Westlake High School

We are out of district transfers and have had positive experiences across the board. My son is a sophomore and absolutely loves his new school and the student population. The teachers, office staff, district staff and programs are so much better at Westlake High School/ Conejo Valley. My son is in regular college prep classes, but they are challenging and the teachers are professional and organized. The campus is gorgeous! I'm so happy we were able to transfer to WHS. I simply had no idea just how much we were missing out on while at Cam High. I cannot make a single negative comment.
—Submitted by a parent

Westlake High School needs to remember that children and students are more than a number. They are so concerned with getting the highest scores that if you don't fall in that top 1% either academically or in sports, you simply don't matter. Thousand Oaks High and Newbury Park High are much better choices in the Conejo Valley.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a senior at WHS. This schools is run by the best set of administrators and teaching staff that is available. The balance of high academic demand by the teaching staff translates into high academic achievement. The counseling staff is second to none. Did it ever dawn on the complainer that Nicole Judd's boss is Ron Lipari. Her performance is in part a recognition of how well she has been trained by Mr. Lipari. For parents who complain, I suggest they become involved with the school as a volunteer.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm giving a three star at the moment only due to the vice principal Nicole Judd providing assistance to the parents. You see the principal Mr. Lipari was more than thirty minutes late attending a parent meeting to push their school. When he finally arrived he did not apologize but instead started his comedy routine which was unentertaining. Parents attended this meeting to receive information and it appears Mr. Lipari's time is more valuable to him than the parents. On the otherhand, Ms. Judd recognized the parents frustrations and provided the details desperately needed. When my student finishes the first year I'll return and reevaluate my rating. At the moment I'm concerned with the disrecpect the parents received from the principal. Hopefully he will realize he is a principal and should do his job with respect instead of attempting a comedy routine.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, beautiful campus, great teachers and front office. We chose this area when we were transferred to L.A. and could not have made a better decision.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child has a 504, this school won't honor it. Try to use a Kindle or iPad on campus, the gear will be confiscated and the student trying to use it punished. Which is cheaper, a $0.99 classic e-book for literature class or a $25 paper copy? The culture is one of privilege and power wins, everyone else too bad. Some of the extra curricular booster clubs have created a two-tier educational system those that have play, those who don't have, may not play. Classism is a major issue and it's swept under the rug officially. It's unfortunate to have a school with such potential wasted.
—Submitted by a parent

This school might seem good to most people, but I think it should be a part of the LVUSD and have different things going on there.

I have had 4 children graduate from Westlake HIgh School. There are tremendous opportunities for everyone at this great school. The teachers are excellent and the parental participation is exceptional. Also, the area where the school is located is great.
—Submitted by a parent

My children were in a local private school which was very expensive and we left because of bullying. Thank goodness we left!!! My children found the work at WHS to be more challenging, the breadth of activities wider, the music program outstanding, the sports program enriching.....can't say enough. We had the most amazing counselor who guided my children into the most amazing universities. WHS is not without its pitfalls but they far surpass what we were getting at Oaks. We are only sorry we wasted all the private school tuition!!!
—Submitted by a parent

'All four of my children attended WHS. The teachers are average. The parking is difficult at best. Unless your child is honors, he/she can fall through the cracks. Sports are all-important here.' Quoted for truth. Only honors kids don't really get any special treatment either. Sports sports sports!
—Submitted by a student

My son has been at Catholic schools since he was in first grade. So the idea of sending him to a public high school was a difficult one. We were prepared to continue his high school in the Catholic school system but my husband and I, being public school kids ourselves, felt like we needed to see what Westlake had to offer. After much research and consideration, we decided to save 4 years of tuition for college and send him to Westlake. I can't tell you what a great experience it's been. Everything review you read is true. You are welcome in the school office with a smile and a willingness to help. Every time I've volunteered at the school, I've seen Principal Lipari interacting with staff, students and parents. The vice principals are also great, great people - very approachable. Just not enough good things to say. We love it!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an awesome school with a lot of teacher/parent partnership and involvement. The teachers give a lot of extra time to insure no one is left behind. The Principal attends many after school activities and is highly visible. My son graduates this next year and I am going to be sad to say goodbye. They have prepared him to attend the best colleges including Stanford, Berkeley, UCLA, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a great place to send your kids. The students find a safe friendly school where the excel. Go WHS!
—Submitted by a parent

All four of my children attended WHS. The teachers are average. The parking is difficult at best. Unless your child is honors, he/she can fall through the cracks. Sports are all-important here.
—Submitted by a parent

All 3 of my children were students at Westlake High. I saw many times the Principal was collecting some trash. The counselors were great over there. Some teachers were really care about writing recommendations for students. They asked for essays, talked and guided my children to the best university after Westlake High. Please pay more attention to the number of students go to great 4 yr universities each year. That shows you how wonderful this school is. Westlake also is one of 400+ Silver Medal Schools (US News & World Report) in the US. It means that Westalke is top 3% of high schools in the nation.
—Submitted by a parent

Westlake is awesome - it's a really good school academically (excepting some of the math teachers) and has great music, arts, and sports programs. The teachers are great and you definately learn LOADS. One of best programs is the advanced anatomy program, known nation-wide. It's pretty cool.
—Submitted by a student

This school is amazing! The teachers are great and most of the students are too! The counslers are wonderful and staff is exceptional, always wanting to help in anyway that they can! The school spirt rocks! GO WARRIORS!
—Submitted by a student

Great AP/honors program...The AP history department is exceptional, the teachers actually like the subject (it shows and is illustrated by the scores). The school has one of only 2 Advanced anatomy programs--countrywide. standardized test scores soar above the surrounding schools.
—Submitted by a student

Westlake High is exceptional if your child is capable of being in the Honors and AP classes. These classes tend to be more organized and have the better teachers. The college prep track leaves a lot to be desired. Many of the teachers do not even respond to your e-mail if you have a question or concern. The school however, offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and the counselors are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

I question the abilities of some of the teachers. I think the parents should be kept more up to date of their children's grades. Campus is beautiful and extremely clean. Administration is good, and at times very helpful. Overall with a limited amount of choices in this area, I would give the school an 80% out of 100.
—Submitted by a parent