Westerly Creek Elementary School

The teachers here are fantastic. They are young, full of energy and creativity. The only downside is class size and short recesses. I think the principal is even handed and cares about all of the students. Some parents are very involved, and some less so. If there is anything the school could improve on it would be getting more parents involved in fundraising and/or volunteering in the classroom. Overall about as good as one could hope for in a large urban school system.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent at the school for the past 2 years, I have seen my kids grow and thrive each year there. They have both attended other schools and I love that they come home and say "school was great." No drama, no issues, no bully problems. Simple, easy, fun and engaging. The staff is awesome and consistent. The leadership is great & receptive - sets a high standard and also consistent. The school is the most diverse in the neighborhood - in terms of socio-economic, family structure, ethnic and developmental needs - a great thing. The Autism program is an asset for all the kids with everyone in the school seeing it as an integrated part of the school. My child needed a special needs plan and the leadership, teachers and staff worked hard to ensure she would do well in the school environment. It was better than I expected. There is a place for everyone and all learning styles at Westerly Creek.
—Submitted by a parent

Westerly creek provides an excellent education and sense of community to my family. The teachers are passionate and the administration is supportive and advocates for the best!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been in WCE for 6 years. Every one of their teachers has been wonderful. The parent community is very involved, leading to a family atmosphere. My kids are already saying they will be sad to leave when they move onto middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

I wonder about the ONE individual (mentioned earlier) and wonder how this person can be treated with more consideration, the lack of which seems to be the source of the poor review. With the addition of an Asst Principal in 2010, the focus on student needs has improved. This Asst principal sees the big picture and is a great leader. Beginning fall 2012 there will be a 2nd Asst Principal added. That's one more to help with operations and give parents the attention they deserve, no matter if you're on the PTA board or able to contribute to fundraising efforts. I agree with the perception that attention is not given equally, but I can't say what motivations it. If you feel you aren't being heard, don't give up. There are 3 administrators to contact now, if one doesn't satisfy, contact the next. My 4 stars are based on my positive experience with the asst principal, differentiation in the classroom, specials classes that my children look forward to (Art, PE, and Library), character education and acknowledgement (CREEK Kids), technology in the classroom, and exposure to students with autism contributes to their expanding compassion and understanding of students with special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers, strong leadership and great academic programs. We are very lucky to have this school in Stapleton!
—Submitted by a parent

Overall this is a great school. The only reason I gave it such a low score is because of the leadership. This would be a five star school if it had a principal that actually cared about the students. Most of the teachers and support staff are great. I have seen the school lose good teachers and families because she is too difficult to deal with. Of course, you will hear the other side of it too. That is because it is coming from the parents that she caters to. She is unprofessional and insincere, I would not go as far as to call her a racist, but I have definitely seen a change in her attitude when dealing with minorities.
—Submitted by a parent

Westerly Creek Elementary is a superior neighborhood school. The teachers and staff are caring, supportive and professional. My children are thriving in this wonderful educational environment and they look forward to school every day!
—Submitted by a parent

There is only one person on here giving the school a one star rating. Doesn't that make you wonder about that ONE individual?
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have attended Westerly Creek since the first year it was open. Our experience couldn't be more positive. Caring teachers, involved parents and a wonderful principle.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a community within a community. The teachers and the administration know all of the kids and go out of their way to make each child feel successful.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had an excellent experience at Westerly Creek. My three children have had excellent teachers, and wonderful academics. The Principal and her staff are very professional, kind, and caring. I cannot say enough good things about Westerly Creek. We will be sad to leave when my kids finish fifth grade. My children love to go to school. It really is wonderful and always one of the top ten schools in DPS.
—Submitted by a parent

I love going to work each day. The support and kindness from not only the staff but the families as well makes Westerly Creek an environment conducive to learning. This staff is focused on building a compassionate community of learners which in turn promotes academic success.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have been a Westerly Creek family for 4 years and will have children in the school for another 8 years. We have found WCE to be a welcoming, caring, attentive, and demanding learning environment for our children. We have been nothing but thrilled with all the top notch teachers, administrators, and support staff. WCE addresses the needs of EVERY student in the building and makes it their priority to monitor the growth both academically and socially of every child. The review that said the principal plays favorites and the school only addresses the needs of a small percentage of students could not be further from the truth! We have found the administration to be fair, honest, and professional at all times. We have both a gifted child as well as an "average" child, and both of our children have received an education that is differentiated to their unique abilities. We are proud Westerly Creek Wolves!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have had the opportunity to grow and thrive during our six years at Westerly Creek . The teachers are tuned in to their individual needs and many give 110% in their efforts to go above and beyond the typical classroom experience. The principal and vice principal have exceeded my expectations time and again. They are extremely hands-on, and amazingly receptive of and welcoming to parent feedback. We have been so very impressed with how vested the administration and staff are in our children's individual successes.
—Submitted by a parent

Through our extensive travels, we understand that a great school starts from the top -the principal. Unfortunately, WCE has leadership that is threatening to the staff, students, and families. Phone and emails are unanswered and only the financially equipped families are acknowledged.
—Submitted by a parent

Westerly Creek is a wonderful neighborhood school. My two children have attended since ECE and are now in 3rd and 4th grade. When you come to school each day you get a feeling of a real community where most of the kids, other parents, teachers and the principal know you and your children. The teachers are all wonderful and my children are receiving a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

Westerly Creek Elementary is giving my girls a private school education at a public school price. WCE is in the heart of Stapleton and has a phenomenal principle, assistant principle, superb, engaged teachers as well as a dedicated staff. We have been overwhelmed by how much our children have learned and are excelling scholastically. The school setting is smaller and intimate and focuses soley on the Elementary age levels. My kids have flourished in this environment. If you can't tell, we love Westerly Creek!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school, administration, teachers and community! We are very pleaded with the education our children are receiving there.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been proud to be a WCE family for the past three years. My daughter's talented and committed teachers have not only encouraged her to flourish academically, but also socially and emotionally. Westerly believes in educating the whole child and every child, from the truly gifted to the most impacted. Walking into Westerly is like walking into the neighborhood school you've always envisioned for your children. There's strong parent involvement and exceptional leadership from both the principal and assistant principal. The administrators always put children first and are true instructional leaders. They have a clear vision and mission for the school and hire and retain the most effective teachers in the district. We love being part of the WCE family!
—Submitted by a parent