Westside Elementary School

Two of my children have spent their elementary years at Westside and currently I have one in 1st grade. This school has never been a disappointment. The principal, assistant principal and teachers are excellent, caring and helpful. The principal's secretary, Mrs Bishop has always been very helpful in every situation. The learning atmosphere is excellent. Children excede in this school. My children are all Gifted Students and Westside's Gifted program is met extremely well with Mrs. Krause, a top notch instructor who is an exceptional person and teacher. It's no wonder this school has maintained its rating as a Florida "A" school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is OK for average students but does not have the infrastructure in place meet the needs of gifted students or students with educational disabilities. The teachers actually seem scared to recommend children for additional help. After fighting for additional help for my daughter she told me time and time again that the accomodations were not being offered to her. At least our fighting got her the IEP she needed to qualify for a scholarship so she could go to a school that could accomodate her needs. She is doing great and has confidence in the processes that have been put in place for her.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful. Not only are the teachers there caring but also educated and informed. The principal, Ms. Passanissi genuinely cares about her school and the students. A +.
--Submitted by a parent

I have trouble rating Westside Ele. as a 3. It is the desired school for my friends and grandchildren. Principal Passanissi & Asst Prin. Whalen are an untouched duo. It seems to have more board certified teachers than any other. Safety is always #1. Discipline is effective and swift. Thhere is a high degree of parental involvement. Also one readily finds a widr range of opportunties for extracurrical events. And there are others listed and available because of dedicated caring teachers. If I had my druthers, Westside Elementary would be receiving all the children known to me and my friends. There is only one school district. There are scores of schools at the elementary, middle and high school level. My favorite elementary school---hands down--is Westside elementary. I have visited and served at many throughout the Brevard County School District. I recommend Westsidie Ele. in a heartbeat.

This school is truly amazing. I brought my daughter here after attending a charter school in the area and there is absolutely no comparison!
--Submitted by a parent

Not the most welcoming school for students new to the area. That could just be my sons particular teacher though. She was not very helpful or friendly to my son or me. She made it pretty clear that she did not want to spend an extra minute on us. The principal on the other hand is very helpful and friendly. She seems to really care about the students and families
--Submitted by a parent

I believe that Westside is a ok school if your child doese not have any special needs. I have a nephew who has attended Westside for 2 years, and my sister has had to fight every step of the way to get him the help he needs.They are very rude and don't follow through with the IEP. They had moved here for a better life, and school for there son. This has been nothing but disappointment after disappointment. They are now moving back to Ohio, and leaving there family here becuase of Westside Elelmentry, and I am very sad that a school with so much for 'normal' kids can not accomidate a child with special needs. The only reason this child has made it this far is because of his parents not this school.
--Submitted by a parent

AAA+++ The teachers at Westside are very caring and personable. They are what makes this a school of excellence. My kids started at Westside right from the opening of its doors and the school gets even better each year. If you are looking into moving to the South Palm Bay area, I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

ifeel this school is a good school. the teachers seem to know what they are teaching. the school is clean and safe. iwould recomend this school.i am a parent.
--Submitted by a parent

One of my children were in this school since the day it opened until she moved to middle school. And my second child was there k-3rd grade. I am an old time westside mom. They're academic program is pretty good. Both of my childern are intelligent and articulate. But I feel there is way too much emphasis on FCAT practice in the classroom for and hour and a half every day. As far as extracurricular activities, it is pretty sad. Nothing for actual sports. The level of parent involvement seems ok. They always made parents aware of happenings and festivals etc. And now that Mr. Harper has retired, I would hate for my kids to be there. Especially since the exploding subdivision is upsetting the people who have lived there for many years. The quality of education went down when the subdivision went up. It's all about the money there.
--Submitted by a parent