Willard Elementary School

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

The teachers and the principal are very dedicated and make personal sacrifices. Even the kids from disadvantaged families manage to get good results. I am really impressed by how much all the kids are learning.
--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.