Why Willow

Joy is essential to setting a higher standard of learning. That’s why Willow’s academic program is joyful, hands-on, and relevant to children’s lives. When students are excited and engaged, they become motivated to take their learning further. Visit any Willow classroom and you will see genuine accomplishment because students are constantly encouraged to inquire, think critically, problem-solve, make connections, and effectively communicate with others about their ideas, research, and findings. These are skills Willow graduates will use throughout their lives.

Willow’s unique program of virtues is embedded into school life and practiced on a daily basis. From Morning Gathering, when the entire school community comes together to reflect upon what is important to us as a community, to meaningful service projects, our interactions are guided by courageous inquiry, kindness and respect, and concern for the wellbeing of others and the world around us.

Willow’s extraordinary environment — 34 wooded acres, fields, a working garden, and green buildings — is the ideal backdrop for healthy, engaged learning. Combine that with our commitment to sustainability and systems thinking, and you have the essential elements for students to become responsible for themselves, their relationships, and the planet. Willow consistently challenges students to take risks in their learning, test sustainable solutions for the environment and society, and to refine their approach based on what did or didn’t work. This fosters responsibility and a resilience that serves our graduates well in high school, college, and life.

On any given day, Willow students are engaged with curriculum and programs not easily found at other schools. This includes Systems Thinking, Handcrafts, Architecture, three World Languages, and more. Visit our Academic Innovations page for more information.