Academics

Our rigorous academic environment offers a balance of structure and freedom, designed to help students develop excellent study, writing, and critical thinking skills, along with an ambitious intellectual curiosity. Our class sizes are small (average size of 12) and our course selection is large (155 courses with 49 designated as Honors or APs)—so you can think big!



Our Academic Difference

Williston Scholars

Our independent study program allows students to develop their own trimester-long projects, engaging in deep, self-directed research with the one-on-one guidance of a faculty-mentor.

College stickers in alt

College Advising

Our highly personalized, four-year college advising process gives students the tools—and self-awareness—they need to find the colleges that are the best fit.

Center for Academic Success

Williston’s network of academic support provides students at every level with the resources and instruction they need to succeed, and the options that best fit their learning style.

Academic Concentrations

Williston offers our most passionate and motivated students the opportunity to sharpen the focus of their high school coursework by fulfilling the requirements of an academic “concentration” in one of five areas of study.

Curricular Technology Program

Students learn how to use technology thoughtfully to communicate, solve problems, and conduct research, using cutting-edge software on the Microsoft Surface Pro.

Five College Connection

Higher education institutions in our back yard (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts) provide access to extraordinary opportunities for academic collaborations.

The Right Size

"Williston is a place that is big enough to pursue what you are passionate about and small enough that if you pursue those passions, you can really make a difference."
—Nate, Kenyon College

By the numbers

155
Number of courses offered in the humanities, sciences, and arts—from Ethics and Society to Forensic Science.
49
Number of Honors or AP classes, including Honors French V: Francophone Themes.
75%
Percentage of faculty members who hold advanced degrees

"Latin gets students to look at the details, sharpen their decoding skills, and fall in love with words; it also gets us asking big philosophical questions."

Beatrice Cody, Latin teacher

"We talk about the role of government, the responsibilities of citizens, and themes of individual liberty, common good, fairness, and justice. These are not simple concepts."

Andrew Syfu, History + Global Studies teacher

“Reading is asking you to be more human, more empathetic. It’s the most valuable thing you can teach.”

Sarah Sawyer, English teacher


Our Academic Departments

English

History + Global Studies

Language

Mathematics

Science

Visual + Performing Arts


Clapp Memorial Library

The library is a hub of activity on campus. A professional librarian is always available to give individual help with reference questions, assignments, Internet research, and leisure reading suggestions.

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