The Independent School of Winchester in Winchester

Posted: April 30, 2026

Our kids have attended ISW for several years, we have been so grateful to ISW faculty for making our kids feel safe and seen. It is such a relief to send our kids to school and completely trust that they are cared for exactly as we would hope they would be. The education theyve received is top notch but even more importantly they make learning fun and embrace curiosity. They have done an amazing job meeting our kids where they are emotionally and educationally, tailoring to their needs with such consideration. We love that our kids get outside several times a day! We have had a great experience and love that our kids are excited to go to school!

Posted: April 29, 2026

I am the proud parent of an Independent School of Winchester graduate who is currently thriving in college thanks to the preparation provided by an ISW education. From day one on her University campus, our daughter remarked how well ISW built her skills in critical thinking, writing, public speaking/performance, and project management that set her up for success at the college level. The flexibility to adapt personalized plans of study at ISW likewise helps to create confident students who feel engaged with their work and are encouraged to pursue their passions and curiosity. The close relationships forged with ISW's staff and school community have had an incredibly positive impact on our family. It's a welcoming, supportive space that provides a multi-dimensional approach to education.

Posted: April 28, 2026

I recommend that you send your child to school at the Independent School of Winchester if you are looking for a safe place where the students are treated fairly and feel free from bullies. ISW is a place where there are both high expectations and high rewards for proper behavior. ISW is a place that has college prep level academics taught by experienced teachers, along with music, theater, stem options, robotics and planned daily time spent outdoors for all age groups. In the year 2026, ISW represents all the best things that a good education can offer. Brava ISW!

Posted: April 27, 2026

We are new to this school this year and have been so happy here. I love the communication from the teachers and especially appreciate the whole child approach. Whenever my children have big feelings during the school day, I can rest assured knowing that the teachers are supporting them through their emotions.
We love the performing arts program and experiential education (they bring in a paraprofessional within their field every Friday to teach the elementary students about their field. This is a great way for kids to discover new hobbies, etc.!)
This is a great option for folks who want a different option from a public school. We love their approach on religion as we are an agnostic family.

Posted: March 22, 2026

I only gave this school one star because it was required to submit this post. This school is very money hungry and misleading. They will tell you they are all about the kids but only if you continue to donate to them. No one is really clear on what the money is used for since the building, play area, and parking lot are so outdated. The head of the school will be very nice to you until you can no longer feed her wallet. The lower elementary teacher is very rude and degrading to children. Only a handful of the " teachers" have degrees in teaching. They have "experience" instead which was not helpful to teaching young kids. If I could go back in time, I would've never paid money for this school. You're better off in public school or homeschooling.

Posted: February 21, 2026

The school is terrible and would kick you out over someones complaint and would not look at any evidence and would just take 1 persons complaint and call it the truth a while ago me and another student were kicked out over someones false accusing us of saying terrible things and without even looking at more than one person or anymore evidence they kicked both of us out DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS TO THIS SCHOOL THE HAVE HUGE BIASES AND WILL HAVE FAVORITES AND WOULD KICK YOU OUT WITH NO INVESTIGATION

Posted: July 15, 2025

I have been an ISW parent for over 12 years, and during this time I've watching my children thrive in this environment. They have gained strong relationships with other students but more impressively many of the faculty. My children, and most of the other students I know at the school are academically far beyond their public school peers and are more than prepared for college. Their social skills and general poise in public and with adults is far beyond what I was when I was their age, and again I credit this to the school. It's been a great gift to our family to be part of this school community and I credit the Head of School and the broader faculty for some seeing our family through some difficult times in our lives. I plan to continue my involvement with the school on a volunteer basis once my last child has graduated high school because I truly believe in the positive impact that ISW has on its student body and the broader community!

