1321 Spruce

The Principal has been very receptive and always available to discuss our concerns. I visit the school at different times of the day throughout the year and I see his presence in the lunch room on the yard and in the school as a strong and positive influence on the school , it's students and the teaching staff. The PTA is involved and the school supports may different initiatives on behalf of BAM and the community.

There were constant issues with bullying and hazing that were not addressed by the administration. Kids were worried that older students would throw eggs at them or beat them up because it was a specific day (there apparently are days when upperclass students torment, chase down, and beat up the underclass students and the administration turns a blind eye to it - my child was TERRIFIED that this would happen to them and it disrupted their learning - how is this OK in 2024?). There were threats of gun violence, there were shootings in the park across the street, there were students constantly pulling the fire alarms (again, why weren't there cameras near the fire alarms to catch the kids who did this?) and causing upheaval during the school day. We dealt with bullying from the teachers, teachers who were snide and unkind to students, teachers who made race-based comments in class, teachers who did not honor the 504 plan we had in place for a minor physical disability, teachers who overshared and gossiped about other teachers with the students, and a generally chaotic environment. By the time we left for the independent study program, the damage was done. I wish I'd have sent my kid to a different school from the start.

Es una escuela muy complementaria porque laConexión entre el personal y las familias es increíble!

Phenomenal school is every way. Diverse and welcome in learning community with high quality teachers in TK and K. My student has thrived here and I can’t wait to see what next school year brings. The after school staff really connected with my student and principal Hunt is a very dedicated. Don’t skip the potluck and movie nights as well as other school functions like back to school etc. they are so so worth it. Forgot to mention one of the best aspects, the specialists! My student has dance, garden, nutrition/ wellness, and art!

I had two kids in this school. One of them was severely traumatized, the other one fared better but was also not really happy. They have ZERO help for kids during recess. When there is a fight kids are told off, when there is bullying they rather victim blame than helping the child. The principal is old fashioned and loves teachers that yell at and punish kids. Group punishments? Great! Shaming a kid as punishment? Yes!The school has a few fantastic teachers but it doesn't make up for the rest.

We joined Washington just before COVID and the school went fully remote (as required). It was a difficult way to start, and everyone was doing the best they could to adapt. As students returned to campus, the faculty thoughtfully navigated the complexity of reintegrating. Overall, I was impressed. My daughter recently exited 5th grade as a very well-adjusted individual who was performing well in the classroom. We love you Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Baile, and Mrs. Jokela!

Nine out of ten. The school was built In 1999 with seismic Proofing also Ng with great surveillance cameras and security. The PTA is absolutely wonderful and we as parents have been participating and engaged. Parents are educated and great to hang out with. The teaching skills are very acceptable. I really like the melting pot of the students along with the teachers.

We had a horrible time at Willard. While some of the teachers were excellent (we had some great math teachers, for example) and we loved the cooking and gardening programs, bullying was a huge problem that, despite many, many complaints to the school, went un-addressed. My child was bullied mercilessly by another child the entire time and that other child would basically play innocent - it was never dealt with beyond that. My child is in high school now and we have spent thousands of dollars in therapy to help them get their confidence and sense of self back. I'm not sure whether that will ever happen. Additionally, although some teachers were fantastic, there were many others who were not, and those set a negative tone for the entire experience for us.