Henry S. West Laboratory School

This majority of the teachers are very dedicated, knowledgable, and concerned about the success of the students. However, a few teachers pick favorites based upon the influence of the PTO. The school administrators are either oblivious to this favoritism or condone it. The favored students receive preferential treatment at the expense of the other students.It has been our experience that this unfair treatment of students created a hostile environment not conducive for learning. These favored students insult and bother other students and when reported little or no action was taken. In the end we had to transfer our child to another school. We contacted the District 4 regional office to file a compliant. These over zealot PTO parents are doing harm to a good school and the Principal is complicate. This mob rule mentality has made an excellent open public school seem like an elitest private school. In my opinion it is the over zealot PTO parents that need an education on better parenting and the leadership in this school should change. The mission of a school is to educate and to treat all students equal. Not pander to an influence peddling PTO.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this schools. Both of my sons attended since they were in Kindergarten and I only had to say that we were lucky to be here. Outstanding teachers that will work the extra mile to push their students to their limits. Very happy overall.
--Submitted by a parent

When is West Lab going to get smart and let go of the principal? The school has gone from outstanding to lousy due to the poor leadership. Principals should be charismatic, kind with the students and approachable. Very disappointing to see a leader who intimidates the students and has a poor attitude. Never once have seen a smile on her face.
--Submitted by a parent

We had an excellent first year at West Lab. We had an amazing veteran teacher who was willing to work with us to instill our child with a sense of confidence and love of learning. The problem with our school system in FL is the Sunshine State Standards, which tie the teachers' hands and diminish creativity since they are always forced to teach the next benchmark and the next--always preparing for the test, rather than having the freedom to spend creative time enhancing learning material in ways that reach all our learners' styles--visual, read/write, aural and kinesthetic.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel very lucky to be at Westlab. Amazing teachers, great parents and a beautiful campus. Westlab truly is a small community school.
--Submitted by a parent

While the past few reviews do bring up some valid points about the school's administration. Administration can change, but you won't find nicer families anywhere. My child has not had every teacher in the school, but he knows, likes & respects all of them. The teachers that he has had, have all been excellent! He is very happy, loves learning & is excited to go to school every day.
--Submitted by a parent

West Lab is not what it used to be....Administration has a major chip on their shoulders and they go through the motions with a lack of sincerity. They treat parents as if they are a nuisance. All they care about is their rating, not the student's well-being. The principal is lacking interpersonal skills and runs the school by intimidation. The teachers and staff walk around without smiling and look truly miserable. Do I really want to keep my child here another year?
--Submitted by a parent

Boy, how things change from year to year. Last year I was telling everyone how great 'my' school was. Now I advoid talking about it at all. The administration has diappointed me to the point that I will not help or support them in any way. I will do anything for my child but never for them. I am seriously looking into a new scholl for next year.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter went to West Lab in 1998, back when this was one of the best schools in Dade County. My son is attending now and I'm sorry to say that the lack of administrative leadership has turned this school into an average small school with little sense of community and stressed out teachers. Parent involvement has declined BIG TIME since every attempt to work along with teachers seems to be interrupted by administration (not parent-friendly at all).
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter's first year at West Lab has been filled with at first anxiety which over a short time turned to trust and admiration for the amazing dedication of the Kindergarden Teachers and assistants. What they accomplished with love and discipline in a year is what ever parent dreams of. I am holding my breath for 1st grade but I trust I will be able to exhale with delight . Will there be challenges? Always. But the Teachers, Parents, and staff will find a way within perceived limitations to create for the love of our children another successful year.
--Submitted by a parent