Willard

Willard has recently been completely rebuilt as a 'School in a Park'. The facility is marvelous in many ways that support the education of our kids. Some examples include minimizing the school footprint to reduce carbon emissions, natural lighting and orientation to reduce the need for electric lighting, CO2 sensors that raise the oxygen should it dip (we all could use that in the afternoon). The classroom layouts are thoughtful and creative. The library is central to the school and supports the mission. The auditorium and gym are wonderful as are the outdoor facilities. The teachers at the school have always been attentive and dedicated but the addition of the new facility has raised the bar significantly. I have had two children at Willard and have another one who will start next year - I couldn't be happier with our experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Willard elementary is an excellent school for children. I had a child attens until the end of 3rd grade and a child who was detected to have a learning disability and enter the Special Ed program during first grade. The classes are around 18-20 students and many have assistants, there is welcome parental involvment, room mothers, volunteering opportunities and field trips. The only down side of Willard is it NEEDS updated, rebuilt, the other two elemntary schools in Concord are being rebuilt and brand new and Willard is quickly being left behind. Just before we moved from Concord, the vote to rebuild Willard had not yet passed, but comittees and parents are actively campaigning to have it rebuilt. I was happy with the quality of teachers and the safety and attention my children received there. Could use more extracurricular activities but there are town sports programs and boy scouts and girl scouts.
--Submitted by a parent

The Willard school district is great. Parent envolvement in their childrens activities at school are great. The parents are into being in the classroom as much as the teacher is. The Kindergarten class was unbelievable, many times my son had difficulty transitioning in class, and the teacher made sure to envolve him more in the transaction, leading to a smoother class environment. Gym, art, library and music were all attended once a week, and there werre other additional things you could sign your child up for (like Spanish, in the am for additional cost) The quality of academa was high, and the teachers enjoy their jobs. The appearance of the school is not the best, but they are hoping to get a new school built. Although some may feel computers need to be in the classroom (and there were two)I like that the teacher did not use them much for studies.
--Submitted by a parent