Read more details about The Williston Northampton School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
As opposed to many other boarding schools, Williston is very connected to the community outside of the school. Since Williston is located in the middle of a town, students oftentimes interact with people who are not part of the school. Every year a theater production is geared towards elementary school kids in the area. There are also numerous community service projects that help to maintain a positive relationship between the Williston community and residents in the town. Because of this Williston feels less like a "bubble" than many other boarding school communities.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I learned many valuable time management lessons at Williston that not only helped me throughout high school but will also help through the rest of my academic and into my professional career.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would have become more involved instead of concentrating so heavily on academics. Such as instead of finding a way around the three sport requirement, I should have played a third sport. I also should have joined more activities because after Williston, the opportunities are not the same.
4.) What would you never want to change about your school?
The community atmosphere. Instead of having a cutthroat and competitive atmosphere, the majority of my peers were positive and encouraging.
6.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Be as involved as possible. Don't concentrate solely on getting by academically.
Academics:
1.) What did you like best about your school’s academics?
The teachers at Williston are great. Not only are they available throughout the academic day, but at night they are willing to give extra help whenever they have free time. The majority of the faculty members do not just go through the motions, instead they do their best to make sure that students improve in whatever subject they are teaching. Instead of simply putting a grade on my papers and tests, my teachers would write down numerous notes on how I could improve for next time.
2.) What did you like least about the academics in your school?
Nothing was unlikeable about the academics.
Athletics:
1.) What did you like best about your school’s athletics?
The coaches were great and understood our role as "scholar-athletes" rather than "athlete-scholars." My coaches always understood if I had to come late to practice because of an extra-help session or some other academics-related activity.
2.) What did you like least about the athletics in your school?
Since all games are on Wednesdays and Saturdays for all sports it is hard for students to watch each other play, taking away school spirit to some degree.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) What did you like best about your school’s art program?
The facilities were great because both the theater and art studios are brand new.
2.) What did you like least about your school’s art program?
I was not involved to a large enough extent to see any downside to it.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) What did you like most about the extracurricular activities offered at your school?
There was a wide variety of activities to join, with faculty leaders who are interested.
2.) What did you like least about the extracurricular activities offered at your school?
It was often times tough to fit an after-school meeting with the activity in between classes and practice.
Dorm Life:
Dining:
1.) What was the best thing about your dining arrangements?
The dining hall has a casual atmosphere with no required seating and no formal dinner attire.
2.) What did you like least about your dining arrangements?
It would have been nice to occasionally have had a required meal with arranged seating to get to know different people around campus.
Social and Town Life:
1.) How welcome did you feel by the other students when you first arrived at the school
Both the students and faculty were welcoming. The new student orientation is helpful for getting used to the school and for meeting new people.
2.) Describe the level of diversity and integration of students in your school:
Interaction between different groups of students was good. The student body was diverse but cliques were not prevalent.
3.) Describe typical fun activities you did on a weekend:
School-run activities were fun such as concerts and trips.
4.) What was the town like?
The area around Williston has a lot of things to do. The neighboring town is full of restaurants, concert halls, and movie theaters.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
8:00 AM
Calculus
9:00 AM
Comparative Politics
10:00 AM
Free Period
11:00 AM
Economics
12:00 AM
Lunch
1:00 PM
English
3:00 PM
Practice
Read more details about The Williston Northampton School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Williston has a great balance of day students and boarding students, which allow students to know and learn more about the area. With a widespread campus in a safe neighborhood and numerous stores and restaurants. . .
Williston was the best community I could've ever established an identity with. My parents teach at the school, so we actually had a house on the campus. I developed close relationships with not only. . .
At a first glance, The Williston Northampton School appears similar to most college preparatory schools. It contains a beautiful New England campus, wonderful and caring teachers, and great athletic and artistic facilities. However, as many. . .
Show more reviews (14 reviews)
Recent Articles
Boarding School Myths
This article debunks common myths about boarding schools, addressing misconceptions about wealth requirements, diversity, student life, school types, and family communication. It provides valuable insights for families considering boarding school education and highlights the modern realities of these institutions.
A Partnership of Three
This article explores the three-way partnership between the school, parents, and students in boarding school education. It outlines the obligations and responsibilities of each party, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and commitment to ensure a successful boarding school experience.
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed checklist for boarding school applicants, covering key aspects of the admissions process such as testing, recommendations, interviews, and financial aid. It also includes additional information for international students applying to U.S. boarding schools.
