The Wood Acres School

Our child has been going to WA since kindergarten. The school was great but big staff changes into 2nd grade/3rd grade and it went downhill. 2nd grade teacher unorganized & in charge of the entire curriculum for the school. The classes are small but a lot of the teaching and work is done outside of the classroom by us at home. If you are hands-on parents who don't mind hours of teaching and homework each night and weekends, then this school is for you. The depth of the subject matter is not age or grade appropriate. The lack of leadership around getting the curriculum under control is one of the biggest things I would fault at WA. 3rd grade learning all the bones, 2+months on Canada, 3+ months of work on the history of Rome remembering all the dates, gods, emperors, etc. It all sounds really good & impressive from the outside, but it is not. IMO 3rd graders do not need this, they need a rounded education with this subject depth better saved for older grades. Complaints to the administration seem to have no action taken, and check out their teacher turnover and # of students who don't come back - better to get ex-WA families impressions than the references they give out.
--Submitted by a parent

My child was enrolled in the pre-school program last year. The teacher seem hurried all the time and was not organized. The school lacks diversity. I was not impressed with their lunch/snack menu. They are full of sugary juices, cookies and chips. If you are looking for a healthy lunch menu, good luck!!!. One of my vegetarian friends look her kids off from the school since there was no vegetarian option.
--Submitted by a parent

Ready to start another exciting year at WA! As we enter the middle school, every family shopped around to make sure WA is still the right choice for their student. I was thrilled to see 90% of our class return to WA for 2011-2012 and those who did leave, had planned to leave since the start of the year. The middle school has really taken off! The new spanish teacher has taken the ISA program to a whole new level and kids have been touring, applying and have been accepted to the Walton HS ISA program. Taking spanish 5 days per week, for years, in a private school setting, is certainly going to get you into a AP HS spanish program! Each year some teachers retire and new teachers are bought in, but I personally appreciate the new blood and fresh ideas they have. Isn't turn-over true of every school??? WA doesn't deal with CRCT drama, teacher lay-offs or budget cuts. We personally have never encountered bullies, dealt with petty crimes, over-sized classes, lack of supplies, lack of funds, and our field trips and special classes and programs haven't been cut out. This school is how school is supposed to be, it's what we all dream of for our kids and for our families.
--Submitted by a parent

It's interesting how when you go on their web site, you see teachers and students that have left a long time ago. It's also worth noting how the only staff members you meet are the administration and family members. It speaks to the instability of the teaching staff roles, I suspect. Another question: the International Spanish Academy...how many students of the 5 graduating from inaugural graduating class of 8th graders residing outside of Walton School District were able to go to Walton as advertised and promised at the start of the middle school 3 years ago? A week's trip to Spain does not a high school admission make.

Our children attended "The Woods" a few years ago, attending both the preschool and the elementary levels. We took them out after seeing the obvious decline of the school. Enthusiasm, enrollment, commitment to "doing right by each individual child" took a nosedive. Leadership is all but non-existent; teacher morale is low while teacher attrition is high; the remaining staff seems to play musical chairs every year. It is sad because the school has so much potential. Ask any parent from years prior and currently enrolled. The difference is dismally palpable. Enrollment has decreased dramatically, despite the well-rehearsed spin the front office may place. However, ask any former student or parent of a student who has left Wood Ares, and they will say it is the best decision they ever made. No one ever comes back. --It is truly a shame. The school WAS great.
--Submitted by a parent

I LOVE Wood Acres. Our children are very communicative, high physical energy, enthusiastic, traits basically unwelcome in most schools. We've tried public and private over the years; we've even switched schools mid-year. Finally, we have found a school where they are most welcome. It's a relief that our kids have students/friends who have the same needs as ours! The added bonus is that as they are getting into the higher grades, the class sizes are getting smaller. Less that 10 per class. Only 1 class for the 8th grade with only 6 students--you can't beat that!! I also am grateful that teachers will call if they suspect my child has forgotten to take meds. What a find!
--Submitted by a parent

The Wood Acres School is only a place for certain people. If very small classes ( as low as 6 in the upper school ) is what you want, then Wood Acres is a fine school for you. But I myself have not been pleased with what I have gotten out of this school. The children, especially in the upper grades, lack disipline and everyday students are hurt by others. And the teachers only let this slip by. They try to enforce friendliness, but I believe they have failed. If you want to save money and tears, do not go to this dissapointing school.

My son has attended Wood Acres for K-3rd (current) and we plan to stay! Wood Acres has a challenging curriculum that works to encourage critical thinking skills and a love of learning. Class size is small, the faculty is extraordinary, and the cooperative atmosphere is outstanding. I love the fact that each year all classes in my son's grades are working on the same material -- no need to worry that you'll end the year behind the curve. I have always found everyone -- classroom teachers, specials faculty, and the administration -- open to my questions and concerns. .
--Submitted by a parent

When you step out of your car, you can feel the welcoming sense of warmth, comfort and family. Our children are part of a school community that focuses on high achievement with an emphasis on the enjoyment of learning. Not only are our girls growing academically, they are developing a passion for knowledge. Our 1st grader can't wait to get to school in the morning and she comes home talking passionately about her day. The teachers have made the challenging curriculum fun and engaging. Wood Acres is a special place for children to grow and learn. Judy Thigpen is a very smart lady who is genuinely interested in the academic and social development of her students. Upon meeting her, you can immediately recognize her passion for education. We take comfort in knowing that our children are learning in an environment full of involved parents, caring teachers and outstanding leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

Wood Acres is just wonderful. All my children have attended the school since they were toddlers and now, with the opening of the middle school, wood acres is living up to our expectations. we love the academics, we love the positive attitude, we love the extras, we just love the fact that it's now an international spanish academy! my middle school child loves learning and loves going to to school and loves wood acres! we will be sad when we have to leave for high school. we could not be happier!
--Submitted by a parent