Westridge School for Girls

I cannot imagine a more caring environment with a better world view. This is not heads down, old school learning, but multi-dimensional, discussion-based, experiential discovery that empowers girls to be curious, analytical, adventurous, driven leaders. The support from administration trickles down to the girls who appreciate differences and unique strengths among their peers. We are so thankful to be part of this inspiring environment.
—Submitted by a parent

In many ways you get your money's worth...small class sizes, excellent facilities, nutritional lunches, excellent science, math, music and art programs, and great teachers. However, we were very disappointed with the faculty and staff's expectation that Westridge parents are too busy with their careers and/or pursuing their expensive lifestyles to be involved intimately with their child's schooling. There is a "drop off" culture at this school. They expect parents not to be involved as they impose a morality and world view (in sex education, politics, spirituality, etc.) on the girls without parent involvement. Many parents felt that were treated as if they were intruders. There is also poor support and a lack of a system in place to deal with the inevitable gossip, bullying, and cliques that occur at an all girls school. Having the girls meet with the school's very impersonal psychologists, who seem to have an agenda to protect the school's reputation and staff relationships, is not an effective system. Don't be deceived by this school's rating on this site. Unfortunately these things are not visible on the perfectly planned tours and visits.
—Submitted by a parent

This site needs to let the community disappear an abusive or inaccurate review. Specifically like the one from June 30th. Obviously somebody is grinding an axe, and that is too bad. We have had an absolutely amazing experience at Westridge. Our daughter has been there from 4-6G, and has blossomed so much as a student and a person. The teachers and administration care deeply and it shows in everything they do. We would never dream of leaving.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been really happy with the education our daughter has received at Westridge. The tuition tops out at 30K, not 50K as the last "parent" commented. Yes it is pricy, but in line with all the top area schools -- Prep, Poly, Harvard-Westlake. Great teachers, beautiful campus and a great school culture. We couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

Worst school ever.... should never attend Why should you spend $50,000 attending this school?? Should reconsider if you are planning on attending this school
—Submitted by a parent

Westridge offers a rigorous academic setting where girls really find their voice. All types of girls will find a place at Westridge, and the school encourages them to ask questions, challenge themselves, and truly become the best that they can be. It is a very supportive community, and the curriculum is very progressive and innovative. Our daughter has thrived here! The parent community and the parent association are very welcoming.
—Submitted by a teacher

One of the follies of current educational institutions is that mastering content is more highly regarded than analytical thinking. At Westridge, the foremost pursuit is to teach its students how to think as conscious and critical citizens, and it does supremely well by its charge. As eyes and consciousnesses are opened, Westridge girls not only learn about necessary content, but surpass this standard level of knowledge by way of their learned and nurtured curiosity. This school develops the whole person and, by way of this, helps teach its girls how they can be of most use to society. In fact, there is an expectation for all girls to ask themselves, "How can I use the knowledge Westridge has given me to better the world?" I am driven by the analytical thinking, ethical concern and social engagement Westridge instilled in me. I am confident that I was named a Rhodes Scholar because of my time at Westridge and for that I am eternally grateful. This school is, in every way, a superior institution. I consider myself lucky to have been raised within its gates and would endorse it to anyone without any hesitation.

Leaving this school was honestly one of the best decisions I have made in my lifetime. While I was a straight A student and asked to stay by the teachers and administrators, I chose to leave because socially this school is a divided mess. In a school were the predominant philosophy is essentially "Independence leads to happiness," there is no community nor sense of kindness, but rather a catty, broken group of students who are at each others throats. While the image of the school promotes academics and elite education, the sad truth is that these girls are taught to be selfish and do whatever they can to get ahead. They are not taught integrity, kindness, or a sense of chivalry, something I personally found frightening. Furthermore, while a liberal political view is taught and accepted by almost all of the students, as they are taught from this viewpoint from a young age, a conservative view is constantly looked down upon. When you have middleschoolers writing papers on "Why everyone deserves healthcare," and liberal propaganda being fed to you hand in mouth, with no opposition, a politically skewed opinion is easily harvested. The school is socially and politically a biased mess.

