If you're a person of color or someone who values integrity, fairness, and genuine community--stay…read morefar away from The Webb Schools.
I attended Webb years ago, and to this day, I would never wish the experience I endured on anyone else. While the school hides behind shiny brochures and overused buzzwords like "diversity," "inclusion," and "excellence," the reality is far more disturbing. For both students and employees--especially those who aren't white or come from ultra-wealthy backgrounds--Webb can be an isolating, dismissive, and downright toxic environment.
Let's start with the obvious: this school preys on money. Just like many elite private institutions, Webb doesn't truly care about nurturing students--they care about who can fund their next building project or bring in prestige for marketing purposes. If you're from a family that can't afford legal backup or extra donations, you're disposable. They claim to provide financial aid, but the way they treat students who receive it is another story entirely. They may let you through the door, but don't expect to be treated like an equal once you're inside.
What makes it worse is their performative obsession with "diversity." The administration is quick to throw around stats and statements about how "inclusive" they are, but the minute a person of color speaks up, questions something, or dares to stand out, the school turns cold--fast. You'll be labeled "difficult," "aggressive," or "not a fit." It's incredibly clear that their idea of "diversity" is palatable silence, not empowered individuals with a voice.
And favoritism? Rampant. There were students who could do no wrong because of who their parents were or how much they donated. Meanwhile, others--especially those who didn't have the same socioeconomic status or cultural background--were constantly scrutinized, left out of opportunities, and punished more harshly for things that the "favorites" got away with daily.
Bullying is a major issue here, and perhaps the most telling sign of what kind of school this really is. I witnessed students being tormented--some openly, some quietly--but the administration? Silent. Inaction was their default. In fact, many students felt like they couldn't report things because they knew nothing would come of it. Honestly, it felt like the people running the school were the biggest bullies of all. Their silence and gaslighting did more damage than anything the students could've done.
This environment is not just flawed--it's unsafe for anyone who doesn't fit the image Webb wants to present to the outside world. If you're a student of color, please think twice. If you're an employee hoping for an inclusive, supportive workplace--run. They burn out good people and reward those who keep their heads down and their mouths shut. Any challenges to the status quo are seen as threats.
I've carried the weight of my experience at Webb for years. I was a student who hoped for guidance, growth, and belonging. What I got was exclusion, manipulation, and the clear message that I didn't belong. This school doesn't build character--it erodes it. It doesn't uplift--it suppresses.
If you're looking at Webb as a potential school for your child or workplace for yourself, I urge you to dig deeper than the polished surface. Ask the hard questions. Talk to people who left. Don't fall for the diversity page on their website. And above all--believe it when people like me say: The Webb Schools are not what they claim to be.
