Research Watkinson School private Schools in Westfield, Massachusetts

“Watkinson takes some time to get used to, but once you adapt it is the best school I can imagine; athletically, socially, and academically.”

“I'm a student at Watkinson now and coming from a nearby prep school, I could not enjoy it more. My teachers are both adaptive to learning styles yet firm in their curriculum. I do believe I'm getting a quality of education that exceeds some of the larger, more publicized private schools. I have high standards for myself and my capacity of learning and i can safely say that Watkinson has given me the challenges and flexibility that I need to grow and expand as a student and as a growing person. I wholeheartedly can say that I along with many of my peers feel that we are given opportunites here that are simply not offered anywhere else. i feel as though I am indebted to Watkinson for allowing me to perform as I have.”

“As a parent of a current HS student I could not be happier. The student body is much more diverse than most New England Prep Schools when comparing size, and its honors classes are challinging. All teachers have been excellent so far. Homework is on par with the more difficult public schools in the Hartford area (4+ hours a night), but participation in school activities and sports are a must with class sizes much smaller. With a number of Ivy League admissions this past year Watkinson has continued to evolve to not just attracting the alternative learning student, but also the high achiever.”

“Watkinson is a school for alternative lifestyle families looking for broad acceptance and nurturing environment, but academics are marginal. Wat has an exceedingly liberal view of lifestyle/ student behavior and is closed to parental feedback that is remotely different. Thus, parental involvement is limited. Our two boys attended for two years; we are changing schools. We are disappointed in the quality of education they have received. Staff turnover seams high, quality of staff seems to be behind that of other school in the area. The LSP program is weak, we have seen it decline dramatically and have removed one of our sons from the program mid-year. Students are given an opportunity to shape their curriculum but too much time is available for study hall-free time. Watkinson has lost much of its luster as schools become more competitive, more engaging and well rounded; Watkinson has lost pace with its competition.”

“Watkinson School is a school that truly practices what it preaches! Unlike other schools, students here are given the chance to shape their own destiny. As a current parent of two students, one with a learning differnce, the other a 'competitive student' with a straight A average as well as a highly competitive athlete, I can state with confidence that Watkinson is a school for students of all abilities. In absence of AP courses, qualified students earn immediate college credit at neighboring Universtiy of Hartford eliminating the requirement of AP exams. Watkinson students are accepted to some of the most highly respected schools in the country icnluding MIT, Vassar, Smith, and Haverford to name a few. The difference is, the school also acknowledges students who learn differently are an important component to the learning environment. As a result, Watkinson School offers a more real world view than the typical private schools.”

“This is a good school for children with learning problems or who are artistic and want an alternative environment. Not a good school for very bright children who want a serious academic education or for children who are talented in math and science.”

“This was my high school and I think it did a great job of preparing me for college and life. I had some great teachers that I will never forget, and that I still keep in contact with now.”