The Williston Northampton School - Review #4

Read more details about The Williston Northampton School on their 2024 profile page.
The Williston Northampton School
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2007-2010
Sports and Activities:
Varsity football, hockey, and baseball player for three years. Captain of football senior year, Captain of hockey junior and senior year, and captain of baseball for sophomore, junior and senior year. Gold Key member all three years. Proctor for two years. Won Dartmouth Book Award junior year for excellence in academics, athletics, and in leadership. Won most athletic senior given by faculty. Also won the citizenship prize my senior year.
College Enrolled:
Connecticut College
Home Town, State:
Harrisburg, PA

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Williston does an excellent job at recognizing and supporting individuals in the community. Students and faculty who excel in the classroom are rewarded by publicly by having their accomplishments acknowledged as well as students who achieve success in extra curricular activities. For example, Williston has several opportunities for leaders. Captainship, proctorship, Peer Education, and other groups are all created to acknowledge the student leaders in the community. These roles are taken seriously in the community and cause students to want to achieve success.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The whole experience was the best thing that happened to me at Williston. I was supported and guided during my time there. I found my niche and blossomed. My favorite accomplishment was being a tri-varsity captain. Williston taught me to be independent as I lived away from home for three years. Going to Williston has also helped me to reach one of my dreams in playing NCAA hockey. Williston was the best experience of my life.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I wish I participated in one of the art performances as they were very good. My advice for any kid going to boarding school would be to get involved in all the campus activities possible and to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
My favorite part of the school was the community. It was great knowing everyone and saying hi to many people on your way to class. The community was very supportive and the part I will miss most about Williston.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
My advice would be to get acclimated and ask questions. Meet all the faculty and students. Getting informed and meeting members of the community will help for you to feel more comfortable in the idea of Williston. Visit the victory the bell and picture yourself ringing it with your teammates and friends after a hard fought victory.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Williston's academics are demanding, yet fair. Students are pushed to their learning limits, while receiving support and guidance from teachers and fellow students. The educational experience not only prepares students for college level courses, but also teaches them to ask questions when they need to and seek support. Seeking help from a teacher can be an intimidating thing to do. At Williston this action is encouraged. Students are comfortable in seeking help, which will only benefit them in the future.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The athletic program is very competitive as well as supportive. There are teams for all students and their playing levels. The varsity sports are very competitive. Sportsmanship is the main focus of Williston sports and is preached during the career of all students. Williston also boasts first class venues for sports. I enjoyed the competitiveness of the sports as well as the camaraderie formed over the times spent with coaches and players.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
My experience in the arts was a spectator. I always looked forward to seeing the art programs as they were always entertaining and impressive. The students put many hours into their performances and the reap the benefits as they community always enjoys the performances and supports them just as much as athletics.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Williston offers many extra-curricular activities from sports, to leadership opportunities to volunteer opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity. It is mandatory for students to participate in extra-curricular activities. Students enjoy these events as well as benefit from managing their time between academics and extra-curricular activities.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life was one of the best aspects of Williston. The students bond well in the dorm settings. The dorms are very constructive for both studying and enjoying living together. The students also become very close to dorm parents. Food orders are also a common activity for dorm members. Williston is surrounded by many take out places that offer late night food access. My closest relationships were created in the dorm.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Williston has a wonderful dining hall that offers three meals a day, seven days a week. The food is very good as there is a wide variety food choices. Also, Williston has a snack bar called the StuBop where students can get burgers, fries, and other snack food.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Williston sits in the middle of Easthampton. The town of Easthampton is considered Williston's campus, so students have access to the town whenever they need it. Students can go to town for a slice of pizza or a new article of clothing whenever they are free. It is nice for the students to be placed in an urban setting as they are not far away from resources.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
My favorite part of the social life at Williston was always being involved in the social life. The students are very close knit and because of this there are always social gatherings. Whether it is watching a movie in a dorm room, playing lasertag in the dark on the football field or taking a trip to Boston or New York city there are always social events. Also, attending sporting events is another major social event.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
7:00 AM
Wake up
8:00 AM
Eat breakfast
8:30 AM
First Class
1:45 PM
Classes End
3:30 PM
Practices start
5:30 PM
Practices end, dinner starts as well as free time
8:00 PM
Study hall begins
10:00 PM
Study hall ends
11:00 PM
Time for bed
Weekend
9:00 AM
Wake up
10:30 AM
Team Brunch, or brunch
12:00 AM
Depart for away game,
3:00 PM
Games begin
6:00 PM
Return from games, dinner, free time for events, hanging out
11:00 PM
Check in to dorms
12:00 PM
Bed Time
Read more details about The Williston Northampton School on their 2024 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
The Williston Northampton School Alumni #1
Class of 2016
5.00 12/29/2016
Elon University
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. . .
The Williston Northampton School Alumni #2
Class of 2015
5.00 12/3/2016
University of Maine
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. . .
The Williston Northampton School Alumni #3
Class of 2011
5.00 8/7/2012
Harvard University
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. . .
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 400 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $74,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $51,000
  • Acceptance rate: 33%
  • Average class size: 13 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update