Archbishop Williams High School

AWHS claims to be on the cutting edge of technology just because kids have ipads. Don’t fall for the sales pitch that you get at open houses. Enrollment is down compared to other schools — they’ll accept just about anyone, they want the tuition money. The mentality of this school is decades outdated! Educationally, one of the worst schools around. Outdated methods of assessment, outdated homework assignments. It’s a ‘clique’ school — not a good high school experience. Has little to offer in terms of enrichment. If you’re a jock, you can play a sport. If not, you’re pretty much out of luck. Many of the teachers are retired from public schools. Younger teachers couldn’t get jobs at public schools — which pay much more and include better benefits. There are some nice teachers but horrible administrators, especially the vice-​principal and fairly new principal. The principal who has basically very little prior experience is on a power trip — loose cannon with terrible judgment; likes to impress with his vocabulary, not at all supportive of students, goes into teacher’s classrooms and corrects them in front of students, teachers are intimidated by him and won’t speak up. The guidance counselors are inept. If your child is having any difficulty, don’t count on them for help. Don’t think for a minute that your sending your kids to a school where «nice» kids go. There’s tons of drinking and drugs going on. Wish I had never sent my child to this prison. Four years at this school will run you close to $ 50,000. Ask yourself, for what?

I graduated from AWHS in 2012, and TRUST ME it is not worth your money. The teachers are horrible, not helpful at all. I think I liked 3 of them. The rest are just mean and only help their favorite students. The students are alright, but if you’re trying to avoid «mean popular kids», this is not the place for you. There are just as many cliques at this school that there are everywhere else. The principal is probably better now, because when I graduated the woman retired. Thank GOD. they are super strict about their dress code (I’m talking they get pissed even if you wear YOGA PANTS) so if you have a lot of those in your closet, go shopping. Dress down day isn’t really a dress down day. They don’t offer enough electives. 2, actually. Art and music. Wow, what choices. The guidance counsellors are terrible. Mine flat out told me I would not be able to get into my college of choice. My art teacher also told me that I’m horrible at art and should not consider taking it again. How encouraging! I know I’m bad, but thanks for the ego boost! They are now a 7 – 12 school and I truly feel bad for those incoming ¹²⁄₁₃ year olds. AWHS is clearly trying to compete with other better high schools, which there is no comparison. I had a bad experience, maybe others won’t. If you are an honor student and a kiss ass, then this school is for you. If not, go to north quincy high and save yourself the drama.

AWHS is now a 7 – 12 school. My daughter is in the inaugural seventh grade and is very happy. I highly recommend the school