Willow Glen High School

Not ready to rate yet, my daughter is coming into WGHS as a junior coming from private school. I am actually impressed with the smaller feel of the school. She is recommended to take AP classes to stay challenged and that is something we did not have at our past school unless you were an A++ student. So I am looking for great things of my daughter. It is our neighborhood school and I feel good about it since I pay taxes on it! Willow Glen High School was one of the best High schools around in the 1970's they had metal shop, great athletics, home economic classes,sewing, they had a car fix it program where did these go?
--Submitted by a parent

I have to give this school some credit - for a public school in a mediocre district it's pretty good. I have problems with the public school system so I have lots of gripes BUT I'll start by saying that my kid likes this school; that is saying quite a lot. She's an honor student but not interested in the whole sports/govenment/spirit thing but still feels like she's part of a big family. I know some of the teachers and they are real humans who are very committed to the kids and the kids feel it. They work like dogs. The college and careers counseling is outstanding. The administration is approachable-you can work with them. Don't expect perfection but as these things go the school is not bad. Remember this is a big government institution - adjust your expectations accordingly.
--Submitted by a parent

In response to the person who posted on August 29, I would say that the Principal is actually extremely accessible and responsive to parent requests. I can imagine that she is overloaded with beginning-of-the-school-year requests, so I would counsel patience and persistence in contacting her. As for Auto and Metal Shop, those are available through CCOC (Central Country Occupational Center), and many WG students take advantage of those and other classes such as Veterinary Technology. They can even take a bus from the WGHS campus to and from CCOC. And I know for a fact that they work very hard to help students with learning problems. I'm sorry that you've had these experiences, but I would encourage you to try again. We have a Senior and a Freshman and have been thoroughly pleased with their experiences.
--Submitted by a parent

principal is hard to reach. electives there are none no auto shop or metel shop to teach student to work with there hands if child has learning problems they do npot look at IP.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a Senior and is vey happy at WGH. I would agree with some of the comments made by other parents about team spirit a strong point at WGH. I would also like to mention Mr. Gallegos. I have had the opportunity to speak with him on a couple of occassions, and I believe he is doing a great job. Lastly, communication between parents and teacher could be better. Sincerely, CH
--Submitted by a parent

I like this school for my teen. but feel that the communication between teacher & parent is poor. Its difficult to get in touch with the teachers. Not too crazy how the school deals with discipline. But may not be the schools fault...could be the district in itself, and their policies.Not in the best interest of the child. Overall, for 2 yrs I have been pretty pleased WG.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent School, need more good parent to support so rating can go up more higher then usual
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at WGHS for three years and have three more to go. The programs are outstanding, the feeling of family is strong and the administration is very focused on the kids. You can see the teachers becoming a stronger team every year. The kids are very devoted to this school and are being accepted at the whos who of colleges. What else can you ask for?
--Submitted by a parent

I think that this school has potential, but there are many improvments that can be made. Overall this school has very good teachers with certification above and beyond. Students have the capability of interacting with fellow students and having a 4.0 GPA if they try their best. There is also quite a bit of school spirit shown, which is outstanding. GO RAMS!
--Submitted by a student

Willow Glen High School tends to get a bad rep from people who don't go to the school and don't really understand the school at all. In actuality, it's a great school! My kids go here and when talking to parents from other schools, they usually end up jealous of the great programs offered at the school, the great teachers--and the most AP classes in the district, the parent involvement and the camaraderie the kids feel. Time and time again you hear kids say they feel like family at Willow Glen High School. Don't listen to the nay-sayers that don't know the school. Also, gang-presence is less here than at any other school. In 4 years, I've never heard of one gang fight at school. Kids feel safer at WGHS than when they visit any other school. This is the best!
--Submitted by a parent