Farrar Williams Reviews
Parent (History of Africa & Asia) – May 10, 2024
The material was covered thoroughly in an engaging manner. I appreciate the use of multi literacy techniques in the curriculum. Farrar is a skilled and knowledgeable teacher with an ability to engage students intellectually. Her scaffolding methods helped my son’s writing improve greatly.
I always appreciate literature in curriculum. My son enjoyed the last selections in the graphic format . He found them interesting reading.
Student (Film as Literature) – May 8, 2024
I had a lot of fun with this class, I got to watch lots of great films that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. I learned a lot about analyzing every aspect of a film including, lighting, camera work, costume and color design, and I will probably never watch a movie the same way again.
Parent (Film as Literature) – May 7, 2024
This is the second class that my son has had with Farrar. She seems to have mastered the art of facilitating engaging discussion. I also really appreciate that she assigns meaningful work that really requires students to think without overloading the students with what feels like busy work.
Student (AP World History) – May 2, 2024
The classes are engaging and lots of fun, and many of the assignments were enjoyable to do–they were never a chore.
Student (AP World History) – May 2, 2024
Ms. Williams is very straightforward and always wants the best for her students. Even though this was my first AP class, and I had a bit of a struggle initially, she helped me adjust while still letting me figure things out on my own.
Parent (History of Africa & Asia) – May 3, 2023
Everything about the class was great- the content, class structure, teaching style contact/feedback. The teacher was able to hold a safe space in which even a quieter student feels comfortable sharing thoughts. The class was challenging and at the same time enjoyable.
Parent (AP World History) – May 2, 2023
In my (limited) experience, AP classes can sometimes be a little rote, focused on “teaching to the test.” But Farrar made the material engaging, both through the live classes and the diversity of assignments. I think the structure of the class assignments within each unit was really beneficial. At first I was a little skeptical about outlining chapters, but very quickly I saw how useful it was for my child in particular to process the material in that way before moving on to other related assignments.
Parent (History of Africa & Asia) – May 2, 2023
Farrar has been an amazing teacher. She has been gentle in guiding corrections for assignments and giving help when needed. She gave wonderful feedback for my child’s work and they were able to see clearly where they needed to improve before the next assignment. Farrar is excited about the subject, which in turn, helps the class to be exciting and engaging.
Parent (History of Africa & Asia) – April 17, 2023
Farrar’s choice of books, as well as her analytical take on the study of history, made for a class that my daughter found not only challenging, but highly engaging. Farrar’s thoughtfulness on what content to include brought the study of history alive. My daughter enjoyed this class and has recommended the books she read to friends and family members. The class content also sparked some great discussions over family dinners or on car rides!
Student (AP World History) – April 18, 2023
I was very surprised at how much I was learning, even though I have taken previous history classes. She helps the students and prompts them until an answer is given, she then sometimes engages in discussions about the learning material which are very interesting.
Student (History of Africa & Asia) – April 17, 2023
I’m not a huge fan of history but Farrar’s class covers a lot of topics that are new to me. Farrar is very understanding and flexible, and the class covers a side of history that is not usually taught in school. The open-minded discussion-based approach she takes to sensitive issues helps students think critically about the past and how it affects the present.
Student (AP World History) – April 17, 2023
I have never been the biggest fan of history, but I think Ms. Farrar’s class really helped change my mind. Her assignments were both engaging and educational, and it got me thinking about history from different perspectives. While I still can’t honestly say the subject matter was very fascinating, the class definitely exceeded my expectations and helped pique my interest in history. I really liked how the syllabus was laid out: it was very organized and methodical, and I especially appreciated how we started AP prep through DBQs and SAQs early in the year.
Parent (AP World History) – September 27, 2022
Based on feedback I have received from my son, the class is challenging, but in a way that I believe will be beneficial to him. He feels comfortable reaching out to Farrar, and she has been supportive and encouraging. Farrar is helpful and provides good feedback.
Parent (Secret Codes & Mysteries) – September 20, 2022
I really just wanted him to have an elective that was fun and different and this seems to fit the bill. It’s low stress and yet fun and challenging.
Parent (History of Africa & the Middle East) – September 20, 2022
My daughter is excited about this class and learning new perspectives on historical events. The material chosen for the class has been excellent. Age-appropriate and challenging.
Parent (Secret Codes & Mysteries) – September 20, 2022
My son is enjoying it and being challenged by the puzzles. Diving deeper into a specific topic has been interesting for my son, he is talking about the course content to us throughout the day.
Parent (History of Africa & Asia) – April 2, 2022
This has been fantastic for my teen, challenging them in many ways while being so engaging that it has become their favorite class. They had tremendous growth in their academic writing and Farrar’s feedback and encouragement has been wonderful. Farrar’s ability to take difficult/complicated topics and make them both accessible and engaging. Also the feedback on writing assignments has been wonderful. We loved it and only wish Farrar was planning to offer European History next.
Parent (History of Africa & Asia) – April 2, 2022
This class is exactly what we were looking for. My son, who loves history, has learned so much, not just about the subject but about thinking and writing. The teacher is very engaging, knowledgeable, and consistent. She has high but reasonable expectations and is very approachable. I’m not easy to please. I like classes that are deep and rigorous, without involving busy work. This fit the bill exactly.
Farrar Williams joined the Aim Academy Online faculty for the 2021-22 school year. Below are reviews from teaching her classes elsewhere. Please see Farrar’s bio and qualifications here.
“My daughter loved taking an Asian and African history course with Farrar Williams. The curriculum is a great mix of history monographs, maps, and primary sources that places Africa, Asia, and India at the center of study. Farrar is an engaging and knowledgeable teacher who knows how to help young writers develop. My daughter gained a comprehensive understanding of complicated history, while growing as a writer and having fun.” – Helen D.
“My 7th grade son took Puzzles and Codes taught by Farrar and it’s been a fantastic experience. He’s a kid who doesn’t like a lot of school and typically doesn’t like anything that seems schoolish even if it’s a topic he likes. But he’s totally gotten into the class. It’s also been a nice gentle first online class. The work is interesting and challenging but not so much that it’s overwhelming. I think he likes the independence of doing it on his own.” – Alice
I have been extremely pleased with Farrar Williams as a teacher. The curriculum is interesting and incorporates a variety of ways for students to learn the material. Ms. Williams’ passion and knowledge of the subject matter are obvious, and I also deeply appreciate the background she brings as an experienced teacher. Highly recommended! – Sonja K.