The Willow Middle School offers a rigorous, high academic program of instruction that allows qualifying students the opportunity to take early high school credit (Carnegie units).

To address the needs of our most advanced and motivated students, we have developed an optional, accelerated mathematics curriculum, called “Plus” (5+, 6+ and 7+). This curriculum provided within the same classroom as their peers, challenges self-identified students with above-grade-level readiness skills and advances their skills mathematically, using supplementary tasks and more difficult assessments.

Our engineering classes use the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum which creates an engaging, hands-on classroom environment that empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills in real-world learning. Through connections to careers and real-world problems, the students imagine, discover and practice the range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond. Students begin to lead their own learning and explore computer science, engineering and biomedical science, boosting classroom engagement and excitement, supporting teamwork and inspiring deep comprehension. By challenging themselves to rework and refine their projects, students learn that failure and persistence are keys to learning and innovation.

Middle School students have the opportunity to explore and pursue an individualized program of study in their preferred art forms, which include creative writing and music options (band, orchestra, vocal and general music). As the years progress and their interests/talents become more apparent, they are afforded more time and less varied exposure by having fewer classes which meet more frequently. They may choose to explore audition-based performance groups in dance, theatre and music.

The Willow School has many opportunities for student-athletes to show their leadership skills. The Willow School’s athletic philosophy stresses time management, personal development, confidence building, discipline and learning to tackle challenges and adversity. The Willow School is committed to developing students into skillful athletes through expert coaching, rigorous training and state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Atlantic-Bridge Gymnasium and the beautiful Brees Family Field. Many of our students balance athletics while pursuing creative artistic interests. The Willow School is a charter member of the Metro Middle School League.

The Willow Middle School incorporates a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) in order to provide targeted support to our struggling students and ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students to achieve their fullest potential.