Echo Horizon School

The Willows has been such a joy to be a part of. It’s a school that’s embraced our two very different kids, and helped them learn, try new things, gain confidence, work collaboratively and really understand their emotions as well as embrace the tools needed to navigate those emotions. We hoped that Willows would be a nurturing place, and it is. We hoped our kids would stay curious and engaged. And they have. We’ve made great friendships as well. It’s a community that our whole family feels connected to. It’s been 4 years at the school, and we’re excited to see our kids continue to grow there.

This school is a giant mess. Academic rigor is surprisingly low: students receive high grades despite mediocre performance, which creates a misleading sense of achievement.Teacher quality and consistency are big concerns, with frequent turnover and uneven instruction. That lack of stability shows in the classroom experience. Even more troubling are bullying issues that don’t seem to be addressed effectively.The administration is disorganized with weak leadership, with decisions that are inconsistent or poorly communicated. Overall, this school falls well short where it matters most: academics, stability, and student well-being.Zero stars. Avoid at all cost.

Avoid this school if you have a child with allergies. THERE IS NO NURSE AT THIS SCHOOL!They claim safety is paramount. Meanwhile, the head of school rakes in close to half a million dollars a year in salary (as evidenced via public tax records). But they can’t offer a $70,000 salary to a nurse to keep your child safe?This head of school stripped me of a warranted salary (that I now receive), and is compromising child safety to fulfill her own selfish greed. Do you want your kid with medical concerns to come to a facility where the maximum safety protocol is first aid training for staff? Or have a medical professional who has experience in emergencies to care for them?Hm….

If you are wanting your child to have an educational experience that is rooted in an understanding of education not so much as “putting in” (seeing kids as receptacles for adult knowledge) as it is about “drawing out” (supporting kids to know themselves, to figure out how to relate to others, how to really be in the world), then this school is the place to be. Our now 6 year old is in his 4th year at the school and loves going to school. He learns a lot, though not in traditional academic advancement terms. He wouldn’t pass standardized test on math or reading at this point, but that actually is a plus for us. Because he would pass any test of human engagement. He sees adults not as people to please or to fear, but as humans who have resources (experience, strength, perspective) that he might want to engage with. He is grounded in his emotions, is okay being himself, and also learns about what works for others and how to respect their boundaries while voicing his own. He’s developing intrinsic motivation and authenticity. These are lessons and practices oft sought after and rarely achieved. And what a gift to have regular experience of them as a young person. A rare gift. If this sounds appealing, I’d encourage you to check the school out. And I’d be happy to talk with anyone who’s interested.