West Essex High School

My daughter graduated in 1995, and is now a doctor. Many of her fellow graduates have equally successful careers. When applying to colleges, West Esses was rated very highly. If I remember correctly, about 90% of the students that year went to college.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student, I can tell you that this is not a remotely good school for any student that is interested in fulfilling their academic potential and not having a stressful life. Although some of the teachers are okay, the school does not run properly. The administration at this school is terrible. They have an average of two horrible superintendents per year, the discipline department is confused to say the least (although better than years past), and some of the rules are ridiculous, while reasonable rules are not implemented. It is impossible to get what you need for college applications in the guidance office. Lastly and most importantly, the student body is not a good one to be around. The most exciting part of many of these kids's lives are getting high and getting into a fight. Very few students are interested in any , an academic oriented club, or school work. This makes it difficult for the few who are to express themselves. The class sizes are large and the teaching techniques that are used need to be reformed. Overall, very good place if you are interested in fooling around and not really caring about your future, bad school if you are the opposite.
--Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a student that graduated from West Essex last year. I also have a daughter who is attending the school. West Essex is a good school. You get from it what you put into it. It you do not study and do the work of course you won't do well, it's like that with every school. And big deal they like sports, most people do. They do have other clubs if you aren't the sports type. My daughter did very well, because as a PARENT, I was constantly on her back about grades and getting into a good college. So it isn't just the school's responsibiltiy to make sure your child does well. At West Essex the opportunity is definitely there, you have to make sure that you take advantage of it.
--Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from West Essex in 2008 and I feel that I am very prepared for college. I worked har throughout high school and used my teachers as resources. Unlike what someone said before, people graduating from West Essex are not going to community colleges unless they did very little in high school. I, for instance, got into lafayette, the college of new jersey, villanova and university of richmond to name a few. One friend is going to MIT (he was valedictorian), another is going to george washington university. West Essex definitely gives you the opportunity to go to whatever college you want as long as you're willing to work hard.
--Submitted by a student

West Essex is a great school. It l provided my son with a good education and perpared him for college.
--Submitted by a parent

Not a good school- please look elsewhere. If you are looking to do anything in life, this is not a good learning environment. There is constant construction, and sports are more important than the curriculum. this is Kathryn Perez by the way a student to this school (soon to be former student)
--Submitted by a student

West Essex gives a lot of homework. I always thought this was a bad thing but then when I look at my test scores they are above average and I must admit that I did learn a lot. The construction is out of control though. I think we really needs to get things moving.
--Submitted by a student

I attend the West Essex Regional and I do enjoy it very much. The academics are incredible. I have looked at other schools and their ratings on how well the students performed in testing and its noting compared to West Essex. The students at West Essex strive more for good grades because we have the oppurtunity to achieve them here. Most teachers go way above and beyond to help students get the grades they've always dreamed of. True as it seems the athletics seem to be of more importance but that statement is incorrect. Any student participating in any sport must have a 2.7GPA, some schools are only require a 2.0. I do believe it should be more around 3.0GPA requirement to participates in sports. Our required GPA is set an exceptable level as is. So you see, sports are a priority, but to the school administration and board academics are more important.
--Submitted by a student

It is my very strong belief that the West Essex Regional School District is exceptionally overrated. Given the amount of money spent per student, the end result is a fairly poor product. Most of the students do go on to college. Morris County Community. The 'star school' rating is a farce. The emphasis in the system is on sports and other extra-curriculars (it's not good for your child if he or she does not participate)and not on academics. The school construction has been badly mishandled, school delayed, yet that football field was redone and the games started on time. Sure tells you where the prioities are. If you have a social or academic issue with your child, don't bother contacting the teachers or administration. They don't want to hear it. Our tax dollars at work.
--Submitted by a parent

West Essex has some great teachers and many programs for the students to participate in. Although the teachers are usually very responsive to the needs and concerns of the students and their parents, the construction project has been handled very badly by the administration. Rather than working with parents and students throught the difficulties, the administration has baeen very adversarial. A change in attitdue has resulted in too much emphasis on having winning athletic teams and a show off field rather than a friendly and community orientated environment.
--Submitted by a parent