West Elementary School

West is the best for academics, arts, and community.
--Submitted by a parent

My granchildren go this school. Very high up on the education level, even for children with learning problems,ADD,ADHD. My grandson has high functioning autism, and does well in public school with their special needs program. I am very impressed.

My son has been going to this school for seven years, he is in the sixth grade, and thinks that everything has been great he loves his teachers, his principal, and everything!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 6 children and they all went to Athens city schools west always being my favorite!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had my son in West for two years now . In such a short time I already feel very comfortable in the school. They welcome parent involvement and encourage us to drop in on the classes from time to time and see what our children are doing . My son has loved both of his teachers and all of his other teachers { art , music , P.E} so far. He has thrived in academics I believed , at least in great part , to the way the teachers have taught. In our experience there has been a lot of hands on teaching and learning and that really works for my son. My son is in Mrs. Grim's class, she is a wonderful , caring and understanding teacher , getting to know each child and seeing to their individual needs. We love her !
--Submitted by Virginia, a parent

Our family has three children at West, and I would rank it high on everything from Principal leadership to quality of classroom instruction. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the classroom and in the extracurricular activities. PTO sponsors many exciting events as does the Literacy Group. There is a true sense of community at this school, and it starts at the top. Whatever school in town has a principal that runs a chess club and book group during their lunch?
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school spirit and outstanding involvement with the teachers, and with parents. The West Arts Council provides unusually good opportunities for plays, music and other activities. Our kids benefited from good teachers who were quite devoted to the kids, and in my experience, always willing to go the extra mile for them. It is the best elementary school in Athens.
--Submitted by a parent

We open-enrolled our two sons at West last year and could not be happier. The principal welcomes parent involvement and initiative, and the teachers I have encountered do as well. As the mother of a classic spirited child, I'm glad there are experienced teachers on hand who aren't fazed by squirrelly little boys! Every teacher's style is different. My advice to parents who are having problems with a teacher is to schedule a meeting with the principal right away. You are your child's advocate, and personality clashes between children and teachers will happen. Work with the school to ensure that your child's needs are met -- they will work with you. If your child's teacher isn't interested in parental involvement, there's always PTO. Ours is an active and vital organization that embraces participation at all levels. West is a terrific school community. I recommend it without reservation.
--Submitted by Corinne Colbert, a parent

My family with two elementary students came to West from a private school experience. We have been heartily impressed, despite our predisposition to think negatively of the public school system in general. The West Principal is highly approachable and very involved. The teaching staff is motivated and by-and-large excellent (it being, of course, essentially impossible to have a 100% excellent staff all the time, in any context). There are a large number of community events throughout the year. There is a sense of community and togetherness in the school that we had not anticipated, but deeply appreciate.
--Submitted by a parent

We are a family with four children in the Athens City School District. Two of my children are currently attending West Elementary. I would not have my children attend any other elementary school in the district. There are various teaching styles and experience levels which is a huge plus. Parents are very welcome and there is a variety of programming both academic and extracurricular. In this day of high stakes testing, the staff and students stress the academics as well as the ability to have fun. West contributes to the education of well rounded children. My children love school!!!
--Submitted by a parent