17 Willow Park
Wellesley, MA 02481

Fiske Elementary School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, provides an extremely positive learning environment, where progress, hard work, and personal effort are observed, commented on, and valued. Principal Anthony Colannino is a tremendous addition to the staff who personally learns the name of every child , encourages a positive outlook, and promotes (via dialogues and book groups) learning a la "Mindset" (author: Carol Dweck), offering the perspective that every child can learn and grow--with study and practice. The "Fiske Fundamentals" -- Fair, Inclusive, Safe, Kind, Encouraging -- are promoted. Kids get comment cards from students and staff when they are "caught" demonstrating FISKE fundamentals. The PTO is active and the Kids Care Club -- 15+ year old service organization -- is vibrant and active, introducing kids to social service opportunities via the Food Pantry, Bristol Lodge, and green initiatives. I have had two daughters with very different personalities attend the school and thrive. Opportunities for development: more standard math education (i.e., long division) and improved infrastructure (i.e., roof, health room, cafeteria, newer playground).

After an amazing experience at Wellesley public schools for elementary school, I entered middle school optimistic and excited. However, I was incredibly disappointed to find that Wellesley Middle School did not at all live up to my expectations. Most teachers seemed disinterested in their work and in teaching students. Little effort was given to support students who had difficulty learning material. Administrators were harsh and unkind to students. Students experiencing discrimination or bullying received next to no help from the school. The unfortunate reality is that Wellesley Middle School is a three year hell, and many other students and parents I have spoken to agree.

This High School is excellent in that the teaching staff is top notch. There are so many courses to choose from and the individual departments and teacher encourage student to challenge themselves, stretch themselves and not limit them to mid-level course offerings. There seems to be a lot of communication between families, teachers and administration. The communication is open and the atmosphere is positive. Our kids all got great educations and had their choice of top tier colleges. The principal is very open to talking with parents and makes sure that the faculty adopts a similar open policy. I feel like they are concerned with your child and work with the student to achieve success.