Westmont High School

The administration at this school is terrible. Completely irrational and unreasonable. When there are issues, they don't want to hear about it. They automatically blame students for issues without doing their due diligence and getting to the root cause of problems. More than once, issues came up that the teachers and administration assigned as issues with my child, only to later discover that the teachers were the problem, proved by data. Status on school work is a chronic problem - teachers not giving students credit for assignments, errors in grading, etc. Keep ALL of your student's work and be prepared to verify EVERYTHING related to grading. The communication is really bad -- don't expect answers to email or returned phone calls. They just don't want to hear from parents. They site a 48-response time to email and other inquiries in the student handbook, that they don't adhere to in the least. When you insist on speaking with them, you can muster up a meeting but, ultimately, they are just humoring you...It's 'their way or the highway'. I'm SO sorry that I placed my child in this school, and am looking into other options.
—Submitted by a parent

It's like pulling teeth to get information from most of the administrators and teachers in this school. My child's grades are not kept up to date, so the information in School Loop is not always accurate. I have to hound the teachers to find out where my child stands. We have seen everything from missed assignments and to data entry errors. Without extreme monitoring to make sure that this all gets cleaned up, my child's grades would have been negatively impacted to an extreme. Most teachers and administrators do not answer email without multiple requests and/or escalation (student handbook states that parents can expect responses in 48-hours). We have even experienced examples of teachers singling out my child openly in class and embarrassing them, because I have asked questions of the teacher via email....It confuses me to no end. Teachers often complain that parents aren't involved enough in their child's education. At Westmont, when you actively participate your child's education, you get ignored and your child gets openly mocked in class. It's ridiculous.
—Submitted by a parent

We are residents in this school district. We think the environments are greater than many other places of silicon valley. The Elementary schools and middle schools are great and getting better and better. However, this high school is so lagged behind in academic side. Why? We think the most important thing is that the school principle and board do things wrong somehow. It seems they are out of date in silicon valley and still lay on the back and enjoy the best view of the valley, and wait for retirement! Come on, man, wake up, every other school districts are making progress these years, you can't stay the same place to do nothing! Look at our neighbours, saratoga, los gatos, cupertino, everyone are keep going, why not you!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree completely..my son is not a trouble maker, however he is failing in 2 subjects and i have not been informed about this issue from anyone from the school. He tells me all the normal reasons a Jr. would use. Its the teachers fault, no homework, no help, its too hard and tacher is out sick..I email teacher and no reply..he didnt put effort in Star Testing because it didnt matter. Tomorrow hes not going to school because he has no class for star testing and the school doesnt take roll call in star testing. what?
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers do take an active interest in the students and make the effort to encourage them to do better. Teachers are approachable, capable and willing to put in extra time before and after classes to help students.
—Submitted by a parent

the marching band/concert band has the most awesomeist kids out there. they deserve the best.
—Submitted by a parent

For a single mom without bandwidth to stay on top of every assignment, I am disappointed by the lack of outreach by the school. I was never once contacted by a teacher or counselor to discuss any issues, it has been do-it yourself. You must rely on checking the computer and initiating any meetings on your own. I feel if a child is failing, I should receive a call. In fact, my son is not graduating with his class in June, and if my son had not told me this, I would never have known. Westmont seems to be a good school if you have a student who loves school, but my son fell below the radar because he was not a trouble maker, just a student who seems to have trouble with school.
—Submitted by a parent

very good school with many programs and opportunities. i was able to reach my full potential at this school.
—Submitted by a student

Westmont is an above average school. It has a very involved student body. Academically, it has done better than most of the other public schools in its area. In fact, this is a school really on the rise, and I would highly recommend this school
—Submitted by a parent

Westmont High is a great school for kids who do not struggle academically. If your child is the shy and quiet type and desperately needs help with their studies don't count on getting it from any teacher or educator at this school. On the other hand, I have an academic child who does very well at this school. So, if your child can do well as part of the main stream this is definitely a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

The college-prep courses and Advanced Placement courses are excellent. The teachers I had prepared me very well to attend a highly-selective college where I felt right at home.

Westmonth High School. After only three weeks, it seems the teachers are slow to give homework and tests. Think before you select Westmont. T.C.
—Submitted by a parent

I've always been impressed by the wide array of extracurricular activities supported by the Westmont faculty. Sports in particular gets lots of good attention, although their win record isn't great.
—Submitted by a former student

This school will definately allow your student to get help outside of school with various online homework aids. The schools schedule allows for students to either get extra help from teachers in the morning with 'Tutorial' period with is roughly a half hour or the students can collaborate with each other. The Drama department is the best I have seen in a while, with such involvment from the students that each production is always made popular. The teachers are all very qualified, even though a few teachers are not, that is a problem no matter where you go, but you cna rest assured with Westmont. It is one of the best high schools I have attended and wish I could still be there.
—Submitted by a student

Westmont is the best school in California!
—Submitted by Alex Ter Sargsyan, a student

Good school, just remodled the Science wing and the art wing. Now they are trying to slowly reconstruct each wing.
—Submitted by a student

Westmont is an above average school. It has a very involved student body. Academically, it has done better than most of the other public schools in its area.
—Submitted by a parent

My son transfered within the district to be able to attend Westmont, due to it's reputation. And we have not been disaapointed! Westmont is an awesome schhol. The principal is involved with the staff, teachers, parents and students. The teaching is excellent. There are numerous learning opportunities for the kids in and out of the classroom as well as sports and extra curricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Westmont High School is a fabulous school. It is a very diverse school culturally and econically, allowing students to get a real feel for the real world. The administration here does not attempt to mold students to fill a cetain pre-determined box, rather a supportive environment, rich with choices for every type of student forallowing them to explore choices for their future. From agricultural programs, a huge ESL Program, to over a dozen AP Corurses where many students are scoring a 5 on thier final AP exam, studetns can all find a home. Westmont sponsers dozens of teacher and parent supported sports and clubs of every kind. The PTSA is a very active support network that actually works here because the administration and faculty respect the volunteering parents. If you are looking for an honest school that reminds you of wht school used to look like in spirit, yet has the progressive education needs met, then this is Westmont.
—Submitted by Deborah Lang, a parent

Our son is a sophomore at Westmont this year (2003-2004). He has had great teachers for all classes for both years (including agriculture and band). They cared about him as a human being and encouraged him to do his best and to try new things (competitive dramatic presentations, for example, for English 1). Many teachers seem to be actively involved in activities as well. The down side for this school year is that the teachers in our district have been working without a contract for 2 years. Only two foreign languages are offered (Spanish & French) due to district budgets, but AP classes are offered for both languages. The school offeres AP classes in many subjects, and a new science building will open in Fall 2003. The Agriculture Dept. offers a wide variety of opportunities, including raising and showing animals and FFA participation, rare for an urban school. We are fortunate that we live in the residency area for this school.
—Submitted by a parent