Meet WillowWood School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW
The big picture on WillowWood School
We summarized the school ourselves
By any measure, there’s a lot to love about WillowWood. The work of the school is dedicated to supporting learners who, for a range of reasons, need something different, and who, for whatever reason, aren’t adequately supported in other academic environments. Their personal needs are assessed, as are their strengths and interests, and instruction begins from that point, seeking to build on their abilities in order to grow engaged learners equipped with the confidence and the skills to establish a place in the community of the school and beyond.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR ALL LEARNERS.
WillowWood has a culture that empowers students to thrive in a tech-driven world. Our friendly and supportive teachers create individualized learning plans and deliver them in a safe, respectful, and inclusive community. This individualized approach ensures that students are able to discover and embrace their strengths, address their weaknesses, and maintain their dignity."
Targeted, personal education
Consideration for each student's needs, inclinations and strengths
Low student to teacher ratio
Family style with a warm and caring environment
Support for diverse learners (including ESL, LD, Gifted LD, ADHD)
First Grade through High School Ontario curriculum
Robust Athletics program and Arts opportunities
Emphasis on mindfulness and opportunities to participate in our meditation club
Emphasis on environmental education and incorporation of climate action into curricula
Pod systems in grade 1-6 allow students to progress at their own pace.
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"WillowWood staff employ a team-based approach to teaching and conduct regular educational strategy meetings to discuss how best to deliver the curriculum to individual students....(more)
"WillowWood staff employ a team-based approach to teaching and conduct regular educational strategy meetings to discuss how best to deliver the curriculum to individual students. These meetings occur bi-weekly and their aim is to discuss teaching methods that worked or did not work with certain students. The meetings are also an opportunity to share insights and information about our various students that will hopefully provide our staff with a better understanding of our learners."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Word of mouth has been our primary source of referrals for as long as WillowWood has been open. Parents often decide to enroll their child with us upon hearing positive anectodes...(more)
"Word of mouth has been our primary source of referrals for as long as WillowWood has been open. Parents often decide to enroll their child with us upon hearing positive anectodes and reviews from neighbours, friends an alumni. The primary reason for choosing us is often because of the warmth, friendliness, and individual care students receive at WillowWood."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"When parents visit WillowWood, they are often shocked by how large the school is and surprised by the range of amenities we offer. Many schools that have small class sizes are not...(more)
"When parents visit WillowWood, they are often shocked by how large the school is and surprised by the range of amenities we offer. Many schools that have small class sizes are not full facilities. WillowWood features a full-sized gymnasium, a fitness room, a media arts room, an art studio, a sound-proofed music room, a fully-equipped science lab, and a film studio. Our playground has giant board games, checkers/chess tables, table tennis tables, and a full-sized basketball court."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Some parents are surprised by the fact that students address teachers by their first names at WillowWood. We do this to make students feel more comfortable in their classroom...(more)
"Some parents are surprised by the fact that students address teachers by their first names at WillowWood. We do this to make students feel more comfortable in their classroom engagements with their teachers. We want students to feel less anxious when addressing their instructors or when they ask for help. We want to convey the feeling that teachers and students at WillowWood are on the same team."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Watch our WillowWood School Q&A discussion with Adam (Alum), Julia (Parent), Ayeh (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
My son was in another private school for a few years and also spend some time at a public school before we moved to WillowWood. He used to hate going to school and every morning was a struggle for him and us alike. WillowWood made him fall in love with school again. He has had amazing teachers in all his years at WillowWood from grade 3 all the way to grade 12.
WillowWood's Pod program in the lower and middle schools is unique and the one-on-one support is amazing. He loves everything about WillowWood but I think having wonderful teachers is the best part. When the pandemic started, the school shifted and adjusted to online learning in a breeze. The transition was smooth and the kids didn't miss a day!
Our daughter came to WillowWood in Grade 9 after attending Toronto public schools since kindergarten. She had trouble fitting in with other kids up until then, came to WillowWood with low self-esteem and high social anxiety, and was somewhat scarred from sporadic incidents of bullying. WillowWood was instrumental in helping her with a smooth transition and developing strong and positive friendships that have strengthened over time. Our daughter is graduating this year with an appreciation for the friendships she has developed, a deep fondness for her teachers, and a renewed sense of direction as she moves forward. Our daughter has communicated with us on a regular basis that she is pleased about making the move to WillowWood after completing grade 8 at our local Junior High School.
My child was not thriving in the public school environment and needed additional help and attention. WillowWood School saw the potential in my child and provided all the help and assistance needed to succeed and now my child is well on the way to higher studies. My child and I are grateful for all the positive experiences in the past 4 years of high school and would recommend WillowWood School for anyone who needs that additional support to succeed. Homework Hubs, regular check-ins with parents, extracurricular activities, super friendly teachers and staff - too many good things to mention. My child likes to DJ and school had asked him to play the song of the day for quite some time until COVID struck. He would get ready for school with utmost enthusiasm which was so pleasant to see!
We first enrolled our son Oscar at WillowWood School in 2015 after we saw him struggle both socially and with reading among other topics in jk, k and grade one at first public than another private school. Within the first month, we saw a dramatic change both in how he was interacting with other students but also in his ability to read. The first year there was called a foundation year and he was given a specialized learning plan that matched where he needed assistance in how to best learn. This quickly helped his confidence level which helped him socially and academically. Oscar has now been with WillowWood for his 7th year, making the honour roll every year. WillowWood's zero tolerance for bullying has allowed Oscar and all the students to be able to go to school in a safe and supportive environment. In every case where there have been issues to deal with, the teachers have been engaged and the senior staff consultative and responsive. We had thought of moving Oscar into the public system for high school but given how confident we are in how WillowWood is supporting Oscar, we have decided not to take the risk and stay the course. I have been waiting each year to see if we would see a different experience with a new year and teacher and can tell you all of the teachers have been amazing. They have been instrumental in helping shape Oscar into the great young man and leader we have seen him become and there is no price that can be put on that!
In a word, transformational. Going from really disliking school in general to really wanting to go to school in such a short period of time has been amazing. School used to be something that was stressful previously. Bullying seemed to be all around. Teachers seemed to care more about themselves and their status than they did about the kids. The nature of the relationships between the faculty, administrative staff and students at WillowWood is peer to peer in nature. Respect is demonstrated by and expected of all. Teachers really care and all appear to be highly skilled. Rather that wondering which teacher will be an issue, I have confidence in the faculty and the administration.
My child loves WillowWood and feels very safe at the school. She describes the day to day feeling as if she is with her family. She has been given the encouragement to explore her creative gifts and her sports ability through the annual holiday happening, the annual play production, the various sports teams and the special art projects. She participates by talking about current events and has been experiencing the impact of giving back during the 30 Hour famine event. She has had so many opportunities to try new things and to build her leadership skills that she now exudes a great confidence in herself and now believes she is academically capable of handling her school work. She loves to go to school every day and share experiences with us at home.
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