Washington Junior High School

My daughter just started her second year at Washington. In my experience the school has been extremely responsive to every email, phone call, and meeting request; the front office is friendly, even calling me to scan a permission slip and email it back when my daughter forgot it. The classes are challenging, but encourage team work. As a 6th grader, my daughter was enrolled in 7th grade honors math. WJHS accommodates special needs at both ends of the spectrum. Community service is encouraged and recognized, for example, volunteering at the Dupage Children's museum next door. There are several options for the music program, sports, theater etc. Principal Ross attends volleyball games and theater productions; he's approachable and sincere. Of the 15 or so teachers we've had only one has been a "dud." In that case, we've asked her to focus on the material, not the conduit! Parents who have complained may be struggling with the transition/prep for high school and the "self-directed learner" goal that WJHS promotes. There is an active PTA (Home & School), a Moms-in-Touch group, & other ways to be involved if you want to be.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children who have attended WJHS, one is currently attending. Naperville schools came highly recommended when we moved here several years ago, and many of them live up to their billing. However, I am sad to report that Washington is not one of them. The staff in general seem to do the bare minimum, and do not spend time getting to know their students. With the exception of a few wonderful teachers, most seem arrogant, and disinterested. The entire school has a very negative feel from the custodians, to the office staff, to the faculty members, and all the way through to the administration. It is a small school, and we had false expectations of a more personal feel. Students are unkind, and quite often allowed to bully their peers. We are very disappointed in this school, and will be extremely happy to be finished with our experience at Washington Jr. High.
--Submitted by a parent

It'a great, and I'm only in 6th grade. I love it, and all the teachers are really nice. Especially Mrs.Fors!
--Submitted by a student

The quality of academic programs here at Washington Junior High is fair. Some class sizes are out of proportion. It is important to give kids attention but Washington did not offer any attention to my child. The availability of music,art,sports and other extracurricular activities I would say are pretty good. They have things to offer like intramural and things like ping-pong in gym class. The level of parent involvement at Washington could be better. It is not as strongly encouraged as we thought it would be before sending are child there. During conferences teachers were ill-prepared do discuss our child's progress and needs.There was no attempt to draw out our child and to find a method to stimulate his desire to learn. But don't be fooled, if you have the desire to succeed, you will. But if you require some attention you won't get it at Washington.
--Submitted by a parent