Westridge Elementary School

I chose Westridge my daughter's kindergarten year-our neighborhood school was rapidly "going downhill." Westridge was "highly rated" in the district. What I didn't understand, is that the GT program is where all the high scores are coming from! The GT center boasts extraordinary resources (tech &other) that the "average kids" do not have access to. The previous principal quit long before leaving. The new principal is sweet, but has no concrete plan to increase the educational rigor. All resources and attention continue toward GT. Parent involvement is good, but again, it is GT parents! My daughter's education is suffering! She entered kindergarten reading at a 2nd grade level.... and left first grade saying things like, "I don't have to TRY mom! It doesn't matter." Now in the 2nd grade (barely testing at 3rd level), after I have expressed my concerns, she is challenged more by my supplements than she EVER is in the classroom. I volunteer weekly and see it firsthand. Several teachers are preparing to retire in the next couple/few years...and it shows. My son will enter kindergarten in the fall. Both children will begin at a new school...one with rigor for education... not apathy.
—Submitted by a parent

Westridge Elementary ,it's entire staff rock! Anyone who has a negative comment about Westridge has never been to a school that really has problems! Our principal does know the parents and the kids! We came from a school three years ago that had a really lousy principal and a staff more inclined to climbing the ladder than helping and looking out for its kids. Barb Biolets old fashioned, no nonsense approach to having the kids show respect and honor the rules in unmatched. She is the first to lend a hand in times of trouble and the last to take credit for it. The entire staff at Westridge really cares about each individual child. We have had to work with two seperate issues that required extra encouragement and I am proud to say we were never let down.You get back from your relationship to your school what you put in.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had children in the school for more than 5 years. A very small minority of mediocre teachers is handily offset by an otherwise outstanding staff and a caring, knowledgeable and professional principal. There is also a GT Center on site.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Westridge and I can not say enough good things about every aspect of the school. I have observed the principal in the school and she not only knows the parents, she knows the children. They conduct their staff as professionals and lead by example. The children are expected to do their best and with the GT program are given the opportunity to do so. PE, art and Music are exceptional programs and the kids love them.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to this school. The secretary have been a great helper. We are here since August, the principal never say HI to me or even a smile, I don't even know who's the principal or vice principal until three months later. Ok school, but if you are new, you have to work your way to find out all the info you needed. Needed a new leader!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at Westridge. I agree with the comments that a new principal is needed! As for the teachers, out of the 8 teachers we have had, several were fantastic teachers and two need to be replaced ASAP! Overall, this is an ok school.
—Submitted by a parent

I do not understand any negative comments about Westridge. My student transferred there in the middle of the school year after losing a parent, and had serious personal problems as a result of this loss. All of the staff, Principal and Teachers, were concerned and helpful in getting her over this period. She was ready when shemoved on to Middle School. A GREAT PLACE!! while keeping her on the learning track.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children attending Westridge. Our second oldest is in the GT program and doing very well. He is a year and a half ahead of the typical 6th grader. My oldest attended two Jeffco elementary schools and my second oldest attended three. Westridge is the best overall of the different schools. My youngest (3rd grade) has had three great teachers in a row and is very happy at Westridge. I find the 'leadership' references a little confusing--of course, none of the remarks are specific. I guess that parents base their experience on their child's experience alone. I have had three children (eight years difference between the youngest and the oldest) attend four different Jeffco schools and I believe that Westridge is the best of the four.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in their GT programme and I cannot reccommend it enough. Great teachers, wonderful learning environment, friendly office staff, a principle with the right balance between fun and education. A truly exceptional school for any child.
—Submitted by a parent

The principle is verry friendly and they are very serious about their learning there.

We have been very disappointed in this school, most notably the principal. I agree with the claim that there is no strong leadership -- in fact I would question there being ANY leadership here. We have opted in to another Jeffco school.
—Submitted by a parent

Westridge Elementary School located within the Jefferson County School District is an average school. It used to be a blue ribbon school, but now is lacking a quality principal to lead the school. If your child is the perfect student then it would be fine, but if you have a child in special ed, you will have problems. This will be the last year here for my son. I feel that the teachers take advantage of having tenure. This is a peyton place school. Although, my son had a great 3rd grade teacher, 4th grade has proved tramatic for him. No child should be crying in between classes.
—Submitted by a parent

They have a great preschool program, very involved teachers and lots of fun skill building activities. My son loves preschool and is now in his second year at Westridge preschool.
—Submitted by Serenity Watson, a parent