A Moment with Pearl Johnson, Willow’s Founder

The Willow School community gathered on Monday, September 22, 2025, for a special Morning Gathering with Willow’s founder, Pearl Johnson. Focusing on September’s virtue of Responsibility, Pearl reflected on Willow’s beginnings and her longtime dream of creating a different kind of education. As she watched her own children grow, Pearl saw many good things happening at different schools but didn’t see all the elements of an ideal education in one place. She envisioned a school where curiosity is encouraged and where children could experience joy, wonder, and the most beautiful parts of childhood through learning.

Early in her teaching career, Pearl found herself repeating, “One day we’ll build our own school.” Though she didn’t know exactly what it would look like, she imagined a place where children would come to know themselves and take full responsibility for who they are and who they wished to become. She wanted the school’s name to reflect a connection to the natural world, choosing the willow tree as her inspiration. “A willow tree needs plenty of water and sunshine, and, like a child,” she said, “if it’s given the right environment, it will thrive.”

Nearly 25 years after Willow’s founding, Pearl’s message encouraged students to take responsibility for small actions each day, explaining that even small actions—like throwing a pebble into water—create a ripple effect. “You get to choose what you take responsibility for,” she said. “It’s like a superpower,” learning to take responsibility for all the choices, big and small throughout life. Sharing the story behind Willow, Pearl left students and parents inspired to carry forward the spirit of responsibility at the heart of Willow’s vision.

From left to right: Rose Biedron ’15, Christy Johnson P’13, P’14, P’16, P’17, Head of School Francisco Ayala P’31, P’33, Pearl Johnson P’11, P’13, P’15, Chair of the Board of Trustees David Wolfe P’20, P’22, P’27, P’31, Loring Biedron ’11

Want to join the Willow community? Start a conversation with our Director of Enrollment Management, Lisa VanderVeen, to see how your child will thrive at Willow.