Westgate Elementary School

The school as a whole gets the job done but has a lot of areas for improvement. The teachers are amazing and really want to do what is needed for each individual student but they do not have the help or the time or the support to do this. My daughter is in 1st grade and loves school so she does well and is learning what she needs to but she has 2 friends with significant barriers to learning and need the extra attention but the teachers don't have the support in the classroom to be able to take the time to do this so they get left behind. The teachers have also been dealt a poor hand because the kids are only given 1 recess. No 6 yr old can be expected to focus when they have to be in a classroom for 6 hours out of the day. Kids need the opportunity to go out and release some of the built up energy so they can focus. It is also difficult to volunteer in the classroom. I have been trying for 2 months to volunteer so my daughter's teacher can have a little help but she is so overwhelmed that she has not been able to coordinate parent helpers. If your child has support at home & enjoys school Westgate is a good school because the teachers really care, if not I would not recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked at Westgate for over 10 years now and my son went to Westgate from 1st grade through 6th. I feel that all of the adults who work there have the best interest of the students in mind. With the previous principal necessary changes came slowly since not all teachers take kindly to change. With the new principal the necessary changes have been implemented and many of the teachers have been working hard to make sure that the students have the necessary knowledge to prepare them for their continuing education. The playground is actually a Jeffco Park and looks out over a beautiful piece of greenbelt. There are no ugly chainlink fences. Overall Westgate is a very hardworking, loving and beautiful school.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have been in Westgate since 2006, and it's so sad to see how a principal changed the charismatic of this school... I'm leaving the school because for me it's so important that my children feel like it is their second home and for the parents to feel welcome at all times.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal has changed to many things, (no 6th grade continuation, no halloween parade, no thanksgiving luncheon with kidnergarten and parents, no 6th grade performance. Academics is great but the students need a little zest and the parents need to feel welcomed at the school. If we wanted it to be no fun just academics we would send our kids to Bear Creek K-8.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has had a great experience in Kindergarten and the level of homework is appropriate. The teacher communicates well and even responds to my emails. I also appreciate the SAE program which is affordable, flexible and has a balance of activities and school cirriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

** Good Teachers- ** Academics seem to be behind where they should be. ** Very pleasant learning environment. I have 2 kids- K & 2nd . The teachers are great. Teachers build to each child's needs. All day kindergarten program is fabulous. School is on a late start & late let out has its positives since my kids like enough morning time. For as large a school as it is they need more playground equipment. The kids need more homework. and more parent involvement much more on a daily basis. More parent help in the class. Class sizes 22-24 per teacher. The only problem I see is many teachers have 4 different reading levels of kids in 1 class and it can be difficult to get to all kids. I give it a 8 out of 10!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Westgate, and for the most part I really like the school. I have had two great teachers, and one not so good. For disruptive students they have what is called a refocus desk where the child sits down and fills out a paper about how they need to behave. It seems to work well. I am slightly disappoinr=ted that there are not many after school activities or clubs. They also don't have a science fair. It could be because there is not enough parent involvement to make those things possible. When compared to another Jefferson County school (Ute Meadows) it is significantly lacking in areas such as playground equipment even after Westgate updated it last spring 2009. Only 2nd, 4th, and 6th graders get to participate in a play, as opposed to each grade getting a chance. All in all it isn't so bad.
—Submitted by a parent

my children going to Westgate for 4 years and now open enroll them. I love the staff. They are very helpful to me and my family.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family moved to the area from Germany where my first grader had been attending DOD schools. He finished the 3rd and 4th quarters at Westgate and returned for the first half of 2nd grade. The faculty and administration at Westgate are competent and dedicated. Unfortunately, the overall curriculum for these crucial years left much to be desired. In the areas of second grade english and math coursework was comparable to what one might expect at a first grade level. Unfortunately, a measurable portion of the student body demographic at westgate is derived from pupils who are not as fortunate to have involved, caring parents - This has a tendency to increase the number of students who may have behavioral difficulties that interfere with a positive learning enviornment.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! I have 2 children there, and they have continued to keep them challenged. Also, the fact that the principal is always a presence in the halls and lunchroom make him an approachable and trusted person by the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I want to say nothing but good stuff about the school. My son had a problum with reading and he was in 4th grade reading at a 2nd grade level. I was so very worried about him but with the help of the entire school Mr Linton and Teachers togather they have in one year brought him up to level. My kids have a very safe and home feeling there. They teach the kids respect that most kids and schools do not have anymore. I will be sending my kids there tell they are to old to go there because the school is great for teaching and working with kids. All the teachers care and spend alot of time showing it with each kid that comes into there lives Thank you Westgate!
—Submitted by Jeannie Patterson, a parent

I am currently reviewing schools to send my child to in 2006/2007. I have found that Westgate seems to have an excellent before and after school care to meet the working parents schedule plus excellent availablity for child care during school vacations and breaks. kudos to Westgate for provding that option.
—Submitted by a parent