Research The Williams School Private Schools in Portsmouth, Virginia

“I have two students enrolled in the Williams School (one in 4th Grade, one in 1st), and both have been here since Kindergarten. This is truly a unique environment. I know there are other schools with larger, more modern facilities. However, these shiny new classrooms have nothing on the warm, nuturing place that the Williams School is. It's located in two turn-of-the-century homes, and it really is a *home* for my kids, and the teachers and faculty are like extended family. There's even a school dog! Ultimately, I hope my kids will move on to the public high school after Williams. But, for now, in their young, formative years, I am thrilled they are in such a nuturing environment that challenges their minds, develops their respect for themselves and others, and welcomes them everyday with open arms and a smile.”

“This school beautifully succeeds in its goal to educate the whole child. I truly lives up to its motto of 'Honor Before Honors' where children learn to be true to themselves and their community. An alternative independent school in a non-institutional environment (2 historic homes) with a family-like atmosphere where 'you wish YOU went to school!'”

“This school completely fulfills its mission of educating one child at a time. With excellent academics in a warm nuturing environment, the Williams School is a unique and truly special place.”

“Williams is an extraordinary school. I have three children attending and their academic, artistic, civic and social experience has been exceptional. Most parents send their children to WIlliams for the accelerated academics. The small size allows for caring academic scrutiny of each and every child. I send my children to WIlliams because the school focuses on civic leadership, character and integrity. 'Honor before honors' is not just a motto, it is the school's mission. Children who attend Williams K-8 go on to the best high schools and succeed academically and socially because they were taught to be excellent students and leaders. There are very few schools in this country as special as The Williams School.”

“The Williams School was the very best choice we ever could have made for our children. Very different from each other, one is a biologist who has published research at EVMS, and the other is an award-winning graphic artist in the Washington, DC market. The Williams School was ideal for each. The school's philosophy of nurturing each child, teaching to a student's strengths, and modeling honorable behavior helped them develop an absolute confidence in their own abilities and an enthusiasm for tackling any challenge. A small school, it gave them HUGE advantages, which carried them through their next school, where they excelled in academics and varsity sports, to college, and beyond to their very successful adult lives. The friends they made at The Williams School have sustained and remained close lifelong relationships. Parents are welcome at the school at any time, which allowed us to participate in their lives. Excellent!”

“I attended the school from 1st grade all the way up until 8th grade. I am going to tell you exactly how this school really is. The school was very easy until sixth grade. Then the teachers would give impossible vocab tests with test and projects every note. The teachers would always ramble about responsibility and how hard the classes would be in high school. When I got to another private school in high school I found out that high school was completely different then they said it would be. Homework counts way to much at Williams and it was not necessary to do to get a good grade on the tests. The social life there was great for my grade but it seemed after my grade it dropped off and all that the admissions was interested in was the parents money and donations. Real world experience in public school.”

“I went to school here for two years and I hated every day of it. Teachers play favorites, there is no discipline and the kids are spoiled brats. I love how they advertise this 'school' (if you can call it that) as 'fun! Every day's a sparkleigh adventure with marshmallows and chocolate jimmies on top!' Um, no. It's not. It's too small, and by the time I graduated, I wanted to rip my fellow students heads off. My advice? Do your research and spend your 10K on another school. Best wishes!”

“I'll give my opinions for parents considering it for their 6-8 graders. -Cliques. Probably the worst problem at this school. Unless you have something they want, these kids won't be all that welcoming. -Classes are mediocre. Teachers are somewhat biased, i.e., playing favorites. The amount of homework is insane. (It really is, we're talking 2-2.5 hrs a night.) -No extracurriculars. I don't know how that got five stars, there aren't any, except for soccer, tennis, volleyball and basketball. Hope you like those, it's all you get.”

“The Williams school is a great enviroment for learning and all the children and teachers there are so helpful and have great personalities.”

“My son went to this school for one year. While it was definitely better than the local public school choices, I would not choose it over the public school we are now in. My son was in the 4th grade. His teacher appeared not to like him very much. If he was having trouble in anything and I told him to ask for help from his teacher, he would say he was afraid to and she would get mad at him. My son is bright and she stated that he was average yet he always had A's and B's on his report card. He is now testing for the gifted program at his new public school and always talks about school when he comes home.”

“The Willy house is sweet and great fun for people who don't like public schools. the teachers are great and my years being there are always going to be remebered. all my best buds went there and it was the best eight years of my life. I love the williams school.”

“TWS is in the midst of a spectacular renaissance. Housed in a victorian home in Ghent, the school recently purchased another home across the street and renovated it into a beautiful Humanities Center featuring an art loft, refectory and library/media center. TWS faculty are truly exceptional. Their skill is reflected in the success of students who excel in public and independent high schools throughout the region, many rising to the tops of their graduating classes and attending leading colleges and universities nationwide. TWS is a welcoming community for students of all ethnicities and is an exceptional learning environment for children who will grow into a world that is increasingly interdependent. There are many ways to measure a child: in standardized tests, in kindness and care and in integrity. TWS students excel across the board and carry their motto: 'honor before honors' throughout their lives. We couldn't be happier with our choice.”

“I attended the Williams School from 1985 to 1993. Although the social atmosphere of the school was not the most welcoming, and although the school did have its religious leanings (Christian prayer at assemblies, etc.), I graduated with a strong sense of ethics and personal responsibility. The school's motto, 'Honor before honors,' affects every part of my life and helps me to make what I believe are the right decisions every day. From adopting a vegetarian lifestyle to letting someone merge into traffic, I try to lead a moral, ethical existence, and the lessons I learned at Williams School are a large part of the choices I make. Additionally, it is impossible to escape academic scrutiny in such a small school, and I learned not only my lessons, but also how to learn new lessons as they present themselves. We all have our troubles in school, but I look back with mostly fond feelings at the eight years I spent at Williams.”