West Middlesex Junior/Senior High School

You make a name for yourself at this school, as you do anywhere else. There are some parents in high places that believe their kid is the best as do most parents. Still, in the end the best come out ahead. You get out what you put in, same goes for academics. College was a breeze after high school; all subjects. Would not have gone anywhere else. As for new students and parents, be a benefit to the area and not a burden and you'll fit in just fine.
--Submitted by a parent

After being in mercer county for years I am still not accepted to this school. You are only someone if your last name is Mild, Barris, or Palmer. But only if you are some sport god, this school will care about you. If you do not have a special last name you are cracked down upon. If you were a dress a centimeter too short, you must change, although the girls who wear dresses up way too high are admired. Academics comes second to extra circular activities.

Shouldn't the students who follow the rules and take school seriously be the one's who are rewarded? I thought we were teaching our students to be caring responsible adults.
--Submitted by a teacher

This district plays favorites. Any student who is well-behaved, attends school regularly, gives his best effort, and shows respect to others is treated as a favorite. The young staff and administration is welcoming of new students and families while at the same time holding strong to the small town values of WM. However, is should be known that a certain level of assimilation to the small town values is expected, much like the rest of the world. After returning from being gone for 10 years, I was happy to find WMHS to be essentially what I had left..a solid education system where individuals are held accountable and the students and their families have the support of the community.
--Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of West Middlesex I have found that the school did not prepare me sufficiently for upper level education. The English department is very strong and has been helpful throughout college however the math, history, and science department are only adequate. Some teachers and administration, not all, are there to put their time in and leave for the day with no concern for the students. Extracurricular activities, mostly sports, revolve around an individual's last name and unless the student excels at the activity, most outsiders are not welcome. It seems like the school board and some parents in the community try to make a difference and better the school, but some administrators are power hungry and don't allow this to happen.
--Submitted by a student

Overall atmosphere in this district is good for the students. The facilities are newer and refreshingly most of the staff is now too. Sadly, after reflection, I agree with an earlier comment. If you are an outsider coming in, this district is not warm and welcoming. The administrators/ board members have no time or plan to welcome or ease the transition. The parents and students can be territorial and unforgiving. Start your kids here fresh and your good to go, but I would never consider transferring a child in. Pssa's are stressed too much. This is done so that the school can receive as much funding as possible. The school pressures these children too much for their benefit in regards to these tests. Teach! not cram ! the past few years the pssa's have created an abundance of undue stress on the children.
--Submitted by a parent

The schoolboard needs to let the administration do its job. The teachers are adequate and the environment is excellent.
--Submitted by a former student

A message about the pristeejus..err, prestigious WMHS: it isn't that prestigious! As a student there I can attest to the dismal PSSA scores, severely limited curriculum, and shoddy facilities. What the school does boast are stellar English and History departments and teachers-possibly to counteract the deplorable math department (where you'll be hardpressed to find a teacher who can sufficiently perform their job). Most extra-curricular activities (especially sports) are dictated by last name and connections,so 'outsiders' beware-your not wanted nor welcome. My advice? It isn't a good place. Look elsewhere for your child's educational needs...I know I wish my parents did
--Submitted by a student

I feel that the students should have more focus on them instead of the focus being on what the teachers and or administrators are making. Plus the school board needs to be open to more people to sit on it and also needs to be looked at with an open mind. The school just had a face lift and the middle school went thought a major rebuild so I hope the 2005-2006 school year will bring new results. If not then I will look into the school board and see about getting a seat on it and shke things up. thank you.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school district. They have great activities and are very involved in community activities.
--Submitted by a parent