My two daughters attend and I am consistently impressed with the administration and faculty. They provide a caring atmosphere with a varied curriculum that challenges my daughters' developing intellect. My children have gained confidence while learning to be articulate and thoughtful. I have witnessed that a Westridge alumae is thoughtful, confident and ready to embrace all that her world may offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter at Westridge School who is now in her fifth year having started in the fourth grade. We selected the school based on their academic and performance arts strengths. What I discovered once we started were their other unique strengths - technology and the education of the whole child. The first pleasant surprise was the uncompromising commitment of the school to technology. The girls are fortunate to be exposed to smart boards in every classroom and other cutting edge technology preparing them well for the future. Alongside their academic classes, the girls meet on a regular basis to discuss social issues and personal development. There exists character education on this campus within a quiet but vibrant culture of excellence. In the fall, the school will open a new, Leed-certified green science building which we are very excited about!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two students currently attending Westridge. We are very pleased with the curriculum, faculty and beautiful campus. We have noticed how our girls have blossomed into confident, articulate and well rounded individuals. I would highly recommend Westridge for any prospective parents and their families.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a recent graduate from westridge and I disagree with many of the ratings. I feel as though the teacher quality is low, especially considering the absurd cost of the school. Teachers tend to attach to their highest performers, the ones that will bring in the most awards and accolades that westridge can then flaunt. So if you are an average or struggling student then be prepared to be pigeon holed and forgotten. Westridge seems to hire very intelligent and capable teachers who aren't necessarily good teachers or motivating instructors.

A great school that builds academic confidence, secure caring individuals, and healthy minds.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student at Westridge School and I am hispanic. I would liek to say to all of those people who say that Westridge is not diverse, you are nto right. I know, I go to achool there evry day. There is a large mixture of races, but obdviosly the majority is white, but that should come as no suprise. And Westridge does not have a women take over the world approach. I do not feel that way at all. What Westridge girl has ever harmed somebody? None. We are taught to empower ourselves and that is fine. Westridge is an amazing place that allows you grow as both a student and person. If you can afford it, go!
—Submitted by a student

We have found it to be an excellent school. Our daughters love that their teachers engage them in interesting classroom discussions that have helped them understand complex topics. As for homework, it's manageable and not busy work. Also, when we occasionally hear of teachers that are not effective it seems within a year they are no longer at Westridge. As for the co curricular programs, the drama program is outstanding - more like a college program with terrific teachers and technical staff that use a new performing arts center. The music program seems as strong, particularly the vocal music program. The sports program has started to improve with much better coaching in place from elementary to high school and a new athletic complex. As a result, high school teams play in front of large enthusiastic crowds, seem to be competitive in every sport, and win 2-3 league championships per year.
—Submitted by a parent

good private girls school
—Submitted by a parent

My sister and I are former students of this school. I can not say enough good things about the school, faculty and the campus. The principal knows the entire student body which lends itself to a warm, neighborhood feel. The campus has high quality facilities for art, sports and drama. The curriculum is very diverse, allowing students a well rounded education with the ability to focus on areas of expertise as they get older. The faculty is wonderful. Recognizing each student as an individual and learning their strengths and weaknesses. The only downside is that this kind of excellence comes with a heafty price tag. While I have gone on to become a successful professional, I probably will not be able to afford to send my children to this school. But if you can afford to do so, you will not regret one penny spent.
—Submitted by Angela Avogaro, a former student

Great school. I love that the faculty and administration is genuinely concerned about your education. They will deter you from taking too many AP or honors courses if they foresee too high a stress load, yet they push you and challenge you every day. It has an incredible music and art program. The school is fairly liberal and realistic about parent participation. There's none of that silly pressure for women to attend PTA meetings or volunteer for bake sales. Westridge realizes that parents work, and the school instead focuses on student participation.
—Submitted by a student

quality of academic programs-in 2002-2003-poor, but now in 2006, slowly making progress to hopeful excellence -great availability of extracurriculars -parent involvement-almost too much
—Submitted by a student

I find Westridge a wonderful school academically. I have attending Westridge for 1.5 years. The school has a bad reputation socialy.
—Submitted by a student