Westminster High School

I totally agree with the student below. The teachers and staff are amazing! The school itself has so much to offer if only the students cared. Majority of the students do not try as hard or even put any effort into school. I see so many people who leave school and they clearly are ditching. There is also way too many girls that go to the bathroom just to spend time putting on makeup. Though there are the many students that actually put their time into their education. The Ib program the school offers is wonderful. Those students are dedicated and help each other out with work. I would say they are the ones who show that school matters. Overall the school is very good. Teachers to the best of their abilities but I think the thing that needs to be worked on is trying to engage students with how important academics are.
—Submitted by a student

I currently go to Westminster High School and completely disagree with the other critiques. The only reason that this school is rated so horribly is because the students do not care no matter how much the staff encourages them. The teachers have nothing to do with it; I have learned so much from the teachers of Westy and have never experienced such great teachers. The only reason kids are getting low test scores is because they either don't care, never go to class, or both.
—Submitted by a student

I graduated a year early to save myself from the SBS system that is now implemented and ruining the future of other students. I took AP courses along with some regular ones, and to be honest, the difference was enormous. The AP teachers had a greater understanding and drive to actually teach/help/connect with their students. However, for the regular courses, the students were less active and pretty much didn't seem to even care, so long as they just passed. The teachers themselves weren't as encouraging or passionate in teaching compared to the AP ones. Overall, The majority of the students seem indifferent towards their education, which completely saddens and angers me, especially when the last year rolls around and all the students are lining up to consult with their counselors about actually graduating on time, when the other minority have other relevant questions concerning university or college entry. I believe it's mainly the students that cause distress for the school and teachers, which is why the district has mostly likely adapted (changed) its infrastructure/system to fit the majority of the students (SBS). However, this in turn leaves those who intend to learn struggle.
—Submitted by a student

Yes I went to westy back in 1978 and to me the teachers help me as much as they could. Did I give up no you see no matter what you can not give up . Take the time to thank your teachers. There was a time that I just wanted to give up . So I prayed and ask God what should I do and he said love your teachers or I will take you home early. thanks teachers Imiss you all.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is terrible. My tax dollars have been a waste. The standards based system is horrible and no one seems to understand how it works, my sons grades and credits from his previous school somehow got "lost" forcing him to start over. The lack of caring among staff is appalling. The school does not hesitate to call me about anything and everything yet when I contact them i get NO RESPONSE. My son absolutely hates this school and like so many other comments does not even want to finish. I can't believe $9 mil. was paid for this and it is just a horrible, horrible school. I also understand it is ranked the worst school in Colorado. I have definitely seen bias towards particular groups. I am ashamed to even say my child goes here.
—Submitted by a parent

Do not have your children go to this school or this school district if you want them to have the skills needed to get and keep a job, well enough go to college. This school has been given the honor of being one of the worst 5000 schools in the United States. They spend all sorts of money that should be spent on the students on air fares to go to conferences and do who knows what. Staff doesn't care and knows they are going to be fired anyway because the state is going to come in and take them over. Probably the state should do it soon. Save your child-- send them to another high school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son that goes to westy he is a good kid works hard and is playing sports there, he has said that he likes westy he gets along good with his teachers and doesnt feel threatened while being there. my personal dealings with staff there have been good i have gotten quick responses to my questions, and also have been treated with respect by both staff and students while being in the school. westy in the past has had a bad rep. but that is changing as the students start to succeed in thier own development. it is up to us as parents to get involved with our kids and the school to help this change happen.
—Submitted by a parent

HORRIBLE! Do not send your children here. They only have a chance of dropping out,joining a gang,getting bullied everyday,developing very low self esteem,and no matter how much they cry for help,this school and staff could care less, they are only there for a paycheck.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is very bad, im a senior at this school right now and yes i am white, everyday i am bullied, profiled, ignored by teachers and students, and am racially ridiculed on an hourly basis. i am highly depressed and stressed to the max and am on the verge of DROPPING OUT. i am a straight A student but i cant be there much longer. ANY school is better than this one, i highly dont recommend this school
—Submitted by a student

