The Willow School is a truly unique place in almost every aspect. In a
generation obsessed with materialism and superficiality, The Willow School provided young children with exposure to an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of education.
In 6th grade, I went to a local public Middle School, and I hated it. I only lasted three weeks in the oppressive environment. I visited the Willow School and immediately fell in love. The children there are highly intelligent, and devoted to learning for the sake of bettering themselves. Not only that, but the teachers challenge students to explore their creativity, and push their limits. They also have great emphasis on the importance of acceptance, no matter what a person does. They teach respect, camaraderie, and also about understanding your individuality.
Many people who see the school wonder if their children will be prepared for high school upon graduation. The answer is obvious, based on the fact that every alumni I know, is doing incredibly well in school, has many friends, and is immersed in extra-curricular activities. I am number eleven in my Senior Class, with a 4.1 GPA. I have recently been accepted to UCF and plan to major in Ethnomusicology.
My little sister, also a graduate, just brought home all A's on her first report card. There are many other former Willow graduates at the Charter school who are also examples of the excellence Willow School students show in the "real world". As they are all top of their class, and doing very well socially.
This is because Willow School kids are a little bit different. They weren't exposed to the harshness of middle school assimilation, and were allowed to be themselves during the time when most kids are having their creativity demolished by peer pressure. They emerge with a sense of dignity and self respect, and they share that respect with others all around them. They have a drive to succeed, but by their own standards. The most important thing Willow ever taught me, was how to think for myself. This is a lesson that is invaluable to a young person, and it has served me for many years, and will continue to serve all of us, for generations to come.