Westside Innovative School House

I have 2 kids who attend and it is our 2nd year at Wish. Wish is just about everything we dreamed for our children's school. Music twice a week, art, PE, gardens, recycling, composting, healthy hot lunches, community circle, library, service learning, after school enrichment classes, community education speakers for parents, hand on learning, technology , small class size, and most important awesome and loving teachers. A school really is about the teachers, staff and principal. Wonderful people is what makes a school more then a building. We've had experience with four amazing and top notch teachers so far. My children talk about their teachers like they are a part of our family. I am so happy that social skills is part of their learning along with science, writers workshop, constructivist math and reading, dance, etc. We have the best Principal ever. She is great with the children and always there for them walking around the playground at recess. My child was having a hard time coming to school at first. Our principal took the time to greet him in the morning and help walk him to class. As a parent I couldn't ask for a better example of a dedicated and caring school leader.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is having an great year at WISH. She is fortunate enough to have Ms. Sitrick, one of the best teachers I have ever seen. It is amazing all they do in a week- music, art, computer, PE, dance, science, Community Circle, library. And her reading, writing and math skills have sky-rocketed, as well. It's incredible to see how a child can blossom when they are in such a wonderful, nurturing environment!
--Submitted by a parent

I love WISH! It has grown so much from last year. There are so many programs to be involved in: Green Team, Community Circle, Steering Committee, and Events! I appreciate the hard work teachers put into making sure my child learns everyday! I can't say how many times my child has already come home saying she loves her teacher, Ms.Gaither! Parents please show your appreciation any way you can! Keep up the good work WISH and I will be behind you all the way!
--Submitted by a parent

My child is looking forward to going back to WISH this year. She had an amazing school year last year. During vacation and breaks she was eager to go back to school! Mind you my daughter is not a high achiever, academic child. She wanted to go back to school because she feels safe there, she has friends that are dear to her. She feels loved and heard and she loved her teacher and classmates. I want my daughter to be successful but her emotional well being is just as important to me as her academic achievements. I feel that WISH addresses all of those areas for my child. Of course as other people have mentioned every school is not for everyone. Parents have to find the right fit for their child. WISH is the right fit for our family. Thank you WISH community!
--Submitted by a parent

It goes without saying that parents have to find a school that fits their children. Some people are stating that WISH has financial problems. With all due respect *no duh*. Even big governments have big financial problems right now. All that aside, i will say WISH is a great school, with a very approachable principal and office staff. I came from a school where the principal was not approachable and try having a problem or find a solution in that environment! I digress...the parents and their time and efforts make a school succeed. I know of parents who work during their lunch hour to volunteer, you have to be willing to put in to the school that your child goes to in order to have it be a success. I may sound rude, but if you want to have everything handed to you without putting in the work stay away from WISH. The parents who work hard don't want to hear someone complaining about the school when they are not willing to do their share. I think WISH is an AWESOME school, and no my child is not in kindergarten!
--Submitted by a parent

My son attends WISH and my husband and I have been greatly impressed with the school and the entire WISH community. This is a great little school, it's hard to believe it's only been going for one year. We were at a regular district school before WISH and the difference is like night and day. My son went from being bored in class and being really disinterested in school to loving it. He is challenged on a daily basis and is 100% engaged in all the class projects and other activities. We feel very fortunate to be a part of the WISH community.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child had a great year last year, and we can't wait for the new school year! Every school isn't for every child, but WISH fits our child and our family. It makes me sad to see WISH slammed so hard; we love our school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended WISH as a Kindergarten student, and as a 16-year veteran of education, I DO know what to expect from a school. There is a reason my daughter attends WISH. I know what else is out there. I am continually amazed at what WISH and it's faculty have to offer. The teachers there chose to participate in UNPAID professional development this summer to strengthen their skills. The curriculum at WISH teaches includes emotional and creative development, as well as traditional academic skills. The parent community is enthusiastic and motivated, as well as inclusive and inviting. Shawna Draxton is AMAZING in her vision for WISH, and I have never seen such a hardworking and open principal. EVER. Discipline is positive and nonpunitive...you won't see a child benched at recess.
--Submitted by a parent

WISH is not a good school. We wanted to love this school and put a lot of time and energy over the past year trying to help it reach it's potential. However, sadly, it has so many negatives to overcome that we will not be returning for another year. It does not offer differentiated instruction, unless you are a special needs student with an IEP. Most of the teachers and spec ed teachers are nice, but very inexperienced working with this type of full inclusion setting (ie special needs students, some very severe, in a full-day general ed classroom with very little resources). The facility was dirty. Safety was an issue. The project-based learning is not always correlated with age-appropriate cirriculum. Parents have a lot of influence over administration, so there is a lot of emotion involved in the decision making. Money is tight and to be in compliance a lot must go towards funding IEPs. Parents whisper their concerns, but afraid to be too vocal against the cheerleading crowd. It's a 3-wheeled bus with a lot of parents pushing from behind. Whether or not the wheels come off this bus remains to be seen. We won't be around to find out.
--Submitted by a parent

Disappointment is too nice of a word for this place that calls itself a school. Do not buy what they are selling. None of it is true. Most of the parents have first time Kindergartener s and do not know what to expect of a school. When this school closes (because of lack of funds) or they are shut down for any number of violations. (Including health) these poor kids are not going to be prepared for the real world that will present itself to them. Run away .don t walk!
--Submitted by a parent