Westlake Middle School

There are 2 levels of special education classes, For some reason special education students in their last year of high school must choose between regular education classes or a more sever special education class.
—Submitted by a parent

The superintendent has made major changes to the district. The district is now on course to be a high-performing school. Special needs students will also get the attention they deserve. Finally! The only problem I see is the lack of acceptance of students that are in anyway different than them. Physical bullying is not the problem. Teasing and excluding is done on a daily basis.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very strict but gives students some freedom ad i have learned a lot from this schol. Go westlake!!
—Submitted by a student

Maybe bullying didnt exist in 2004, but it has run rampid in 2008, nobody is held accountable for thier actions.Its a disgrace and the general music classes are a joke.
—Submitted by a parent

The middle school is adequate but the inability of parents to support academics more (rather than sports) is a disappointment. Students on the field seem more important than students in the classroom and that all starts at home. The competition with clothing, parties and sports is primary to parents here and that decreases the value of a great education. There really should be more classes of modern day use, such as updating the home and careers program, ridding the tech ed (does anyone really need to carve wood anymore), languages should begin in 6th grade, not 7th, and more choices in art & theatre are needed (general music?). Overall, the school is OK for a middle class suburban area.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't know what the Katonah [arent is talking about! This school has a 'double-accelerated' math program, one of only two in the entire County! My child finished all of his math requirements for college by Sophomore year in High School thanks to this program and now, in his first semester of college, already has 36 college credits because he was able to start getting AP credit in Westlake Middle School. Can only assume this other parent's child did not qualify for the intensive math program at Westlake (they won't find the same progam in Katonah, which has only a normal math curriculum).
—Submitted by a parent

A very, very disappointing school. The percentage of students going to universities is low compared to others in the area and the math/science curriculum is woefully inadequate. So bad that we moved to a different town (Katonah) and are much, much happier for doing so.
—Submitted by a parent

My child LOVED west lake! The teachers are great and the principle is, as my child calls him, 'awesome'. I think that the education is just right and the students are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child does not meet the 'standard' that the students set, they are left out and often ridiculed. Disciplinary procedures are almost null. Parents are not held accountable nor are their children. If your child does not dress, act or speak the same vulgar language as the majority of students who do, they are called names pertaining to groups of people who live a different lifestyle! Whitelandia needs busing!
—Submitted by a parent

There is an oppressive majority of white Christian/ Catholic heterosexist people at Westlake that makes any students that do not fall within this majority feel uncomfortable if not endangered. Many of the teachers are amazing, on the other hand, and those who were at one time somewhat incensitive have made a noticable change in their behavior and language.
—Submitted by a parent

I commend the Principal and his staff for their continued enthusiasm. He knows most if not all the kids by their first name and this makes them feel comfortable. The school supports a zero tolerance for bullying and promotes this by awareness programs. The teaching staff is excited and enthusiastic. The school continually strives to have parental involvement. The PTA supports the school and has a fabulous Education Foundation with helps to enrich the school with extras like; smart boards for a more progressive means of teaching.
—Submitted by a parent