Woodland Elementary School

We absolutely adore Woodland School! My son is in K and now has a great love for school and his community. Not only has he learned reading and math, he is also learning how to interact with his peers and teachers. We have been very impressed with his growth this year. I was also glad that he had NO homework since we work on reading and math on our own as well as music and several other activities. If you value a strong community school as well as a place that fosters a love for learning, you cannot go wrong with Woodland.
--Submitted by a parent

this schools is the most disappointing of all in this school system. Children have no homework and are not supported by the system when they falter. Conversely, If they are academically advanced, then they are basically ignored and criticized--you can't win here, imo. And you cannot win with this principal. She has an abject mistrust of the parents and fosters an adversarial relationship with them. She does not like or respect the community, in my experience If you can avoid this sub-par school, by all means do! Ask to register your pre-K child through Country Elementary NOT Woodland! OR try private school (Meadowbrook) or Wellesley public. We are so glad we chose to move on!
--Submitted by a parent

As a former parent at Woodland School, I feel that my children were well prepared for the challenges ahead. The principal was always available for parents. The faculty was very involved and caring to the families. I always recommend Woodland School to new families.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have had negative experiences at this school. The problems begin with the leadership and the approach this school has to community learning. The focus is very narrow so as not to include those children who are achieving beyond grade level. We tried very hard to make this school work, but it did not. There is nowhere to go if the principal is unsympathetic to your issues. I would urge those with children who are above average-to-smart range to enroll at Country where it is much less stressful and the teachers are able to offer alternatives to challenge highly able learners.
--Submitted by a parent

Committed to excellence on every level. Teachers are the best of the best!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children, one with special needs and the other a high-performing Type A. I suppose I never appreciated the fact that sometimes great teaching may involve telling a parent what a parent may not want to hear. I was one of those three years ago and have changed my opinion 180 degrees. I love Woodland - and the 'bad news' that i didn't want to believe in Kindergarten made us grow as a family. One of the toughest conversations to ever have - hearing your child needs special services. Both my children adore their experiences there, are kind and respectful. Yes, the principal is direct, but she is fair and honest. I appreciate these qualities. I read these other comments and I guess to each his own; but, if you visit the school, talk to parents in the halls and I believe you will feel differently. Been there.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the reason that teacher's unions should be abolished. While there are a handful of excellent teachers, most have the attitude of 'I know what's best for your kid, lay off'. Some of the exchanges between parents and teachers, parents and prinicpal could be categorized under 'profoundly unprofessional'. The school needs a complete overhaul and I agree with others, there are better choices in Weston for elementary ed--both public (Country) and private.
--Submitted by a parent

My children also attended this school and I consider it to be the weak link in the Weston school system. The curriculum is not at all challendging, There is no ability leveling whatsoever--so if your child is bright and motivated to learn, this is not the right school (IMO). Yes, there are some very strong teachers here, but there are also some weak ones. In our experience, the principal is not interested in the community or educating the children to their ability. She seems very antagonistic and the joke is that if you have a perfect child with no issues and you never compalin or need to deal with her, you will like her! I don't think she is a genuine or a very kindly person, in my experience. And these qualities are so important in an elementary principal.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. The teachers are excellent and do an excellent job of communicating with the parents. I find the curriculum very challenging and have seen a tremendous improvement in my child this year. I have found all of the teachers and school staff to be very approachable and commited to the children. I have no complaints about the prinicipal. She has always be very polite and interested in the school's well being, from my point of view.
--Submitted by a parent

Three of my children attended this school. It has a strong, broad curriculum, good teachers working in teams, and careful attention to students' social and academic development. The principal is a strong but collaborative leader who quickly learns the names and needs of every student, and I always found her to be both responsive and wise.
--Submitted by a parent