Villa Walsh Academy

VWA is a very special high school! As much as VWA stresses academics, VWA is also concerned with the Catholic formation of the girls. My daugther loves the school, the other girls in her class, the extra curricular activites, Sister Pat, Sister Doris, and her teachers! As parents we love the safe, wholesome environment, excellent academics, but most of all the Catholic formation which supports what we are doing at home!
--Submitted by a parent

We have had two daughters attend, one a high achiever, the other not so high achiever. Neither would trade thier high school experience for any other. They loved Villa, ample opportunities to grow and succeed. Well worth the money!
--Submitted by a parent

As an alumni - I have to say that VWA was the worst experience in my life. You know something is wrong when it takes until college for you to be recognized as intelligent when your GPA in high school was a 3.5 and that is considered low and ridiculed or ignored by administration. As a VWA survivor, I would never send my daughter to this school.

Villa is a remarkable school. My daughter was lucky enough to attend and she absolutely loved it. Is there room for improvement at Villa? Yes, but that is true about every school. The academics are rigorous and require a lot from the girls. While tuition may seem high, compare it to other schools in the area. I would have to say the tuition is definitely worth it. My daughter did not just grow academically, but also as a person. Villa instils values in these girls that many schools do not take the time to introduce to students. In coming to a small school like Villa, one must realize that there will be pros and cons. Probably one of the greatest pros would have to be the small class size. This offers the girls a chance to really interact with their teachers on a personal level. Villa truly is a special place.
--Submitted by a parent

The guidance counselors at VWA do not spend enough time with each student and do not do their job efficiently & timely. VWA should hire more counselors. Everything is painted as a pretty picture, but the school focuses mostly on the high achieving students and mention these students most in the monthly newsletter. Forget about making small recognitions to the average students. VWA asks parents to donate money and time, but when it comes to the school helping students, that need is shifted to the student's responsibility. What about VWA's responsibility and their promise to each student? Now that the school has finally installed door security, it's time to open up the Guidance Dept. Room doors as a free-as-a-student-needs-walk-in basis. Forget this thing about scheduled appts. during study breaks. VWA never says how often the counseler meets with ea girl.
--Submitted by a parent

Villa Walsh is geared to the rich girls. The staff is unwilling to go the extra mile to help students that need help and there's very little communication with the parents when there may be problems. The school's curriculum and after school activities looks all good, but there are also lots of days off. Tuition is high. There are clicks just like other schools. Administration is set in their ways and not willing to institute new ways of doing things. It looks like the school chooses only high academic girls so that they have a better chance of winning awards & college scholarships. This in turn will make this school look good. Their monthly newsletter focuses only on the high achiever girls; forget about mentioning the others, which is not good for their self esteem. There is room for improvement at VWA.
--Submitted by a parent

VWA has developed a great reputation. Nonetheless, there are aspects that no one mentions like how this school selects high academic girls and most are rich. The monthly newsletter focuses on high achievers and doesn't bother to mention those who are improving. Staff is unwilling to spend extra time to communicate with parents; there are no teacher/parent conferences; tuition goes up drastically; administration is not willing to try new ways and too many school days off. The school uses peer student tutors to help those in need of help. It seems like VWA is highly selective in choosing girls so that these girls can win awards/scholarships and make the school look so good. VWA, who is run by religious nuns, does not care about the mid-to-low range students. Their focus is the high achievers so don't be fooled. No door security at VWA. VWA needs improvement!
--Submitted by a parent

Villa is an amazing and wonderful school. Sister Patricia, Sister Doris, all of the nuns and teachers at Villa are amazing. They treat your daughter the way you do - with respect and kindness and loving support. The small class size is a terrific learning environment. The students (all girls) are unbelievably motivated, respectful, smart, and eager to learn. The curriculum is challenging and an excellent preparation for college. In oder to be successful at Villa, your daughter will need to be a good student, hard-working, and organized. Beyond academics, the school programs are excellent with a good balance of arts, music, sports, academics, community, environment, etc. Before we came to Villa, we heard several parents tell us that Villa was a special place. We experience that every day. Villa exceeds our expectations in every way all the time! Thank you Sister Patricia and the Villa family!
--Submitted by a parent

This is the school you want for your daughters. My three girls were lucky enough to attend one of the best schools in our area. Furthermore, they loved the school, the teachers, and the programs offered to them. They were very active in chorus, vocal ensemble, forensics, and the annual school musical. They would tell you that the school(s) they attended helped to make them who they are, and they have certainly had a better future for themselves, thanks to VWA. All of them have college degrees and have been very successful. Most importantly, they are the best people we could want them to be. They have all stayed close to their religion, and they are interested and involved with charity projects. The education is outstanding, and the SELF-discipline they learned has helped them through college and beyond. It is not for all girls, but it may be the place for your daughters.
--Submitted by a parent