Westside Neighborhood School

WNS is hand-down the perfect school for us. It's balance of warmth and consistent, positive structure with excellent academics creates an unusaully emvbracing, diverse community. The students truly seem to learn how to care about others and are encouraged to express their unique talents, while mastering the fundamentals. The Director of Performing Arts Department just earned her Ph.D., and the students gave her a spontaneous standing ovation. It was great to see. Also, every morning starts with a school-wide morning assembly, ending in a quiet moment of reflection, really bringing everyone together, DK-8th graders, as they start their day. The Head of School utilizes the latest research on learning and development to inform the curriculum and WNS community.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the mother of an extremely successful 9th grade student at Vistamar School. When he left our very good, small, elementary school he was not so successful. I am convinced that the vault in his learning ability is directly due to the wonderful education he received at WNS. Those 3 solid years created a true student/scholar in my son. I am extremely thankful to Brad Zacuto, the Faculty and Staff at Westside Neighborhood School.
--Submitted by a parent

we love the relationship between the middle school kids and the younger kids. Great relationships! Along with our 2 kids, there are not enough words to describe how happy and grateful we feel to be a part of such an amazing extended family. The Head of School, Brad Zacuto, the entire Faculty and Staff, the Parent Group Board, the Board of Trustees, it's clear that everyone works so hard to keep the community growing. Our children are so happy! Thank you WNS!
--Submitted by a parent

My son recently started in DK and I can not say enough wonderful things about this school. EVERYONE is amazing from the head of the school, to the teachers, to the staff. It truly is a unique community without any pretense. We would highly recommend WNS and feel so fortunate that we found this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The new head of school is amazing. He has made really positive and wounderfull changes that make our child's education a wounderfull experience. He has only been the head for 1 year, but the changes have been swift and positive. He has now 2 teachers per classroom. The new teachers are great. They now have a bus for field trips and sports program. A new updated theater, music, and spanish program. Very pleased ....
--Submitted by a parent

I just read the adorable review from a current 8th grader just below my review. I think he/she sounds just like me at their age! The principal is a powerhouse! The school is truly a gem. The kids are the proof. I looked at all of the Westside privates and the Publics (we're in Coeur d'alene district) and I was struck by how balanced and 'normal' this school is. Great art program, sciences, sports. And the new principal listens and cares. He's real hands on. We've been going for two years, the first year we slogged through with an uninspiring principal and now with the new guy and it's brilliant. I wish there were trees on the back property but.. hey, can't have everything. WNS is a must tour when you start looking at schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel like WNS is a...nice school. I like my teachers (well, most of them) and I feel like I'm in a safe community that cares about us as people, not just as students. But, I think they care a little too much. It seems like they're trying to control our lives outside of school. But I'm guessing parents like the fact that middle schoolers aren't allowed to have any social network stuff like facebook. As a current 8th grader, I would have to say that I'll be sad to leave my class, but glad to leave some of the policies behind. But i have to admit, the staff prepared my class for high school very well and supported us through the whole process. But it really depends on the kid. If you have a goody--good kid, send them to WNS. If you have a troublemaker...not so good.
--Submitted by a student

The new head of school is exactly what WNS needed. He has made significant enhancements to the academic program, facilities, and faculty. Parents, students, and faculty are thrilled with the changes. Tuition is also a bargain compared to other private schools. WNS is the best kept secret on the Westside.

We've been at WNS 4 years, and we love it! Although WNS may not be as well known as some westside schools, I believe they are delivering an equally excellent education to my children (grades K and 3). Small class sizes, dedicated co-teachers per class, and a differentiated curriculum make for a great academic program. WNS graduates go to some of the best high schools in LA. This school offers more than just academic excellence though. The value of diversity is obvious to anyone who visits WNS. When you visit, you will see for yourself how polite and self-confident the kids are, and you feel the spirit of community that pervades the school. The new head of school is terrific. He's already implemented new programs that have energized and excited the whole school. Can't wait to see how WNS continues to evolve, and I can't imagine sending my kids anywhere else!
--Submitted by a parent

WNS is simply amazing, it's our 4th year and has been a great fit for us, gave us everything we were looking for. It's a unique blend of excellence, warmth and diversity. The campus is casual and friendly, the walls are filled with art projects. The teachers are excellent, committed and responsive, lots of individual attention, they really know your child. It has a very inclusive social environment and very welcoming to parents. Parent involvement is high since most are thankful their kids attend the school. We are thrilled, our daughter is happy, well educated, emotionally and physically safe, we definitely made the right choice.
--Submitted by a parent