In cooperation with Tulane University, qualifying juniors and seniors may enroll in free college courses and earn a Tulane transcript, giving students the edge in college admissions. Pre-college, The Willow School students are able to explore educational paths they are curious about or strengthen existing interests. More than 30 percent of The Willow School Seniors are currently enrolled at Tulane.

Classes that The Willow School students are taking include General Physics, Consolidated Calculus, Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Abnormal Psychology, Macroeconomics, Arabic, Human Osteology, Languages of the World, Criminology, History of China, Human Origins, Introduction to Latin America, Cultural Anthropology, Child Psychology, The Greeks, International Relations, and Introduction to Psychology.

Willow and Tulane have had a long-standing relationship. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane and Willow entered into a formal partnership. Tulane provided Willow with $1.6 million to plan for reopening and operating the elementary, middle, and high schools. In turn, Willow opened its doors to children of Tulane faculty and staff.

This ongoing partnership allows Willow students access to Tulane courses and resources such as the library and other facilities. In their junior and senior years, Willow High School students are able to enroll in classes (at no charge!) on Tulane’s campus, graduating with both a Willow diploma and a Tulane transcript. Further partnerships include the development of a professional learning center for teachers, shared use of facilities, access to Tulane’s library, and help from Tulane’s architect and facilities manager in planning for the Brimmer Campus renovations. In addition, a number of Willow openings are set aside for children of Tulane faculty and staff who meet the admissions criteria.

Willow is a professional development site for Tulane’s Division of Teacher Education, providing placement and training for teacher candidates in school classrooms and programs. Tulane’s Service Learning Department also places university students as tutors and aides for the school.