Westlake High School

Westlakes atheletics are off the charts. In the past '06 school year... the track team won state, basketball lost at state, football got to the second round in the state playoffs and the golf, rifle team did good as well. Westlake is definently the place to go when it comes to sports. When it comes to grades... they're test scores are always good.
—Submitted by a former student

This is my daughter's first year. So far, things have mediocre. We've had some issues with incompetent teachers, but we are working through that. For the most, things are okay.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a rising junior here at Westlake High School. I first believe that we have a school full of discpline. Our new principal, Mr. Franklin, has made Westlake out to be a school for worth being there to learn. However, I do disagree on his actions of suspending students for tarsies, and believe he should use a better approach. Westlake overall is a very good school for extracurricular; such as auxillary and varsity basketball cheerleading. At the same time, it is an excellent school for acedemics featuring our Math and Science Program. I think the teachers can also put a little more effort into their job. Overall, after being at Westlake for four years, i can't see myself being at any other place.
—Submitted by Kathleen (Katie) Pierce, a student

The quality of academic programs would be great if they didnt suspend the children for tardies. The music department. art department, sports and other extra curricular activites are good over all. Parent envolement needs alot of help. Its like the parents don't care whay the child do. My biggest problem with Westlake is the principal, I just don't agree with his new plans in making the school better. As i stated before suspending kids for tardies??? is not the answer. I think we need a new principal for Westlake High school. Mr. Franklin you need a new plan, cause this one isn't working. Oh, Some of the staff need to leave right along with the principal.
—Submitted by Pookie Jones, a parent

I had the opportunity to visit Westlake several times during my college career and, I must say that I am quite disappointed. Although Westlake is in an affluent African American community, the influence of a strong African American teaching staff is not present. Students are often left to learn throught the use of videos and its a wonder that the copy machine doesnt explode from the amount of worksheets they pass out to keep the kids quite. The teaching staff displays, in many ways, their unwillingness to adapt to the culture that is represented in their school. Rather than enforce discipline to allow those that want to learn do so, students are allowed to run the classrooms. I suggest that parents take other alternatives to Westlake.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a Senior at Westlake High School and I have truly enjoyed my four years here. I am apart of the Math and Science Magnet and being in Magnet has greatly prepared me for the future. Mr. Edwards is the new magnet coordinator, and he is an inspiration to all students and teachers. Westlake has opened my eyes to the many opportunities that are out there for me as an African American Woman. I highly reccommend Westlake to anyone that wants to be challenged and forced to succeed.
—Submitted by Jasmine Ervin, a student

I am a junior at westlake high and I would like to congratulate every effort of hard work we have all put forth into our school. Our magnet program is awesome and provides challenges throughout all classes whether you have a honor class or not. I enjoy being at Westlake high. We great extracurricular activities, for example our band and auxiliary, and trust me we represent our school well. Our teachers are great and want the best for us, so since they want the best for us, they're giving us their all. Also our principal want us to be at an altimate high in our academics. So I encourage people to be apart of excellence and that's what our school portray.
—Submitted by April Mapp, a student

Westlake is a very good school. They provide a good education for children in a calm environment that is good for learning. I know this firsthand. I am an alumni of Westlake.
—Submitted by Nicole Harrison, a former student

Westlake is a good school and all but how can you be a magnet school that specialized in Math and Science and let a school, for example, Banneker High School pass you in those two subjects. To me Banneker High School is a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

Westlake High School is one of if not the best high school in Fulton Co. and in the Atlanta area. The magnet program set students up for success after high school.
—Submitted by Darryl Foster, a former student

My son has been on the magnet program since 9th grade, he is now in the 12th. This has been the most challenging program I've ever seen. All the teachers involved are very dedicated and Ms. Dotson makes sure everyone is dressed approriatley and conducts themselves in a mannerly fashion. If your child is looking for challenges this is the school for them.
—Submitted by a parent