Westlake High School

This school is basically the definition of "top of the bottom". It is a better school than mostly all of the other south Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools, but when compared to plenty of north Fulton County Schools, it doesn't shine as much. Everyday students are out skipping, every other day there is another fight, every week there is another food fight . . . or at least if feels that way. I am a freshmen here, just starting high school this school year. I was originally registered at Tri-Cities, however had my records transferred to Westlake in the beginning of the year. My counselor, seeing my "amazing" CRCT scores and grades, moved me in to as many honors classes as she could. Two weeks in though, my Honors Biology class got to big and most students were randomly moved to different a period. I, however, was moved to a regular level Biology class and noticed a drastic difference. I had never really considered the honors classes to be very challenging or the students to be extremely bright or anything, but being in that class made me appreciate the honors students much more. I'm not in the Magnet program so I don't have much to say on it. This is an okay school.
—Submitted by a student

Honestly, this school is not what it's cracked up to be. As a student, I feel that we are restricted in everything we do and there is virtually no freedom. Alot of the students can get away with whatever because the security guards only care at the beginning of the semester. There are always small food fights and I feel like alot of the staff has completely given up on discipline; most of them can't handle the kids. When some try to, they get in trouble with administration. The magnet program is a very big challenge, but that isn't necessarily good. There are a few problem teachers and when parents/students come with complaints, nothing much is done. In summary, the staff is OK; alot of the kids are crazy, careless, and don't get much punishment; and most importantly, there is no freedom unless a student sneaks around, which shouldn't even have to happen.
—Submitted by a student

This school is terrible and violent . It would not surprise me if the positive comments were prompted by Grant.

I LIKE THIS SCHOOL ! It's awesome and has great funding . I don't care what nobody says , great athlete's come out here. & there test are good . They had 95% of there 11th graders pass the GHST . That's great . I Love there athletic departement , It's just great & he was my *th grade principle.
—Submitted by a student

Don't belive the hype!! Westlake is by far the best you can get in the area!! Dr. Rivera + awesome educators equals an awesome school!! We are who?? The LIONS!!! THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!
—Submitted by a student

Westlake is one of the best high schools in Atlanta. The APS HS don't compare. The SAT scores don't bare it out because EVERYONE takes the test therefore the scores are skewed. We know everyone is not college material. The new principal is doing a great job. Improvements have started. The facilities are the best. The academics are very good and getting better with the new leadership. The athletic teams are very competitive (competing on the state level), the band has improved greatly, other activities are lively. Within the next two years it will be an excellent school. Parents are welcomed with open arms. Can do a lot better with parental involvement, but those that are there are stellar.Truly becoming a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

PLEAS PEOPLE EXCUSE THE BAD RUMORS,, For the people that think or says Westlake is a bad school your wrong I know its YOUR "opinion" but Westlake isnt so bad.. Like for example,, if your having problems out of students or teachers,, you just need 2 deal with them in the best manner "not attitude",, or just pull them aside 1on1 and you talk to them after class,, speak your mind,, tell them how you feel.. But Westlake is an awesome high school.. I mean we can sometimes have our bad days,, but hey wat school doesnt.? We learn something knew everyday, and we also have fun while we learning.. The students that are in sports,, are getting better and better everyday.. Hey even the teachers are getting better and better at teaching,, the students are getting better at learning everyday also..!!! BIG UPS 2 WESTLAKE HIGH(:
—Submitted by a student

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT give these people any money for any extracurricular events, more specifically PTSA events. There are some serious issues with the handling of funds. Check past news stories, talk to parents and alumni before you hand over anything. Chances are you will not get what you paid for, nor any refunds. Academically though, its a great school. Just be extra careful.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud graduate of Westlake High School. During my time there, I felt Westlake was and still is a superb school. The athletics as well as the Magnet Program are the pride of Westlake. Recently, they have incorporated different academies to better serve the career interests of the student. Westlake is not perfect but they handle all problems efficiently. Since I graduated, Westlake has continued to improve and strive for educational excellence. I strongly recommend Westlake High School for any student.
—Submitted by a student

This is a bad school and they dont put kids first. I know this because, I'm a student this year!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is a senior and we think Westlake is an awesome school with great leadership. I applaud the PTSA for their support of the seniors activities. Mr. White has orchestrated some great motivational program for the students. If anyone fails it is only because they do not utilize the great assistance that is already in place for their success.
—Submitted by a parent

As far as south Fulton County schools go, I would put Westlake at the top of the list. I think the administration and teachers value education and it shows for the most part. There are teachers who will always teach onlyfor the paycheck, but the majority give an average to above average effort. Still, I wonder if that is enough and fair to our children on the 'southside' of Fulton. Our children continue to perform below students on the north side of Fulton, and I am concerned about that. The magnet program appears to be solid, and if your student happens to be 'magnet' you are lucky. The rest of the students must fend for themselves, be earnest about getting what they need educationally daily and try to stay away from the riff-raff that could care less about a free education. Good luck!
—Submitted by a teacher

Westlake is awesome. My daughter is a cheerleader and in the magnet program and is excelling very well. We don't have any problem with the children that attend that school and athletics are superb!!! I would recommend Westlake to anyone that is looking for a new high school for their child!! :)
—Submitted by a parent

this school is great and advanced i have no complaints!!!
—Submitted by a student

Westlake High School thinks that its the best school to go to but they are dead wrong. They feel as though they don't have to respect Students or parents...this is by far the worst school to send your child
—Submitted by a student

I really have nothing to base Westlake on. Just depends if you get lucky. Some teachers good- some bad. Fairly safe school, fairly all-around good people. The administrators 'trip' about the dumbest things. Food Fight weekly previous to a Fight Weekly (per lunch period) I'm in the magnet program and i is hard. (9th grade) Honestly, get lucky and this school is A-OK. :)
—Submitted by a student

Greetings, I am a student at Westlake and I have been there since the 9th Grade. PLEASE disregard the negative comments some students have posted. Westlake is truly a school of Excellence. As others may say, it really is the BEST school in South Fulton. This school is just like all other schools. It has its ups and downs. But its getting back up that makes us the best school. I encourage ALL parents to send their child to Westlake High School. It will be an unforgettable Experience. -Make it a great day. Thanks
—Submitted by a student

Magnet Program is awesome - the best in South Fulton County!
—Submitted by a parent

im a student here and westlake is not the best school to be at. i have a couple of teachers that are barely ever in class and when they are they dont attend or teach to the students. there are planty of fights and food fights. the kids always have drama and its someting new everyday. so parents i would advise you to not enroll your kids at Westlake
—Submitted by a student

Westlake High is an excellent school. It consist of Academy of Liberal Arts, Academy of Healthcare Technology and Sceince and Math Academy.
—Submitted by a parent