Posted: June 9, 2025

As somebody who went to the school, I am begging please never send your child here. Theres no emotional support and nobody cares about your feelings. I went there for one year in middle school. It was horrible. The teachers were very very, very, very rude except a couple if theres something wrong with the teacher and you try to tell that administration, they fail you miserably and they dont care they do not take any of your feelings into consideration. The education is horrible and they dont teach you anything. All they care about is their core values they dont care about anything else and if you do one thing they dont like even if it isnt bad, they give you something called a reflection and then they scolded you.
Please never send your child here, especially in middle school because they definitely dont care about you

Posted: May 4, 2025

The Independent School of Winchester is a wonderful place to learn and grow! The teachers are not only knowledgeable and supportive, but they genuinely enjoy being part of the school community, creating a fun and welcoming environment. The smaller class sizes make a big difference, allowing for personalized instruction and strong connections among students and faculty. ISW encourages students to be curious and independent thinkers, and it provides the resources and support to explore their individual interests. Frequent guest speakers and off-campus field trips enrich the curriculum and promote hands-on, experiential learning across a wide range of topics.

Overall, ISW empowers students to learn at their own pace through engaging, meaningful projects while also fostering personal growth, confidence, and a true love of learning.

Posted: April 21, 2025

Very happy parent here! I have had experience at ISW with both the middle and high school. ISW is a supportive environment with teachers who care about each student as a whole person. Interactions with all admins and teachers have been kind, professional, and caring. The quality of education is excellent and I am confident students are being well-prepared for college! I have seen my child grow not only in their education, but also in their self-confidence and communication skills. Highly recommend!

Posted: March 11, 2025

My child attended ISW from 3rd-8th grade. It was a game changer for him! Heading into HS, he was equipped with poise and confidence. Entering public school in 9th grade, he was already a year ahead in math and two years ahead in Spanish. He had excellent teachers at ISW who worked patiently and diligently with him. I cannot say enough about his incredible instructors preparing him for his transition into HS. He knows how to advocate for himself, present himself professionally, and think critically all because of this wonderful, little school and its desire to nurture learners.

Posted: January 21, 2025

when I say never I mean NEVER send your child to this school. They say this is a college
prep school but it is EVERYTHING but that! When my child was there they did not use computers no homework and the communication was AWFUL. The staff is EXTREMELY rude. so PLEASE NEVER SEND YOUR CHILD HERE. Also they say there are field trips every Friday BUT there are NOT! THIS SCHOOL IS UNEXCEPTABLE!

Posted: July 6, 2024

My child attended this school in 2022-23 year. Please do not send your children here. There is no, I mean NO communication with teachers/staff. NO work is ever sent home. The only time a teacher will contact you is to bully you about your child. DO NOT send your child here, especially if they are neurodivergent. They will discriminate against your child. The staff are the biggest bullies heres an example: they would tell my child her food was not good enough in her lunch. My child came home obsessed with healthy foods only. After I brought this eating disordered agenda they were pushing to their attention they denied ever saying that to my child. Since then other parents have reached out to me and said their children were in tears every lunch due to the bullying by teachers. There are also NO field trips like promised. They only give attention to the children whose parents give them endless $$. Half of the students started soiling themselves during class on a regular basis from anxiety. We had to put my child in therapy to undo the unnecessary anxiety caused by this school. We are at public and its amazing now. All of my childs anxiety is gone. Do yourself and your poor baby a favor and go elsewhere.

Posted: December 14, 2022

Read the reviews. Beyond a few fake reviews from the Directors family, most reviews say that the Independent School of Winchester should be avoided. I made a mistake and sent my daughter here. The administration is not interested in parent involvement or the well being of the students. Take your time and send your children to any other school.

Posted: June 22, 2022

As a high school student, I have been grateful for every moment I spend at ISW. That is because, from the people to the education I have received, nothing has been short of phenomenal. The teachers here love what they do, and it shows. In addition to creating lesson plans that engage and challenge their students, teachers bring joy and excitement to the classroom. Their work ethic is seen in the students as well. My entire grade is filled with hard-working students who care deeply about their education. Those outside of the teaching role, such as the head of school, also work doggedly for the sake of the students. Everyone at ISW stays true to the core values of respect, responsibility, empathy, integrity, and commitment to education. Following these values, the community at ISW is a wonderful one. The environment is both fun and kind, and the people here truly care about each other. I have even witnessed the school aiding families in their times of need. This is a school that cares about both education and its students. I have seen so many students grow and thrive here, myself included.

