Belleville High School-West

We have been here 2 years in June 09 and I have to say that Belleville West has brought out the best in my son. He has found himself enjoying where he is. The staff is very supportive and caring. I could not have made a better choice.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of 3 children who attended Belleville West, I can offer some solid perspectives. Our 1st child attended the old campus and was well prepared for college where he finished with straight A's from the honor's college at Univ of Missouri. Our 2nd child began at the old campus and finished at the new campus and was also well prepared for college. Our 3rd child just completed her 4 years at the new campus and had one of the best high school experiences any parent could wish for their child. As parents, we fully supported the new dress code change and have seen it produce many benefits for the student body. There are a high percentage of new, eager teachers bringing lots of positive energy to the school. The extra cirricular activities have improved significantly. Parents & students who don't like Belleville West probably won't be happy anywhere.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student at West, and I along with many highly disagree with what many have said below about this fine instituion. Belleville West's regular classes have ranked higher than many private schools Honors programs. The honors programs here are considered the equivilant to many college level courses. District 201 introduced a dress code/uniform my freshman year, scores have risen due to the adaption of the uniform. The Music and Art Departments are among the top 5 in the state of Illinois and have won many awards. Our athletic department is currently undergoing re-development, but so far, our before losing teams are now having winning seasons. The school is also currently developing a new mascot so we will no longer be just 'The Maroons.' There are 100+ activities for students. The faculty and staff are also amazing, the administration needs work though.
--Submitted by a student

My children have attended West H.S. the last 3 years. While I don't have any specfic complaints, several friends of ours have children that attend East H.S. and these kids just seem to get more out of school. I wish my kids had some of the same opportunities and had the same excitement for school as these other kids.
--Submitted by a parent

While many of the Teachers are dedicated, the administration and school board destroy a students ability to truly thrive at Belleville West High School. The recently introduced ridiculously stringent dress code forces students to conform to a pointless policy. The dress code also forces students to by multiple wardrobes, one fo or outdated textbooks, their classes, and one for recreation. In addition the school has recently invested in six wide screen television sets for the cafeteria and a large electronic bill board. While many students continue to work from dilapidated or dated textbooks, the administration has bought large screen T.V.s Belleville West's administrators clearly lack priorities.
--Submitted by a student

This school is disgusting. The teachers are unapproachable. As a former student, I highly advise parents to look into other alternatives before sending your child to this school. There are over 2,000 children that attend Belleville West alone. Nothing is personal. Students have to wear id tags with their faces and names on them so faculty members can identify them. The education is awful. Don't expect to get any help with colleges because the guidance counselors push for SIUE and SWIC.
--Submitted by a student

Belleville West is an outstanding institution. My daughter went to both the 'old' and 'new' West. The new West has such advanced technology. The teachers work with the students at all times and my daughter never had any problems contacting a teacher about help on schoolwork. My daughter always felt safe and secure.
--Submitted by a parent

i think that west is a good school for that it teaches the children alot and its safe. I think that on some things as the teahcers need a little improvment as i have had trouble with some of them but over all the school is really great and teaches the students alot and are good at what they do.
--Submitted by a student