West Senior High School

I am a freshman at West Senior High School. The school has been amazing for me so far this year, the teachers are great and i have many many friends. Many parents argue that because the school is large that you can get lost. This however, is false. You might get lost your first, maybe even second day, but by the third day as a freshman, one knows the school like the back of their hand.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a high-achievement school both academically and in sports. The University and hospital influences lead to a culture where it is OK to excel academically. Getting into Ivy league or other schools will earn a 'well done' but not otherwise be seen as extraordinary. The speech, math, and music programs are very good. I do know much about the sports programs (my son is not athletically inclined!). The school does seem to do well though, going by what I see in the paper. The staff is very supportive. Overall, this school would meet or beat expectations for 99% of parents. The one downer is that the school is large (>1700 students), meaning that it is easy for a kid to get lost.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at West High in the Graduation Class of 2006. My years at West are some of the best I can remember. Every class I have ever enrolled in has taught me a great deal. Teachers are well versed in what the profess and willing to help students. The band program is superb, one of the best in the state, having won numerous Grammy Awards. The math team has been undefeated for the last three years as well as winning regionals! The 10th and 12th Grade English classes made top honors in this year's WordMaster competitions! And West doesn't lack in sports either. The Girls Track team placed second in the state competition after winning it last year and both of the tennis teams won state. West High is an excellent school in every category! Go West!
--Submitted by a student

Student body is more diverse than one might expect in Iowa. School has outstanding music program (won a grammy two years ago) and math team. Academics are superb for a public school, although lack of an AP US History and an AP Statistics course should be noted. Top students are highly motivated and successful. 5% of this year's graduating class were National Merit Finalists.
--Submitted by a parent