West Linn High School

WLHS is a great, well rounded school. The academics are outstanding, the athletics are pretty good (for being a public school), the teachers and staff are very effective and helpful. The teachers actually care, and the staff take care of everything. Cliques exist. But they exist everywhere. The only thing is, there's a lot of racial tension towards some students, being that hispanics/ african americans/ orientals, ect. are a minority. However, all kids seem to find their way and be happy. The course loads can be challenging, which is great. Many classes are offered. The sports coaches are overall great. Just watch out for the girls basketball coach, he doesnt let you play multiple sports. (or at least he doesnt want you to)Theis school will prepare you very well for college! It is quite a textbook high school, which is great. However, it still stands out.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, West Linn High School is rich, has some cliques, and the school is very demanding. It's also the best school I have ever attended. Most of the students just are not that wealthy. And above all, most of the students are caring, fun and intellectual people. Cliques exist but I would not consider them important or prevalent. As for being a tough school, I find this a blessing. Never before have I been so challenged. Never before have I accomplished so much. The school prepares its students for success and the focus is where it should be: on the learning. If families are worried about the school being too hard, they should not be. The staff is both friendly and accessible. They are willing to do whatever it takes to help us and they put forth enormous amounts of effort. There is free tutoring every day as well. Overall, the school is challenging without being impossible. It is truly a top-notch school. Out of all the schools in the greater Portland area, West Linn High School is at the top. I am so grateful to all the wonderful teachers, administrators, staff and students who help make West Linn High School what it is today. I am so lucky to have received such a super education.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a student at this school and i love the 'family' enviornment of close friends, teachers, and administration. Lots of support from people who really care about students' futures.
—Submitted by a student

I'm actually not a parent, and in fact, I attend this school right now. I'm a sophomore at WLHS, and Im eternally grateful to my parents for sending me to this high school. The teachers are all engaging, smart, and willing to help if you get off track. Free tutoring is constantly available and easily used, and any student that attends can find friends and others who accept them. I almost never see cliques that exclude or make fun of other people, and if they exist, the cliques themselves aren't considered cool or fun to hang out with. I would personally recommend attending this school to anyone. The teachers, students, buildings, music and arts, sports, etc. are all top-notch, spectacular.
—Submitted by James Petersen, a student

I thought the academic programs were excellent. I went to Lincolon High School in Porltand which is supposed to be a great academic school and it is, but I thought West Linn was just as good if not better. Great school with unbelievable teachers that you can connect with on a personnel level. Great atmoshphere and sports as well. One of the nicest high schools in the state building wise as well. Great place to go to high school, wish everyone could experience it. Tyler Kelleher
—Submitted by Tyler Kelleher, a former student

I went to West Linn High School for four years, as did five of my siblings. The School has strong accademic courses and programs that are tailored to the individual student. The newly remodeled campus is wonderful - Great library, common areas, and classrooms. Excellent sports programs are available too.
—Submitted by a former student

West Linn High school is probably one of the toughest public shcools in the united states. I have to say i have never seen the principal in my entire time at west linn. The staff has no control of the kids. the place is filled with drugs and stuff. Although it has its bads its goods come in academics i guess. I moved from a poor school and when i moved hear my straight A's have turned into Straight F's. If your daughter our son has moved from a small town with a ok to bad school then avoid any West Linn school at all. In the Untied states were about half a year to a year ahead of other schools and its very diffucult. Overall theres amazing extracurricular programs and we have a great football team (most of the time). Just stay away from West linn if you can
—Submitted by a student

West Linn has a facade of quality. High achieving students will achieve. Teachers seem good overall, however the lack of maturity in adminstrative staff seems to lend an air of foolishness. Both the administration and counseling department, seem sub-par and inept--subject to petty indulgences and gossip and inappropriate use of their power. Counseling center has a number of employess with indifferent to elitest attitude. Many of same employees seem undereducated for their jobs or complacent about student achievement or their own.School has a huge gap with wealthy students and many less fortunate students, but adminstration has not bridged this gap in any meaningful way so students are in a sometimes vicious and superficial environment. We are on the 'wealthy end' and hate what the school seems to be teaching our kids. Socially, this is a horrendous school to place any student in and should be avoided at all costs.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the top high schools in Oregon with an Exceptional rating by the State of Oregon. A 'college prep' high school with a high percentage going on to private schools/state universities. Excellent music/arts program, safe environment, supportive staff and a majority of responsible students taking their education seriously. For Oregon, highly recommended over Portland Public school district.
—Submitted by a parent

West Linn is an amazing place with great opportunities to learn. Being in college now, I realize how much I took the advanced technology and quality of the facility for granted. The music program is exceptional with great teachers. Sports teams were mediocre when I attended but this usually varies from year to year. Administration is very supportive of all activities that take place in and around the West Linn. The school is strong in virtually all areas including the arts, science, English, and foreign language.
—Submitted by Dan Eppelsheimer, a former student

Overall a good school. There are high standards for the students, and most do pretty well. Nice students, but the school tends to be pretty clique-y, but aren't most high schools? I would say there is a good learning atmosphere here and that it is preparing me well for college.
—Submitted by a student

Riddled with drugs, mediocre sports teams (except girls volleyball and boys lacrosse), but, surprisingly, rated one of the better public high schools in Oregon, which gives one an indication of the pathetic quality of education in Oregon.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Great teachers! Great kids! Good sports! High school spirit!
—Submitted by a student