West Somerville Neighborhood School

This school is fantastic and I absolutely love the teachers and suport staff. Both my children have a learning disability and they have thrived at this school. My oldest is in high school, taking all honors classes and on the honor roll ever quarter. My youngest has an IEP and continues to excel each year. My children are so so lucky to have this school as their academic foundation.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has great teachers and great students. The class sizes are small, which helps the teacher realize what your child's weaknesses are. They also do a great job of teaching the students respect and responsibility. They are held accountable for not passing in homework, projects, etc. In fact, there is a 'No Zeros Allowed' policy. If a student doesn't do their homework, they have to do it during lunch recess. There is no way of getting away with homework. It must be done! As for the lines of communication, as mentioned on a different review, it is true. However, the responsibility relies on the parents to make sure it happens. If you are a parent who is on top of your child then you shouldn't have a problem. The teachers are always willing to meet with you in the morning, afternoon, or during specialist (gym, art, etc.) time.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has good teachers, but unfortunately academic performance has decreased since it opened. 7th and 8th grade teachers are committed, but do not have the time or process to communicate well with parents about performance, parent teacher conferences are 5 minutes each quarter, and school-initiated conversations with parents are almost non-existant. This can be an excellent school - but be prepared to make a LOT of effort to keep lines of communication open.
--Submitted by a parent