Westfield High School

This school should be ashamed. I would love if this school district would stop touting the MA MCASA levels. They are NOT contributing to the success of these numbers. The lack of a quality education in this town is criminal, every last one of these officials should be fired, because they have no idea what a good education is, this is the 21st century....get with the times!
--Submitted by a parent

I just graduated and I loved whs although a bigger budget would hav been helpful
--Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a student and a prior student myself...when I attended, most of the teachers actually cared about the students...now my daughter comes home telling me how the topic of the class is rarely discussed and if it is it isn't for a significant amount of time before the teachers talk about 'not so important' things...how are they supposed to learn and pass a class if they are off topic more than they are on? I think a little free time in a class is fine but not most of the class on a regular basis. Teachers are underpaid and it's our kids who are hurting the most. This school is very sports involved and centers itself around its sports rather than studies.
--Submitted by a parent

As a student I feel that there is too much focus on sports and very little recognition for academics. The AP courses are consistent, but Honors classes tend to vary in difficulty. Most of the teachers are very helpful, but there is not enough space or funding! Some teachers even have to go around on carts all day! The band and chorus programs are also underfunded and the school is in great need of updated technology. Most classrooms only have one computer for the teacher and computer labs are extremely hard to book.
--Submitted by a student

Excellent School. Great sports programs! Good academic incentives.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at whs and would like to say that it is without a doubt, poor. there's not enough money going to funding in most areas. this is becoming a large problem because freshmen classes are getting bigger. more students = more $$ needed. it's a simple equation but the city doesn't understand it. teachers and other faculty are wonderful but the truth is that they barely get to teach. since whs is paired up with westfield state college, student teachers are being brought into our classrooms very often. i will be a junior and have completed and passed 28 class semesters, i have already had 3 student teachers.
--Submitted by Alex, a student

I have graduated in the year 2005 and as a former student I would like to share my opinion. I am originally from New Jersey and I spent my last two years at WHS. I have to say it was the most stressful two years of my life. For one the school is broke. The library is very limited with resources and their grading system is so misunderstanding. The worst thing is the MCAS which is a state test. This school is very very stressful.
--Submitted by a former student

I'm a senior at WHS. The administration tends to focus too much on sports: granted, sports don't get astronomical funding, but it seems a disproportional amount of value is placed on the teams, rather than academics. Speaking of academics, class quality varies. The advanced placement courses are consistently challenging. However, I haven't had a teacher that I've absolutely hated. One weakness is that at throughout your four years, you are likely to be taught for a semester by a student teacher from the college. The arts programs give students a genuine oppurtunity to express themselves, but the larger band groups and choir are slighly below average. In sum, Westfield High will give back slightly less than what you put in.
--Submitted by a student

February 2006 I am a student, and over all i'd have to say this school is pretty decent. Most teachers are nice, and helpfull. Ive excelled in many areas ive never excelled in before.
--Submitted by a former student

I am not a parent, but a graduate with the class of 2003. And I loved how the faculty treated each student equally and were great with everything! I feel honored to have graduated from such a great academic school. Never before have I heard of teachers going beyond their natural powers to help the student do a great job! Mr Daley, I am going to miss you! Conratualtions and best of wishes with your retirement! Thank you for all your help!
--Submitted by a former student