Please tell us about Williston!

Prep School Admissions
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Hi! It would be wonderful to connect with some students that have decided to join Williston from the fall. Great to hear what made you decide and any concerns (late decision due for us this weekend). Thank you

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My son is finishing up his first year at Williston - happy to answer any questions! You can DM me.

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Also feel free to message me- my son is a junior (second year boarding student). We LOVE Williston!

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Hi! Thank you so much for replying. I just joined so not sure how to do DM on this platform, apologies.

Hope your son is enjoying Williston!

My son is considering Williston and it looks amazing on paper. We are mainly concerned with some review comments that the school/students can be preppy. As a grade 11 new student, he is therefore concerned that he might not make friends unless he comes from the right family, wears the right clothes, is a big brain (he is more chilled) and/or a great athlete (he is sporty but not a sports star and is really keen on getting into the JV soccer team). Any thoughts on any of this would be amazing as he is an international boarding student coming from the UK so quite far away from support.

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Thank you so much and that is great to hear! What is it that your son loves specifically about the school?

You might see the answer I gave above as to why we are hoping to get more input. It is both cultural and soccer specific (;o)) related. Thank you!

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I’ll send you a message but I will quickly respond here in case others find this thread in future and wonder.

  1. Williston is a community- there is not a big in/out type of crowd or vibe from my son’s experience. It is NOT preppy or exclusive- I have never gotten a vibe from any interaction with current students, alum or parents that your socioeconomic standing is what is important or defines you. Like any other or many of boarding/private schools there is a subset of families that are very wealthy, but I don’t see if flaunted or held over someone.

  2. Soccer- there are several teams. Varsity program is super competitive. There is a JV A and B squad as well as a thirds team. My son is a decent player but played B squad and has had a blast- great atmosphere without it being super serious! You can play at any level and there isn’t any stigma around trying new to you sports either!

  3. Staff and faculty support- this is where I truly believe the school shines. The teachers and staff really know the kids, even Mr Hill (Bob) as head of school is out and about and part of the campus community.

  4. Making friends- this is a friendly campus & I don’t think it is a huge challenge to overcome being a new 11th grader. The school welcomes new 10th and PGs every year & the “welcome” days are a very deliberate grade building activity focused agenda that fosters connection.

  5. Happy to answer specifics if needed or find a time to have a zoom. When we were deciding I connected with a parent from these boards and she was so helpful!

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Thank you so very much. This is brilliant and really helpful feedback. I am feeling much assured as DS is a charming and kind human yet v shy. Thank you so much. I think this will be enough for him to make the decision, if not, thank you for your kind offer.

So grateful you have taking this time to respond and so thoroughly.

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I agree with all of this! My son is not an athlete, but he has found wonderful friends, both day and boarding students, in the theater and theater tech groups at Williston. I don’t find it to be overly preppy, when I have been on campus I have seen a wide variety of personal styles. I can’t comment on soccer, but my son is playing ultimate frisbee this trimester, and like all sports, there are several teams so students at all levels can participate.