What our parents and children say about us

Willowtrees has a unique combination of freedom and order in learning as well as relationships, and true interest in the children and parents.

They speak and listen to us, we share our joys and fears and solutions; we have a lot of opportunities to join in. They give the children a huge world overview, teach them to live in harmony with themselves, with others and with nature, teach them responsibility and to help those weaker than them, independence and decisiveness and the ability to stand up for themselves and others. In the years from preschool, they have become part of our family.

I'm glad that there's no drill or stress here, nobody rushes or puts pressure on us and we don't have marks.

I've learned an awful lot, mostly English, as well as Czech and maths, even though they're sometimes hard. And mainly that if you make a mistake, it doesn't matter, you can always fix it.

When we first came to Willowtrees, we felt sorry that we couldn't go there too.

Our children look forward to going there and we're happy that they are growing into self-confident beings that can find their way in the world and have motivation to learn something about it. And we really like how they are considerate and kind to one another, how they cooperate and can speak in front of the others and present themselves and their school.

We almost don't have almost any homework, no worrying about tests every week. We have entertaining lessons, our own garden, we go outside, play a lot of sports and are always creating.

And we also go on trips, like to the National Museum, to galleries and to the theatre. And the teachers are nice to us. I like it here a lot.

What I remember from elementary school is how I always sat in the row by the window, so I could look outside.

I remember the boredom, the greyness, the loneliness and the ever-present fear of failure. There's no chance that my children wouldn't want to go to school, in fact they want to stay as long as they can. The still love learning, they are still curious and still trust adults. They are not afraid of discussing, standing up for their opinion, while still coming to an agreement. They have a lot of knowledge, but they obtained it with joy and ease. Thank you!

We enjoy school because we don't have marks and because the people here are kind…

I like making books with my friends, we dream up a city or stories based on specified words... And it's great that we experience a lot of things and adventures... I look forward to school, because I have wonderful friends here and I'm always in a good mood here... And I don't like going to school in the morning too much, but then in the afternoon, I never want to go home.

Why Willowtrees? Because we want our son to be able to develop depending on his focus and talent and at a speed he can adapt to.

We don't want him to just get information, we want him to grow into a distinctive and well-rounded personality. The way students welcomed us on our first visit and how self-confident and balanced they seemed greatly impressed us. Some of our friends are really stressed by their kids' schools, we're glad we don't have to worry about that. Our Filip enjoys going to school, he loves it. He looks up information and prepares presentations all by himself and it seems to us that he has a better general overview than he would have had in a classical school with curriculums and textbooks. Thank you.

I have been in Willowtrees for six years, and it will be hard to leave here one day. The teachers here are kind, what we wish for is usually filfilled.

We work together in various groups and also have a lot of independent work, where we can do our own projects or practice what we need. We put on a lot of super events for our parents and the public. And we play football or ping-pong every day.

I asked my son what he enjoys the most in school. He answered: "Why? Everything." And we are of the same opinion as parents.

He started going to Willowtrees in grade six. The teachers and the children were more than willing to help him fit in quickly. He enjoys the lessons, which finally make sense to him. He enjoys the time spent outside after lunch. He meets and spends time with his friends after school. And we enjoy the various events for the children and parents.

This school is great in that I don't have to be afraid to be myself. The people here are friendly. And whenever I need help, I don't have to worry to say so and someone always offers to help me.

After years of stress in a classic school, it took just a few weeks at Willowtrees for our son to enjoy learning again, and believe that respectful open communication is possible at school. Thank you!

I like that we work on projects that improve our surroundings, they teach us to cooperate and give feedback and to help others, even people who are not free.

I like the friendly collective of predominantly young teachers, who are kind and teach us to think, also about the best way to behave towards nature and resources for instance. And I really enjoyed this year's Erasmus in Portugal and it's great that it will continue in the coming years.

I really appreciate the ever-present friendly atmosphere at Willowtrees, the teachers respect the children and adolescents.

They know them well and can recognise their needs. They lead them to independence, to be able to a articulately express their own opinion and to mutual cooperation.

Transferring to Willowtrees meant we gained an individual approach and a lot of understanding, a friendly environment and quality teaching.

The children aren't kids, they're students, and they learn in a manner so that they understand. They don't memorise, but learn in context and with interest. Thus, they don't forget the acquired knowledge and skills. And the school communicates and cooperates wonderfully with the family. Thank you for supporting us in difficult times.

They accepted me as I am and opened my eyes.

They waited until I was acclimatised and really believed, even though it took me a few months. And they gave me energy and inspiration again.

I'm grateful for the devoted and enthusiastic teachers, thanks to whom the lessons are an exciting journey each and every day.

Our school always wants to provide students with the resources and support they need to achieve their potential, to help them fulfil their study and personal goals. And they really do.