West Elementary School

Not a school for special needs kids at all. Teachers and staff had no clue how do handle kids that had disabilities! Not happy, had my children all transferred elsewhere! Staff was caught on multiple occasions screaming in children's ears or shoving them through the doors.
--Submitted by a parent

I currently have two children attending West on permissive transfer. My oldest will be heading to North in the fall and I am considering moving my 3rd grader to Sacajewea since it is only four blocks from our house. I am quite hesitant as our experience at West has been wonderful. The staff and teachers are involved and my children have excelled in all areas. I have heard wonderful things about Sacajewea and am sure the move will be fine for my daughter, but wanted to post re: our very positive experience with West Elementary.
--Submitted by a parent

Would not send my children to this school. It is located in a very rough part of town and the students show it. Some of the teachers are great but you have your 1/3 or so who need to get a different job. Sorry but I would not send my child to this school.

I had the opportunity to work at West Elementary, not for the school directly, for many years. I am surprised by some of the poor reviews on here. I have worked at several schools and can attest that Mr. Ingles is one of the most involved principals that I have ever seen. They do in fact have an honer roll at least for the upper grades. They post in in the trophy case each quarter. They also do the dog tags which the kids love. I think the school does an especially great job at encouraging student's love for reading. Yes it is a title one school and has some of the struggles that go with that. However if you were to compare the schools discipline problems with that of say Longfellow or Whittier, you are much better off with your child at West.

As a concerned parent, reading the negative reviews of West Elementary,disturbs me. We have been fortunate to have had wonderful experiences at West with all three of our children. The current principal, Bob Ingalls, is not only a very good administrator, but an individual who truly cares about our children, their school and staff. It is unfortunate that a web site such as this provides a forum for several individuals wth their knickers in a twist and a personal axe to grind. Given the choice of any school in Great Falls, for a child whos future I cared about, West and it's administation, Teachers, and staff win hands down.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending West. The school has many great teachers but Montana pay is so low that it is hard to keep the teachers. West is, to my knowledge, one of the only schools that does not recognize students for honor roll, attendance, good behavior. They do have 'dog tags' for recognition but the procedures and passing out of these are very inconsistant. The school is one of the lowest income schools in Great Falls with a wide range of culture.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the GreatSchool ratings on this school. I have three children, one of which still goes to West. West does not do anything for students. I know that they used to and I find it very disappointing that they do not. I have my last child almost there and really am dissappointed in the school these past couple of years. My recommendation is if you are moving to the area try to send your children to another school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a former teacher at West, retired, and now volunteer 14 hours a week listening to students read at the school. The staff is excellent and each teacher cares about the children in their room. The principal is very aware of everything that goes on in the building as he is in and out of the rooms on a daily basis. Each member of the staff has the highest regard for discipline and safety and they have a sound discipline program in effect. This year the school has many volunteers who are listening to students read at all levels. It has made a great difference not only in the students' reading fluency, but also in the love for books and reading.