West Lake Middle School

This school has great potential, but the staff could use a nudge in a more positive direction. They let children slip through the cracks and a big issues seems to be lost grades! SPAN is useless for reporting grades because the teachers do not keep the accounts up to date. Speaking with the principle is like pulling teeth (very defensive!) and they don't care what your concerns are for your child's furture. Seem to be in it for a paycheck. Not a good approach to teaching (especially when preparing for high school). Time for a change!
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from West Lake and am currently going to attend Middle Creek this coming month. I couldn't see myself spending my three years of middle school anywhere else! It was a great environment to learn, and the teachers were extremely helpful, even when you didn't realize you needed a little nudge. The student body is full of kind students (for the most part) and not only that but the administration really cracks down on those who need discipline. I am going to sincerely miss West Lake and all of the teachers in it.

The office personel is friendly and helpful. However the Principal doesn't give a flip about your situation or anything!! I wish my child didn't have to go here just because of her! The teachers seem to be great....Get a new principal!
—Submitted by a parent

This school along with its Principal needs a major reformation. This school and its administration is indicative of the failed public school system here in NC.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a current 8th grader at West Lake and my years there have been great! The teachers are wonderful, and it has a wonderful academics curriculum. The teachers are truly caring for the students and take time out of there day to help other students when needed. Once I graduate I'm sure to miss West Lake.

I love West Lake Middle school because it has so many dedicated, caring, and experienced teachers. It has been rated as one of the top year-round middle schools in the county and the state of NC. The year-round calender gives students, parents, and teachers periodic breaks, which allows for non-traditional vacation times and venues!
—Submitted by a teacher

Parents are not welcome by administration. Admin. flexes their authority on students and parents alike. Students experience quiet lunches, blanket punishments, etc. NOT FAIR for the majority to suffer for the few bad apples in the bunch. Keep an open dialect between students and other parentS. STAND TOGETHER! Standing alone brings negative outcome. I've done my research. The newest concern is who is going to replace the outgoing principal. Will it be the current female administrator who rules with an iron hand and lacks honest care and concern?
—Submitted by a parent

School is struggling under the new principal's leadership. He is not responsive to emails and school is running more and more sluggishly. Carpool line is now a quagmire, teachers are grubbling--can't imagine how the day to day operations are going.
—Submitted by a parent

West Lake is an excellent school with wonderful teachers. Every teacher is willing to adjust to individual needs and take time out of their day to help explain something you didn't quite get or help you get caught up on a assaignment that you miss. West Lake offers many great sports and extracurricular activites for all students. They have a great advanced program. West Lake has been nothing but a great experience for me.
—Submitted by a student

I cannot stand the way this school is run. They never answer the phones and they don't care about the students or parents, only their reputation. Forget it if you have a child with special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I have not had the experience of iy being a great school but it runs without too much trouble. There are a lot of new teachers and a new principal. Not at all encouraging to the parents to have a say in anything. Not a good choice for special ed. students as my son is but probably okay if the student is not special ed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is nothing compared to new york schools. Most teachers are good but, some teachers don't even care about their jobs at times.
—Submitted by a student

The quality of education is excellent but this is due to the extremely rigorous ciriculum. Some of the more seasoned teachers may need to retire and I found the principal to be somewhat dictatorial and inflexible.
—Submitted by a parent

it is the best school ever My child loved it.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved here and I miss advance classes in Language and Science!But, I have to say, that the school does a great job integrating new kids and they have a lot of them. The logistic with the track and yearround system is admirable, but the education suffers a little bit with that circumstance, that they get so many new students every year.And, I wished as well, that they would come home with more homework at 8th Grade!
—Submitted by a parent

I am now attending my 7th grade year at West Lake Middle. West Lake is excellent & is a good environment for any pre-teen to grow up in. All teachers have a very natural leadership that provides all of their students to get the wonderful education they need. Discipline is strick but stills allows all kids to have fun. Our Principles are respectable & easy to get along with. They provide the attitude of an adult but are very easy to approach if there was every a problem you needed to solve. Our school has many different Sport programs and after school activities that give every student to express their individual. I encourage anyone interested in attending West Lake next School year to do so. They will enjoy it. Guaranteed.
—Submitted by Kanique Swinson, a student

Son is in his 2nd year, 7th Grader. Good academic program, well controlled, safe environment. Dedicated staff and principal(s). Wish my son came home with more homework.
—Submitted by a parent

I just finished 8th grade at West Lake. I enjoyed my time there, and I think it is a great school. The teachers care about us, and want us to do great. If it is still open, I will deffinatly send my child there when he/she is going into middle school.
—Submitted by a former student

I have a son at WEst Lake Middle School and two more to go there in coming years. I have been very impressed with the quality of the teachers my 6th grader has. They are clearly concerned with the well being of their students and with each student getting the most out of their time at the school. They are constructive in their criticisms, positive in their approach to the students and appropriately demanding in their expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my children (2 boys, 1 girl) have attended WLMS over the past 10 years. It has been an overall positive experience. The year-round schedule also makes it an attractive choice. I would recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by Connie Pittman, a parent