Worcester Academy

An absolutely wonderful experience with an incredibly involved and caring staff, administration, and faculty. I had diverse interests and the school provided me an avenue to pursue as many interests as I wanted to. I showed up to a tier-1 college and excelled from day one because of the preparation that I received at WA. I am continually heartened to hear about the rapid development of WA's offerings and footprint, both in the neighborhood and globally. Most importantly, WA offers a top prep school experience without the bubble that so many prep schools cultivate. You are part of the community, your classmates are from all walks of life, the faculty have diverse experiences. You don't live in a bubble in life, why should you in high school?

I am a parent of two children who attended Worcester Academy, middle and high school. My two children were very different from one another yet both had outstanding experiences. My oldest, who now attends an Ivy League university, was more than prepared for it's academic rigors. I highly recommend Worcester Academy. It is well worth the tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

i am not a big fan of worcester academy, when i got their in my freshman year none of the kids were nice to me and although i did have sone friends they had friends that they were closer to and wouldn't talk to me. most of the teachers are nice though and challenge me to do my best out side of the class room i am not accepted and unhappy.

I graduated from WA in the 80s, and though I realize the school has changed significantly since then, I would attend all over again. This school was not easy, but my parents got their money's worth, as it was expensive then too. This school instilled in me a level of endurance and gratitude that has forever redirected my life. I credit many of my life's successes (scholarships, further education, job prospects, life's accomplishments) to WA. It was difficult, it was hard, but I have lifelong friends and abilities I wouldn't have otherwise, and it has permanently reshaped by life for the better. I am a current educator that has taught grades 6-12 all over the country, and you'll be hard pressed to find a better school.

I am very unsatisfied with this school. For one example, my daughter left WA her 6th grade year and attended SPM. She is now at St. Peter Marian High School and refuses to speak of her sixth grade year. The teaching examples move along too quickly and the teachers are very unaccepting and take things to an extreme, I was more satisfied with the Worcester School she was at before. The children at Worcester Academy are brutal to kids and my daughter did not feel comfort at school. The teachers dished out punishments too fast and were uncaring in my opinion. When having conferences I was put down and told things about my own child that put her down as well. I was glad to pull her out and we are very satisfied with our current school. If you truly care about your children's health and school pride and satisfaction, you will not put your child through Worcester Academy Middle School. I can not tell you how many times Marie came home crying and sobbing and asking to go back to Nelson. Do not send your child there.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely impressed with Worcester Academy. The curriculum is challenging, the teachers are dedicated and willing to work with each child. They are available to students during the day and throughout the evening for help or questions. They work hard to bring out the best in each student. After school and extracurricular activities are extensive. Worcester Academy is affordable and an outstanding education.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student, I my experience at WA was excellent in so many ways. The reason why you'll find many negative reviews from parents and mostly positive reviews from the students is because the parents don't know what its like to attend the classes or take advantage of the many extra-curricular activities the school has to offer. Classes are always challenging, and teachers always have time to help. Perhaps the greatest aspect of the Worcester Academy experience is that students are given free time during the day. It generally keeps everyone more relaxed and allows students to get work done while socializing with their friends. Also, students tend to be very down-to-earth and aren't snobby, for the most part. Yes, tuition costs a lot of money, but as a student, I can tell you it's definitely worth it.
—Submitted by a student

I was dissatisfied with the school in many ways. The main reason was the administration at the school was lousy. They dished out detentions and other consequences whenever they felt like it. I felt like this school was better than a public school, but not worth the money. I would highly recommend looking at a different school first..
—Submitted by a parent

As a senior who has been at Worcester Academy since 6th grade, I am impressed with everything about the school. I feel extremely fortunate for the opportunities I have been given here. My teachers care and challenge me every day. I have met some of the nicest and most down-to-earth people. I have grown tremendously over my 7 years and I would change a thing. I will be sad to graduate this spring, but I know that I will forever be a part of this wonderful community.
—Submitted by a student

My experience at Worcester Academy was challenging in all aspect, ie school work, sports, after school activities, social with others...etc. But isn't that what life in general is all about? I've learned how to take care of myself, make friends, and figured out ways to excel. In the beginning, everything was difficult. Worcester Academy really pushed and motivated me in the right way for me to get better each and every day. College was easy and it really changed my life.
—Submitted by a student

No one should even consider comparing public schools to Worcester Academy. Most public schools want to process the students in and out as fast as possible. They have no support system to get prepared for college and it is only the strong students who survive and are prepared for college. Worcester Academy has so many resources and support systems it is nearly impossible to fail. My son was an average student and we sent him 1200 miles away from home to WA. As a junior he as excelled academically, athletically and socially. It was a great decision to attend WA and the ENTIRE staff cares about ALL the students and their success after graduation.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school, and it really teaches you many things, and prepares you for the rest of your life.
—Submitted by a student

I loved my expirience at worcester academy!I felt that it prepared me for college by allowing growth and personal responsibility. Students are alowed free time and even though some students might struggle at first it helps them learn time management. The environment is relaxed.
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent and I must say we have many things we like about this school but overall, over the past two years we have become more and more disallusioned. It costs alot but more over the administration only give rhetoric to making the school about the student and work with them. They are much like public school in that you have to really push to have take issues into hand and really deal with a students individual learning style. It is more of a school mill than I thought it would be.
—Submitted by a parent

What are you talking about? they have to ask for money its a private school that needs to fund its strong programs.
—Submitted by a student

Stay away unless you have more money than you know what to do with. They have the hand out constantly! The students are not all the nicest in the world. Shall we say snobby!
—Submitted by a parent