West High School

Definately one of the best high school's in Torrance. Well-rounded school with great academics, athletics, and nicely-kept campus. Staff are helpful and most teachers are very enthusiastic and willing to help. Daughter and son both go here, and have joined many extracurricular activities and clubs.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from West High School in 2005 and my son is now a 10th grader. I believe that when you set the bar high most people will typically ascend to it. There are many resources at West to do well. If the parent and student are willing to work hard and utilize these resources your student will succeed. My daughter is doing well and in college to receive her BS in Nursing. My son is on the football team at West. He has Honors and AP classes and must work very hard and manage his time well to perform in the classroom and on the football field. I can attest to the fact that he has not received any special breaks or assistance because he is on the football team. We just work very hard.
--Submitted by a parent

Anyway, I was so angry I ran out of space to review the school. I just want teachers to receive the respect they deserve, especially since all I hear in college is 'You don't REALLY know the material unless you can TEACH it.' I was a student at WHS in 2005. I had my best years here. The curriculum was rigorous and prepares you for college. I chose to take many AP/Honors classes, because they were stimulating. WHS encourages learning and has after school tutoring too. There are many different extracurricular activities, so you're sure to find something you like. The administration was not the best, but the teachers are impeccable. Some stay in their class during lunch time and offer extra help. I am now attending my 4th year at UC San Diego as a pre-med, but I wouldn't have done well in college if I wasn't prepped well!
--Submitted by a student

Its the best school in Torrance!!Students who get into it are so lucky!! Although for most of them it would seem pretty simple since West Torrance is mainly for the upper class!! Any how this school is awsome but it can improve. I was a former student, and i got into Stanford, so it did do a good job!!
--Submitted by a student

West High School was a great high school; I graduated this year (2007) and now am at UCLA. West High has great extracurricular activities--from clubs to the drama, dance, music, and choral department--all supported by faculty who really care.
--Submitted by a student

There is an unreality that one sense at this school. It is as if the teachers and administrators are programed in how they address parents and how they address 'discipline' issues. The programed responses all deal with those who are good students. If you do not fit the profile, it seems that the options are always to transfer. Assistance, caring, motivation, if you are a jock or an upper half student you wil do fine. All others, you hear jargon, 'work harder' as the intervention strategy. This is not a school for all kids or parents for that matter.
--Submitted by a parent

Sure its great if your child is a natural learner. Meaning they dont have to worry about teachers who are apathetic, vengeful, and what other terms can I use without being censored? The school doesnt do anything to enhance the learning, the kids do it themselves and the parents who monitor their kids. My kids went to this school recently and they are not brilliant but neither are they behavior misfits. They are like many who take longer to learn but not at this school, keep up or you are screwed. They only cater to certain groups and be warned if you challenge the administration on anything, they create a phony defense and are already siding with their 'teachers', those who can do, those who cant 'teach'. pretty much says it all.
--Submitted by Thoroughly Disgusted, a parent

I personally loved my experience at West High School. Teachers were very accesible, and understanding. A very safe environment for children, and the extracurricular activities are growing.
--Submitted by a former student

A very good school. Quality academic programs.
--Submitted by a parent

What a difference the principal can make. The new administration is a big improvement over the last couple of regiemes. This principal makes a point of talking to the kids (and the parents). Rome wasn't built in a day but West High has made big improvements over the last year.
--Submitted by a parent