Willard Elementary School

I have a fifth grader in this school. While the school has a lot going against it, the majority of the teachers are really good! I've seen a few bad apples, but not many. The daughter loves it and is doing very well. She's constantly challenged. The principal is very professional and cares about the kids. She has an incredible memory for their names! Parent participation needs to improve, but the socioeconomics limit the number of parents who have enough spare time to help.
—Submitted by a parent

Attend an Open House before deciding. Quite a few of these exceptional reviews are over four years old. In essence, Willard is a school that is doing its best with what it has. It has quite a bit working against it, such as state wide budget cuts, a city that refuses to adequately fund its school district, and a teachers' union with an iron-grip. The building is dingy and, with the exception of one large patch of grass, the complex embodies the term, "asphalt jungle." (My husband's and my private nickname for Willard is "The Gulag.") Most of the teachers are great, but there are a few treading water and biding time until retirement. Do whatever research you can before you allow them to assign your child to a particular teacher. Good news is the bad apples are hard to miss. As for the principal, Dr DeBose is quite professional and obviously cares about the students. In so many ways her hands are tied because of all the factors Willard is up against. Parental involvement is an absolute necessity for the school to achieve its goals. I only gave it 4 stars because the parent programs are often haphazardly organized and the "homeroom parents" aren't held to any standards.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has wonderful teachers, staff and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Willard is truly a school that is well supported by it's community: teachers, administration, staff, parents and others all provide a broad and strong level of support. The international aspect of the IB program provides a wonderful basis for a child's education. My son is thriving at Willard and loving it!
—Submitted by a parent

The I.B curriculum encourages children and parents to engage to think outside the box when it comes to learning
—Submitted by a parent

Willard offers the elementary school version of the IB program, which essentially helps each child develop into an individual that is in tune with the world around them-a citizen of the world. From observing classes and programs offered throughout the year, it is clear that the learning experience is focused but fun. The level of parental involvement is very high and speaks well of the Principal and her staff. Willard is a school that every parent in the PUSD should look into and visit during the school year to see the IB program in operation. You will not be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school not only cares about the academics but, through the I.B. program, emphasizes the very important character issues all children need to excel at school and in life.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and administration do an unbelievabably good job educating the students academically, socially and culturally. A Willard student is well rounded and is trained to think and always look 'towards the bigger picture.'
—Submitted by a parent

Willard is a thriving, successful school community because of its stellar teaching staff and administration and its dedicated, supportive parents. The IB program encourages teachers and students to think outside of their classrooms, beyond their community! Willard is a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

We all know the importance of dedicated teachers and the impact they have on our children. It goes way beyond knowledge...it affects who they are and how they perceive and engage the world around them. Educators this excellent deserve to be recognized.

The teachers and staff are great. It is a public International Baccalaureate school.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful International Baccalaureate elementary education, diverse population, fantastic teachers and curriculum. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

Rock-solid curriculum, very devoted teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Willard has an extremely involved parent base, lovely campus, and dedicated staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers, committed PTA, strong leadership. IB program is a plus!
—Submitted by a parent

We've been at Willard for 4 years now, and our children have really thrived. We've had excellent teachers who are able to give our kids what they need. They've provided advanced reader circles for them and gone above and beyond the curriculum when necessary.
—Submitted by a parent

Willard has a caring and dedicated teaching staff and administration, a challenging IB curriculum, and many opportunities for parent involvement. Excellent elementary school with a global perspective.
—Submitted by a parent

Willard provides Elementary children with a challenging IB curriculm. The kids are learning about being a good citizen locally and globally.

We have been part of the Willard family for over 6 years now. Our family's experience with the school and staff has always been professional. The teachers have all been excellent, going above and beyond what is expected of them to optimize the students' learning and social/emotional experiences. The diversity of the student population as well as the inquiry based and global perspective of the IB curriculum have made this school a true gem within our community.
—Submitted by a parent

The International Baccalaureate program provides a great curriculum and philosophy of teaching and learning.
—Submitted by a parent