Westwood High School

Hands down, without question, Dr. Richard is the BEST high school principal in our district. I have worked in this district for over 20 years. For the past 10 yrs I watched as our school became complacent with low expectations. Some of the veteran staff, long time staff were guardians of this culture. Dr. Richard issued a challenge, to expect more, from everyone and he has also provided us with the support and motivation that we need. Naturally, there will always be a few people who do not enjoy being asked to get out of their comfort zone, but the vast majority of people are very pleased with the very positive changes and leadership of our new principal. I know many other teachers in the district who would like to join the Westwood staff next year. Because of Dr. Richard, our school is, "On the Rise!"
—Submitted by a teacher

Our new Principal, Dr. RIchard, has has such a positive impact on the kids and teachers at our school with his leadership. I am speaking as an 18 year veteran teacher and I can say that he is the BEST, kids first, principal that I have ever worked with!
—Submitted by a teacher

In my opinion, the leadership of new principal, Dr. Tim Richard is exactly what the school needed! He has inspired students to do better and he has been a motivating cheerleader for the kids and the community. It was too bad the the district tried to throw him under the bus when the media attack dogs came after him, but the guy is a die hard and handled the issue with such class. The students and community rallied to support him. He is a great leader!
—Submitted by a parent

Dr. Richard is the best principal that we hace ever had! I have been at 3 of the Mesa high schools, and wish that I could have had a principal that was as passionate about school and success as Dr. Richard! If Mesa is listening, they need to get principals like him!
—Submitted by a student

I am glad Dr, Richard is our new Principal, he is always around and available to the students . I am graduating this year and this year is much better than the past 3 because of the good changes he made.
—Submitted by a student

My 5th child is now attending Westwood. We had him signed up to go at another school, then decided to give Westwood a try. He came home the first day of school the happiest kid on earth, and has been that way ever since. I have attended the open house each year and met the teachers. I am always astounded by the quality. I can't believe that we have teachers like Dr. Woods, Ms. Magnusson, Ms. Nuestro, Mrs. Murphy, etc. I could go on and on. The administration is very responsive. The WW production of "Les Miserables" last year was first rate with a live orchestra. Great sports teams. Wonderful neighborhood. What more could you ask?
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from westwood, so did my husband, and two children, with my youngest graduating just this year. Westwood has been a wonderful experience for our family. Sure there are drugs, gangs, and other problems but those problems exist at every school in the country. My kids stayed involved in school activities and chose good friends and had absolutely no problems. The teachers and administration were great. My family loves wertwood.
—Submitted by a parent

Westwood has a lot of drugs, sex, and gang activity. My cousin ended up switching schools because it was just not a good environment.
—Submitted by a student

this is not a good school.....at all. many of the kids have so much pride in being a warrior, but education isn't stressed as much as it should be, most of the teachers don't really care, and the classes aren't so great. overall i'd have to give westwood two stars.
—Submitted by a student

Westwood is a wonderful school. Most people always give the school labels such as 'ghetto' but in reality it is not. It is just like life. In life, there isn't going to be a 90% demographic of white people like in other school in the same district. Not every teenager has a car. Kids do come from the mid to lower class. However, this is a wonderful thing. Out of this environment comes kids who are accepting of cultures and are open-minded to new ideas and people. The IB program at Westwood is outstanding and will offer a much better education than the normal AP route at other schools. When choosing a school in the MPS area, Westwood is the best choice for any child.
—Submitted by a student

Westwood is the greatest school I have ever been to. Granted it's not like Mountain View or Hamilton but it's better because it teaches us diversity and how to work with different people. The teaching staff is excellent and all my teacher are willing a ready to help me learn no matter the time or place
—Submitted by a student

I love this school. It shows me the real world. How everyone is different and we should respect them. Education here is fabulous.
—Submitted by a student

Excellent teachers- poor students. Bad sports and music programs.
—Submitted by a student

My children have attended Westwood for all three years of high school. It has been a great experience for them - wonderful opportunties, programs and the teaching staff for the most part is great!
—Submitted by a parent

Recently, I graduated from Westwood High School. Just like every person in the world I had hard times and easy times during high school, but there were always teachers, administrators, or even the principal, ready to help and guide the learning process. Westwood has an encouraging challenging enviroment, and many fields in which one can shine! I love sports, art and music, and I was able to carry out classes in all three areas, with outstanding teachers. I highly reccomend this school upon the understanding that here, at Westwood High School, I develloped, expressed, and found myself.
—Submitted by Tanner Layton, a former student

Westwood High School is by far one of the best schools ever; from the great teachers & faculty who are involved and care about students, to the coaches and sports administrators, to the principal's office. This school embraces diversity and showcases all the beautiful cultures of it's students!
—Submitted by BARBARA PIIRINEN, a parent

The administrators care more about the scores on state and national testing then they do the welfare and success of the general population of students.There are some great teachers, and some who in my opinion should be let go immediately for the way they treat the students. The attitude of the teachers is reflected in the students, rough, harsh and resentful of those who get in their way.
—Submitted by Mary, a parent

All my kids have went to school at westwood and so has my wife. I thank westwood for caring more about students and their Safety
—Submitted by a parent

I feel this school had a very positive enviroment for my child. The teachers where very concientiuos.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Westwood High School for the full three years of high school and enjoyed the majority of it. 90% of the teachers were helpful, knowledgable and friendly. There are a variety of classes to choose from and all are a great deal of fun as well as educational. There were some security problems every once in awhile, but not nearly to the standards that most people think. I never felt endangered once. Westwood is a great school and I'd recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a former student