Why Willow

A Willow education is distinctive by design. See how we encourage students to become motivated learners, capable problem solvers and conscientious leaders.  

Joy Makes Us Brighter

Joy is essential to setting a higher standard of learning. That’s why Willow’s academic program is joyful, hands-on, and relevant to children’s lives. When students are excited and engaged, they become motivated to take their learning further. Visit any Willow classroom and you will see genuine accomplishment because students are constantly encouraged to inquire, think critically, problem-solve, make connections, and effectively communicate with others about their ideas, research, and findings. These are skills Willow graduates will use throughout their lives.

Virtues Make Us Kinder

Willow’s unique program of virtues is embedded into school life and practiced on a daily basis. From Morning Gathering, when the entire school community comes together to reflect upon what is important to us as a community, to meaningful service projects, our interactions are guided by courageous inquiry, kindness and respect, and concern for the wellbeing of others and the world around us.

Community Makes Us Stronger

Willow is a true community that welcomes, supports and challenges every member: students, parents, faculty and staff. Another line in here, another line in here.  Willow’s unique size —a maximum of 14 students in lower school classes and 16 in middle school classes — fosters greater collaboration, teamwork, communication skills and other characteristics that help us grow as individuals and community.  

Our Environment Builds Resiliency

Willow’s extraordinary environment — 34 wooded acres, fields, a working garden, and green buildings — is the ideal backdrop for healthy, engaged learning. Combine that with our commitment to sustainability and systems thinking, and you have the essential elements for students to become responsible for themselves, their relationships, and the planet. Willow consistently challenges students to take risks in their learning, test sustainable solutions for the environment and society, and to refine their approach based on what did or didn’t work. This fosters responsibility and a resilience that serves our graduates well in high school, college, and life.

Innovative Programs Unique to Our School

On any given day, Willow students are engaged with curriculum and programs not easily found at other schools. This includes Systems Thinking, Handcrafts, Architecture, three World Languages, and more. Visit our Academic Innovations page for more information.

The Age 3 to Grade 8 Advantage

Willow’s structure — Age 3 to Grade 8 — is tailored to your child’s natural intellectual, social, and emotional growth. This structure plays a vital role in shaping Willow students into curious, self-motivated learners who act with integrity and are eager to embrace new opportunities and challenges. Moreover, by Grade 8, students are the leaders of the school community and play an active role in determining what’s next for their education through Willow’s Secondary School Guidance Program, ensuring a successful transition to high school.

Read our Testimonials to learn why families in Somerset County, and beyond, choose Willow.

Request our Kindergarten Planner. We will email it to you immediately.

Director of Admissions Lisa VanderVeen is here to help! Contact her at (908) 470-9500, ext. 1100 or via email.

Apply Fall 2023
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