Writers in the Schools459

My children ask to return to this camp every year! The faculty seems exceedingly qualified, with advanced degree and practical experience. Also the kids enjoy it!

Outstanding program! I've sent my daughter to the summer program for 5 years, and she always learns and practices something new. Interesting, fun faculty who are committed to working and playing with language--and young writers. We're already registered for the 2010 session.

I teach at one of the most competitive K-12 independent schools in the nation. It never shocks me that some of my best writers have past through the summer program at WITS. I'm impressed by the academic pedigree and instructional theories that are part of the everyday experience in the summer program. My wife and I think so highly of it that we enrolled our daughter in their kindergarten and 1st grade program. I was impressed that my daughter's class is taught by not one, but two instructors, giving it a low student:teacher ratio. I like the my daughter and her classmates are being taught by the best and the brightest, and that her classmates were from the top independent and public school programs in the city. The facilities (although at a rival school) are superb, and the safety and security of the place is impressive. I happen to think that the camp is a bargain, and I'm very grateful for those foundations and corporations in Houston that see fit to contribute to the overall operating costs. Take my advice, sign-up early, and thank your lucky stars that you are in Texas.

Our daughter (going into kindergarten at the time) had a blast last year. The camp is staffed with professional writers and outstanding teachers. Our daughter was introduced to a ton of literature and literary ideas that most 4 year olds wouldn't have encountered. Her mornings were packed with art, reading, writing, and a variety of other creative and stimulating experiences. Since then, she has constantly asked when writing camp is going to start again. Thankfully, that's only a few weeks away.

Definitely remedial. You can tell by going into the classroom and looking (and listening) at the make up of the class. My child complained about going everyday. (My child does not usually complain.) I question the qualifications of the teachers even if they do have experience. The people in charge are not available once camp starts. The office staff has no clue about the camp. When I was finally able to speak to the people in charge, I told them that I had tried to reach them several times and voiced my complaints. They did not appear to care. I told them that the description of the camp did not match what they were actually doing/teaching in the class. They told me that the children should be having fun since it is summer. $$$ for this?

WITS is listed under "Academic Camp", but should be listed under "Sleep Camp". It is no more than expensive babysitting! The children do not learn much of anything. I was told by the staff that "the children are not here to learn, they are there to enjoy themselves. It's summer." Well, that is not what I paid for. I expected creative writing to blossom in a fun way, where the children would expand their writing abilities and discover the love of writing. Instead, the children did not write much at all. Every day my child complained of boredom. Remedial. I saw many foreign kids learning English as a 2nd language. I also question the capabilities of the teachers. They definitely need more training! Staff is disorganized, car pool is a nightmare and nobody seems to know what they are doing.

Great program for young writers and artists.

Just signed my kids up today!

Great program! This is an excellent way for kids to stay sharp during the summer and to have fun with writing.