Williston Middle

401 South 10th Street

School District

New Hanover County
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for New Hanover County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 23, 2024

My child is entering 7th grade. 6th grade was a big transition, and we did have one incident of bullying, but when I brought it to the school’s attention they handled it immediately, thoroughly, and effectively. My student grew and thrived at Williston last year, and I felt like each teacher was invested in getting to know my child as a unique individual. We are looking forward to the 7th grade. A school is more than just test numbers. Williston is a good school, and we’re proud to have a student here.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2022

What kind of school is this. Maybe the learning is good but the kids?? My girlfriend got shamed for their size by two kids in 8th grade. My girlfriend is in 8th as well. SOMEONE IN THIS SCHOOL NEEDS TO CONTROL THEIR STUDENTS. My girlfriend is severely insecure about their body and your petty students didn’t help. I know it’s not Entirely the schools fault but come on. Listen to what your students have to say. Williston has mean students.
Submitted by teacher on December 26, 2021

This school has constant bullying and fighting and there are fights on social media
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2018

The administration say they care, but they either ignore or say whatever they can to dismiss the parents when they speak up or question something. Things aren't handled as they should be. This has been my experience several times in dealing with this school.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2017

They don't help the children being bullied and they don't put the parents in touch to prevent the bullies at all!!!!! They need to bring belts back and God in this school especially!!!!!
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2015

This is a terrible school. There is a huge lack of structure and discipline. It seems like the teachers let the disruptive students set the academic standards. My child is an "A" student, but there is absolutely no challenge in earning that "A". The introduction of Ipads has only added to a crumbling mess of mediocrity; they have become a new game system for the students rather than a tool to foster educational growth. My child will end this year knowing no more than when they started this school year. Compared to other schools in New Hanover county, Williston is a few years behind (the 6th grade curriculum is like 4th grade at a good elementary school, 7th compares to 5th grade, and by the time the students reach 8th grade they might learn what a normal 6th grade class actually teaches). My advise for any parent that wants their child to be challenged, and be academically prepared for high school, do not let your child go to Williston.
Submitted by other on September 25, 2014

I am a student here at Williston Middle. I like the teachers, most of them are very good educators, the rest not so much. The administration is okay, The office staff isn't the best, and they are pretty slow. Dr. Oates, is very determined to make WMS the greatest school under the sun! He's awesome! The 6th grade Assistant Principal LITERALLY babies the 6th graders. She acts like they're toddlers or something. She is very annoying, actually. I know she is committed to her job, but she just loves to baby students. The 7th grade principal, is awesome, he always comes with a smile everyday, and treats the students as if there were his equal. He is very comfortable to be around. The 8th grade principal is very mean and intimidating. She makes me feel uncomfortable. As for other staff, the elective teachers are great. They are passionate about teaching. AIG, ESL, EC, and support staff are really great. One of the only problems I don't understand is the uniform. The 6th graders can't wear jeans, which I don't understand, and if you are out of uniform, it is automatic ISS. WMS, is pretty good, if we keep trying we can make it the greatest school under the sun!
Submitted by other on September 24, 2014

I go to williston im in 7th grade and it is actually a really good school just in a bad part of town the teachers and other staff members there are mostly super cool and for me actually make learning a little fun and they care about us alot and are all really nice i am glad i go to williston because if i didnt i wouldnt have alot of the friends i have and learning wouldn't be as fun!
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2014

Williston had a reputation of being a bad school in a bad part of town. This school year is different. There are new teachers and new administration. The principal is no joke.Dr. Oats is making it a safe and desirable place for his students. It is like he is Joe Clark from the Lean on Me movie. I can't wait to see how the school improves. This is just his first year there.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2013

Our son is 7th grade at Williston. I must say that this school has made huge progress in just a few months time under the direction of their new and dynamic principal, Dr. Jerry Oates. The AIG program is much stronger also and we have been very happy with the quality of the 7th grade teachers. Enrollment is picking up here so just a word to the wise: Soon this will be one of those places everyone wants to send their middle schoolers. More parents need to get involved.
Submitted by other on October 16, 2013

As an 8th Grader, I would like to say some things about the school. It isn't as bad as you think, there are fights, but with the help of our new principal, it has gotten better, there are bad moments, but you can't prevent all misconduct. The Teachers are amazing, they only are unpleasant when you deserve it, students only hate them for doing their jobs. It will get better, the new Principal, (I'm not allowed to list names) is cracking down on the gangs, bullying, and fights. Out of Uniform? RUN HOME. YOU WILL BE PUNISHED. That man is determined to make this the greatest school under the sun!
Submitted by other on September 15, 2013

I'm a student at Williston I'm in 7th grade my first year there and it's only been like 3 weeks and I love it there the teachers are so nice but they treat us like kindergartners they make walk in a straight line and have to stop at every single corner and we are not allowed to go to elective by ourselves we have to stay in a line but other than that the school is great!
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2011

This will be my first of many reviews on this as I just moved to area and want to make sure I give the school the credit due. I moved from out of state not knowing much about the area or school district. I will admit if I had known the school boundaries in advance I would have not located to the home I located to. My first impressions of the school was not the best. Not sure about the other schools but this school has a very strong police presence which my child and I are not used to. As I walked into the office I did notice children who had just been in a fight waiting for the principle, normally this would not be included in my review of a school but I have noticed that EVERY time I have been to the school there are student waiting for the principle for fighting. The staff is very friendly and I really enjoyed talking to them. The students at this school seem to be very tough, my daughter has only been at the school for a couple of weeks and we have already had incidents with bullying. I did speak to the principal and counselor and we have decided to have a conference regarding the issue. They did seem sincere when it came to solving this issue and easing my concerns.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2010

I have a seventh grade son at Williston and our experience has been wonderful. My son's teachers are very dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring. The strong administration, over the last three years, has really created a positive momentum and an atmosphere of tremendous possibility.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2010

My child WAS a student at Williston until I had to remove him because of the constant bullying situation and the school failing to do anything about it. My son was constantly pushed, shoved, called names....basically harassed on a daily basis and the school did nothing about it. Only AFTER I informed them I would be removing my child from the school and writing a letter to the school board and the superintendent of schools did they say they were going to work on the problem. Not a recommendation if you want your child protected!!!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2009

N/A
Submitted by student on November 21, 2008

N/A