West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School

My oldest children attended and graduated a long time ago. We witnessed too many negatives, especially in the social area, to give the school a high rating. Students who do not match the school's need to be great usually get transferred out to a county school by the end of eigth grade by the parents. The parents who could afford to pay tutors to keep their children up to par in some classes were common. The competitiveness of the parents trickled down to their children and that caused a lot of the social problems our children experienced. There were some excellent teachers but most have either retired or moved to Harrison High School in WL. There were way too many teachers who expected the parents to teach or find other avenues (like tutors). The hidden culture of drug and alcohol use was prevelant . Parents seemed to think that since their child is doing well in school they are not abusing drugs or alcohol. I do have to say that even if one's child is not of the super caliber some of those kids are, they still absorb enough to have had a good education. So, if they graduate and don't drop out along the say or get expelled, they should do fine in college.
--Submitted by a parent

I recently graduated from this school. Westside consistently has students going to the Ivy League. It's no surprise because the community, with influence from Purdue, is extremely dedicated to learning. Recently the city passed a referendum that levied tax to fund the schools. Everyone was involved! From teachers to the school board, to parents, to students, and even city officials. I wholeheartedly recommend this school, having experienced other ones not so great. Students generally complain about the guidance; they are inflexible and a bit impersonal. But they get the job done when it comes to scheduling and college apps. There are an array of teacher qualities. The school doesn't weigh and there are way easier AP than others. The environment is cliquey, but that is to be expected. You find your niche, but you are friendly with others. That's general how it goes. No apparent bullying, no fights (except once...).

Education is a top priority for the school and the community. It takes a group effort. We're in it together! :)
--Submitted by a teacher

Great academics; consistently top performace; great community; my daughter graduated from there
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers have high expectations for the students and deliver lessons in a variety of ways to meet the different needs of the students.
--Submitted by a parent

unearned rating! Parents expected to do the teachers work for them. teachers unwilling to go even an inch for students. treatment of students with learning problems hideous!
--Submitted by a parent

I have seen the west side from both perspectives: my oldest daughter was academically gifted and benefited tremendously from this school. My son is very bright but is LD. The support he has received from his teachers and classmates is wonderful. Yes, WLHS is academically very challenging, but, in my experience, it cares about all students, irrespective of ability.
--Submitted by a parent

The school does a phenomenal job of teaching the students the basics. We moved from the number 1 ranked publis school system in NJ and the West Lafayette school system is far better.
--Submitted by a parent

As mother of students involved in West Lafayette Community Schools > 15 yrs, this system is comparable in size, achievement to one of my youth in the 60's, 70's in ABSD AK (where some schools--my school was one of them--in which opportunities abounded for those interested in attaining high levels of academic/other success, were well-funded, well-supported by parents and community, and a product of expectations in a land of ''free-thinking opportunists'). Class options are available, parental involvement is encouraged, stepping out of line is discouraged, and high levels of academic success are realized. For brightest, however, some fall in the cracks. For those that are academically challenged, I don't know what is available--maybe they don't attend Westside in great numbers. There is loyal student body. The school preps kids for engineering and managerial positions, not necessarily for philosophers, idealists, nor virtuosos...
--Submitted by a parent

This school is just academically oriented and have not good atmosphere for some children from middle and lower economical class. They are simply not welcome here , and after feeling rejected they may want to go away. From personal experience.
--Submitted by a parent