If there were anything to change about the school, I would add more clubs and activities. We have a limited selection here, though I still have fun with what we do have.

To put it briefly, I love and adore ISW, and strongly recommend it.

Posted: May 11, 2022

Be prepared for your student to miss an unreasonable number of school days due to impossible Covid-19 protocols. Child has a headache? Two covid tests with 3 days in between. Sniffles during allergy season? Two covid tests with 3 days in between. No covid test? 10 days of missed education. *rules may vary based on donations to the school*

I spoke highly of this school pre-covid. Kindergarten was absolutely phenomenal in 2019. Unfortunately I cannot say the same today, and I cannot in good conscience recommend this school.

Posted: February 2, 2022

I am very happy with my childs education at ISW. It is small, and that has provided really wonderful experiences and opportunities to dive deep into their lessons. ISW has caring and capable teachers who love what they do and it shows in my childs love for their school. I have seen some of the projects coming out of the HS and awards that are being won by students, and I have to say, Im impressed! Definitely college prep.

Posted: February 2, 2022

Posted: July 11, 2021

Steer completely clear. Leadership is arrogant, rude and self-absorbed.

Posted: July 11, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2021

being able to have one on one attention from the teachers was definitely good for me. Although something always felt a little off about this school. I had a lot of friends here, but keep in mind we had a class of maybe 15. Which may seem nice, but you have no idea the drama and loneliness that goes into it. If you are thinking of attending this school you should be cautious of two main things; one being the overwhelming amounts of money you will be paying for average teaching, and two, a very bizarre administrator. Dont get me wrong... I loved most of the teachers, but again. Pretty average. Your kid is probably better off going to public schools to be completely honest.

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: March 28, 2020

The school is not set up to support students with severe learning challenges, but they do a great job allowing students to move up or stay back as needed-they're not just assigned classes based on age. The flexible grading system takes the pressure off of struggling students.

Posted: March 28, 2020

A small school where the teachers know the students helps cut down on this.

Posted: March 10, 2020

The principal is just amazing. Shes accommodating, kind, and truly cares about the students. If you attend, she will never put you or your child in an uncomfortable position.

Posted: March 10, 2020

My sister has a large learning disability. The teachers have made every possible effort to make sure she has a good experience here.

Posted: March 10, 2020

I have never been bullied at ISW. Of course, teenagers do have misunderstandings. In the case of a misunderstanding, the head of school is always happy to help.

Posted: March 10, 2020

Every five star review you read here could not be more true. I started at the school many, many years ago. When I did, I had very high hopes. The school has met every single one of them. From the welcoming environment to the active respect the staff shows students, I have always felt right at home. As many will tell you, the cost is also really inexpensive for the high quality education your child will receive. Also, I feel like I should note that the school is 13-years-old now, so if you try to find the original families, theyve all graduated or their circumstances have changed. It is not a reflection of the school. Truly, you will not regret coming to this school. Its life changing.

Posted: March 10, 2020

Every teacher is more than willing to reach out to students or respond to questions. The support for homework is amazing. Teachers have gone so far as to let me text them questions.

Posted: March 10, 2020

Everything you see on the ISW website about our teachers is true! Theyre incredibly well educated. You truly could not find people better suited to teach in their fields. Several of them have the terminal degree in their field. One thing I really appreciate about the school is the consistency regarding teachers. I have had the majority of these teachers for all four years of high school. This consistency has created a long-lasting bond between us.

Posted: March 10, 2020

I have made what I predict will be lifelong friendships at ISW. There are students I have known for years and years now. The amount of graduates is only small because the high school was started fairly recently. Every student who has attended all fours years has graduated.

Here, I developed a strong character. Im sad that I have to graduate, but at least I know Ill always be able to act with integrity, compassion, and respect.

Posted: February 4, 2020

The head of school has an agenda and if you don't fit into her plan, she will step right over you. As a parent, you will be used and will be put into uncomfortable positions.

Posted: February 4, 2020

Absolutely not. My child was not given ANY support whatsoever.

Posted: February 4, 2020

There was definitely some bullying going on when we were there. The head of school just laughed.