If you are doing research and are looking for great schools, keep your children out of District 50. Personally my family has indured so much stress and agony after sending our kids to both Adams 50 schools. If you want your child racially profiled,bullied and ignoed by staff and admin then these are the schools for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Westy the past two years. Im a junior now and currently don't attend Westy. Although I don't go to this school anymore, I know its a good school. The teachers are friendly and supportive. They honestly care about the students. If you do what you have to and go to class then you will be successful. Its up to you to make the expierence how you want it. I was a freshman the year Ranum and Westy combined. Yes, that was a different expierence from what you will typically get coming into high school. It was way to crowded so there were fights all the time, many people ditching, and plenty dropping out. However, now that the new high schools built, it has changed the environment completely. The structures better and you have many more oppurtunitys for a better future. I would recommend this school to anybody.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a student that is attending Westy as well as the following 2 more years, and i feel that i must state the fact that.. Westminster High School is not a bad of a school as it may seem to be to others! I really do feel that the teachers are loving and caring about their students and their teachings and the student body is also not as bad as it seems. I mean sure you'll run into "The wrong group of people" , but where do you NOT run into them right? you CANNOT say that westy and other schools are different just because of the student body. Westy is just a regular high school just like other high schools out there, and i honestly dont understand why others are making westy seem like the bad one! I honestly think it is a GREAT school! =]
—Submitted by a student

My daughter was a A student and into sports / band / Choir / and Drama. This school has totally depressed her and she doesn't even want to go anymore. First they have kids that bring their babies to their 9th grade class. That is unacceptable to me, if they support teen preganacy than open a daycare in the school. Most of the girls are pregnant, their are gangs, they allow too much BS in the hallway. The kids are smoking on the sidewalk outside of the school. The teachers don't teach according to my daughter. The go off a computer based program or something and some teachers get upset when you ask quesitons. They allow you to make phone calls and text in the class room as well. My daughter couldn't get into any of her normal school programs becuase they combined two HS's so its over crowded.
—Submitted by a parent

The campus itself is old and outdated with fake walls, orange carpet and no windows in the classrooms. However, all of that will change with the implementation of the new Westminster High School Campus in the fall of 2010. Teachers are extremely caring, specially if the student is willing to also put in a great effort. They offer a lot of experience as well as academic knowledge. True, there are some rotten apples, but that will happen in all schools. Overall, amazing teachers, but the student still has to try. Safety? In all of my 4 years going there I always felt like every day there was someone in campus with some kind of weapon. Overall, I didn't feel safe there much. Hwever, I'm sure that it's mostly based on the area in which the school is, not the school itself. Finally, their AVID program is superb. Highly recommended!
—Submitted by a student

I went here for two years it is a different kind of school, and the schools test scores aren't great as a whole, but if you are a student willing to learn, you will do good. the teachers are friendly and nice, the kids there are all open and welcoming, the only problem with it are the different groups of people who chose not to do anything which brings the schools stats down lower, but student life is great and it just feels like home
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school with excellent teachers. If you come to this to get education, then it is the best school you could find; If you come to be educated, then it's a horrible school. However, education only works when student wanted it.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school. Unneccessary disciplinary rules. Suspend and expell the students they shouldn't and don't discipline the kids who do need it. A lot of troublemakers, and horrible academically.
—Submitted by a parent

we are a graet school we are 100% safe and we are even 5A now how are we a bad school we are a 10 out of 10
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best. The teachers are loving and caring. I would recommend this wonderful school and their curriculum is good.
—Submitted by a parent

i went here for two years before transferring out, and the teachers just don't care about there students, they will try to fail the student and will not offer any any assistance for anything. I have a sister that go's here and it has not got any better.
—Submitted by a former student