Vermella Hackettstown

This used to be a nice town/school district. I used to coach my kids in 3 different sports. But, thanks to the Mayor and the money hungry town council, it is now it is overrun by multiple vape shops, teenage spanish gangs (yes, seriously), drug riddled and the school is wholly unsafe. They do nothing to protect the kids. Do not let the "College town" or "cute Main Street with lots of cute shops" fool you. This district spent over 100K+ installing vape detectors in the bathroom stalls, instead of addressing a no tolerance policy for substances/behavior. They love to give ridiculous reprimands; detention, ISS and OSS for silly forgetting a school ID, or just walking in the hall during 'attendance sweeps'. Instead of having lockdowns for safety, the school has lockdowns multiple times a month for so many kids having medical emergencies aka "greening out" = a kid passing out from getting too high. This High School and town is so bad that I would compare it to Newark or Camden at this point. Homeless people are now a normal sighting; sleeping on benches or begging in front of stores/liquor establishments. DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE!! Stay far away from this town. I've lived here for over a decade and a half and I am currently looking to relocate due to the rampant drug use and terrifying gangs that run this town.

This school feels more like a strict institution than a supportive learning environment. The level of punishment for small mistakes like forgetting something in a locker is extreme, especially for 5th graders who are still adjusting from elementary to middle school.Many of the teachers seem to expect perfection from students at all times, which creates unnecessary stress. I've also observed that some staff members are harsh in how they speak to or discipline students, particularly in the 5th grade.Unfortunately, the leadership isn't much better. The principal does not seem to have a clear vision for the school or strong leadership skills, and the vice principal has not been approachable or supportive.If your child needs extra academic support, be aware that this school does very little to provide it. The resources just aren’t there, and students who need help are often left behind.Overall, the school culture needs serious improvement, and I hope the district re-evaluates the leadership and support systems in place. Kids deserve better.

Wonderful school! We will miss it when my kids move on. All of the teachers are amazing. The principal is the best! Everyone is so welcoming. It has a true small town feel while providing a great education.

Could not be happier with all of the teachers and staff and the education my children have received at Willow Grove.