Posted: February 4, 2020

We had high hopes for this school, but as time went on, we realized it was a toxic environment. There is lots of nepotism, and as stated by others, you will be used for what $$ you can give. Every single original person left except the head of school.

Posted: February 4, 2020

There was no homework support given when we attended.

Posted: February 4, 2020

Most teachers were parents just filling in. When you read the bios on-line, there is a lot of fluff to get you thinking everyone is highly educated and their degree would surely benefit your student., many of the "teachers" are not educated in the subject they are teaching. There is also a HUGE turnover of REAL teachers. During our time there, many of the staff was related to each other somehow.

Posted: February 4, 2020

Ask about the turnover of students. There is a reason why they cannot maintain students through high school. Ask how many graduates they have had so far. Ask if your student will be in a graduation ceremony of one. Students actually leave this school to develop a strong character.

Posted: May 22, 2019

It has been wonderful for my children. I love the small class sizes, the opportunities to perform and learn public speaking skills, and the weekly field trips are amazing. I think it is such a benefit that the children, even at the middle school level, are allowed two recesses a day. The extracirricular activities are excellent and there are many opportunities for the children and parents. A community atmosphere is fostered by experiences such as the Thanksgiving meal for families and students, parent volunteer opportunities, and commencement and opening ceremonies.

Posted: May 22, 2019

Kindergarten through fifth graders are encouraged to read independently and have experiences with their families and play outdoors. Homework is practiced during the second half of fifth grade in preparation for middle school.

Posted: May 22, 2019

Teachers are here for the love of learning and the opportunity to do something creative and innovative in education.

Posted: May 22, 2019

Each year the school participates in a service project. There are curriculum and book tie ins to this project. Students also do several performances and work collaboratively. My 5th grader loves reading and working with the kindergarteners. The mixed age groups allows students the chance to both lead and follow.

Posted: May 16, 2019

The school is led by some of the kindest and most considerate people I have ever met. They make no hesitation when fixing problems, and always offer reasonable solutions.

Posted: May 16, 2019

I've been here for 5+ years, and I've never been bullied. I saw a review saying that bullying is a problem. It really, really isn't.

Posted: May 16, 2019

The school will always be the place where I remember my fondest memories. I learned everything I need to know about life. I learned to take constructive criticism, which is an essential skill as it improves me as a person overall. It would be pretty twisted to send an unprepared student into the world. I learned, under the degree-holding teachers, how to make my work presentable, but also unique. I cannot stress enough, as a student, how much their experience has contributed towards my education. I learned how to deal with differences I might have with others - the teachers make sure bullying isn't a thing. I'm an anxious person, and I'm sure anywhere else I might have had issues with others bullying me. And I have to thank the head of school, as well as her staff for my great experience. Her dedication has made these years at ISW some of the best in my life. Please send your student here, if you want to make your child a smarter, better person.

Posted: May 16, 2019

I'm a student, and this school has some of the smartest people I've ever met. The performing arts program is led by very competent people, as is every other program. The teachers have done nothing but help me.

Posted: May 16, 2019

Teachers bully the kids and kids are encouraged to criticize each other publicly if front of the whole class or the whole school. The headmistress believes that learning to deal with criticism will improve a childs confidence... I know pretty twisted.

Posted: May 16, 2019

My daughter who is in speech therapy, was forced to go on stage in front of the entire school and recite a poem, after the poem she had to remain on stage and receive critisism from other children.

Posted: May 16, 2019

Bullying by students and teachers is part of the curriculum. Parents please do your research, this review is real, feel free to reach out to me 571.236.1204. Also to the other real reviewers on here please contact me.

Posted: May 16, 2019

Parents do not get progress updates until the end of semester, working with your child at home is discourages so you cant really gauge their progress.

Posted: May 16, 2019

I don't think any of the teachers have any teaching degrees, most of them have degrees in inapplicable fields such as theater or economics. This leads to inappropriate and sometimes harmfull curriculum.

Posted: May 16, 2019

Kids are bullied, put in uncomfortable, high-stress situations and collectively punished. Kids are told not to share what happens at school with their parents. Public uniform shaming and public criticism is a required part of the curriculum.

Posted: May 16, 2019

Some of these 5-star reviews aren't real. Caution to the parents.