"I just wanted to thank you again..."
Our Parents and Alumni Say
I just wanted to thank you again. I’m sure that I sound like a broken record at this point, but I do feel that I have to praise you and the WillowWood staff for the way in which you’re handling the current situation with grace and dignity. I know that Caliyah has certainly benefitted from continuing to receive the daily learning and support that she has come to enjoy from her teachers and the interactions with her classmates.During a period of uncertainty and disruption, it’s nice to know that she can at least count on some semblance of structure in her day and have something to look forward to outside of the day to day monotony that I think has set in for most of us.
Parent
We are so thankful every single day for the love, dedication, skills and resourcefulness shown by WillowWood School in this time of self-isolation. We feel this has contributed significantly to Ethan’s emotional stability and social connection as well as the significant focus on his academics so he can hopefully gain his credits. When we consider Ethan’s school experience compared to that of the other camp families we know, we want to hug you all and hope you know what a huge difference you are making to so many children and families.
Caregivers
Jenn has been beyond wonderful. She makes the kids feel like they are important and still part of her classroom. They have a lot of respect for her.
Parent
“Our daughter is currently in Grade 11 and first started at WillowWood in Grade 9. She faced some challenges, having been educated outside the mainstream school system for a few years. She was introverted when she started but has blossomed into a confident young woman over the last 2 years.
WillowWood School’s approach to education is student-centred, individualized and caring. She quickly felt safe in the WillowWood environment and the teaching & support staff had a lot to do with that. She’s made tangible gains during her time at WillowWood both academically and socially."
Parent
"The summer before my son moved to WillowWood, his new school would often come up in conversation with family, friends and acquaintances. Without fail, everyone who had heard of the small school said the same thing; WillowWood is the best school! The reaction was so consistently emphatic, I really could not imagine what the school could be like…
A year and half later, I now know with certainty that WillowWood is indeed the best school. There is no magic, no secret no gimmick. The staff and teachers are highly experienced and hardworking educators who, concept by concept patiently, lovingly and skillfully help the kids forward. The school is progressive and educates the whole child developing them academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
My son has found a second home in WillowWood. He looks up to the staff so much so that he plans to one day become a teacher there and then when he finally retires, he will come back as a supply teacher :). At night, when I count my blessings, WillowWood is at the top of my list. We are so grateful! "
Parent
“From the day we first came to see the school and meet the staff, we knew it was the right place. Your view was that students should be challenged to their level of ability by a teaching staff that was both understanding and sensitive to students’ special social and academic needs. It was exactly what we were looking for!”
Parent
“I think WillowWood is the best thing that ever happened to me. This school has given me everything – confidence, happiness, great friends and memories I will keep with me forever… Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn, play, and grow up here. You truly saved my life!”
Alumni
“Joan gained confidence in herself and smiles a lot more! She is finally seeing results with her hard work and gets excited when a new project is assigned. We never have to ask her to do homework, she dives in as soon as we get home!”
Parents
“In Simon’s early years at WillowWood, we questioned whether he would make it to college because of his severe Learning Disability. Simon’s teachers thought otherwise; they assured us that Simon would continue to university – and they were right. To date, he has received several law school acceptances, including Osgoode Hall Law School.”
Parent
“This is the first year that Andrew is excited about school.”
Parent
“There are no words to describe the impact that WillowWood School has had on the life of our family and to Amanda. Her life has been transformed thanks to the amazing staff and teachers who went above and beyond every day. She has been accepted into all of the Colleges and Universities that she applied to, which was something we did not know to be possible when she joined the school.”
Parents