheartening as well. The facilities and campus are excellent.
Submitted by other on July 13, 2017

Quite simply, an amazing school. Great teachers. Great staff. Great program.