Westview Elementary School

I would not recommend Westview to anyone. We moved to this area specifically for this school. I must say it has been quite a disappointment. It is ran like a prison. Children aren't encouraged to use their own imaginations. Parental involvement seems to be discouraged. The curriculum is subpar. I know children in other schools in the same grade as my child and the curriculum is far more advanced and with the teaching styles in these schools the children are far more engaged.
—Submitted by a parent

I have many suggestions, but not all fit, so top ones: SMILE, BE NICE. WV is not a nurturing environment - bit like a prison. At lunch (silent first 15)-- group punishment common and Staff loves their bullhorn! When I go, it feels like prison visitation. Drop Off /Pick Up similar LET K EAT -- some K lunch at 10:20 w/3:00 dismissal & NO SNACK (in most). Say kids CAN handle it, but have no concern about what they SHOULD handle. K kids will survive (I was told), which is a low goal. K is like boot camp - they want to break the kids in -- espec. kids of "smother mothers" - a label easily achieved. Are VERY concerned and STRESSED about new K requirements, but Ks in other top rated schools here get a snack, have fun, and still hit the #'s(I researched it). You can get a Dr's excuse to allow a snack w/ the nurse usually during limited free time so some kids then opt out, which is used as justification it isn't needed. There are rumblings of a petition, but... ACT LIKE YOU LIKE PARENTS. Seems us vs. them now. Help is very appreciated for fundraisers and if you can keep opinions to yourself, you may be allowed to help more. Many parents don't feel welcome - or would help more.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school period! You wouldn't believe what goes on at this school! Police come in because the staff bully children! The principal finds out about this and does nothing! How can you bully children and still have a job? Parental involvement is slim, Daily 5 is missing in our classroom, classroom library is unavailable to kids, administration is unprofessional, and the way they treat the children is just awful! Don't send your kids here if you have other options! Trust me. I have been to schools across the county and a lot of the schools with lower test scores are even better. Why? They differentiate instruction and work hard! I'm not sure about the other teachers, but the last 2 that we had didnot.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to the area 2 years ago and kept hearing exceptional things about Westview and how great of a school it was and that it was as close to private school as you can get. We have been highly dissatisfied with our experience at this school. Our child who once enjoyed school, dreads going there. I feel like the administration lacks motivation, as well as, a compassion for children (especially ones with learning disabilities). Bullying has been a severe issue where it seems they just want to sweep under the rug and pretend like it's not happening at 'their school', however, it is worse here than many schools I come across. We have also experienced bullying directly from the staff to our child. We reported it to the schoolboard with no avail. We have had one good teacher (Mrs. Reynolds--amazing!) out of the bunch, however, I feel the rest lack enthusiasm and good parent/teacher communication. I feel that most do it because 'it's their job', rather than love and passion for their job and their students. I think they tend to do the bare minimum that it takes for them to keep their job. We are looking into other options for schooling to avoid sending our other children here.
—Submitted by a parent

Westview Elementary is one of the best schools in Hamilton County and in the Chattanooga area, it's slim pickings. The teachers are caring and dedicated to teaching. Ms. Margo Williams truly cares about the school and its students. She and the teachers are always willing to meet with parents who want to discuss their kids' academic progress, or lack thereof, and work with them to enhance their childrens' learning experience. I would've given Westview 5 stars but the front office staff is somewhat rude. They should smile more often and not make parents wait forever to get things done. Heck, if they don't want to work the front desk of a public school where it gets hectic, they should get another job...
—Submitted by a parent

I think it is fishy that every time someone give a so so review or is critical of leadership that there is another comment to dispute it and "counter balance" the rating. I have no personal opinion of the school but I just find it suspicious.

Superb School, Best in all of Hamilton County! The Literacy program at Westview is extraordinary, they go above and beyond. Bringing in well known authors and tips on how to have your children excel. They also have daily opportunities to have hands on art time. I help once a week in the kindergarten program and help the children in art time. We made spring flowers using their hands, such a cute idea. The children love seeing their artwork outside the class room walls. During the Fall we painted t-shirts and the children got to wear them to school. I love how the children get to show off the artistic work for all to see. We also made ty dye shirts to wear on our field trips. Kids just love art time. Parents love seeing the finished work. The children get to have weekly computer lessons and even a little foreign language lessons. daily outside play foe fitness and P.E. They also have a excellent choir techer. The Library is awesome and the children learn so much from her. These are the kinds of things you only find in high price Private schools but, all this is going on in this wonderful public school. This is a wonderful school with many great things for children to love.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I purchased our home in order for our child to be zoned for Westview. Unfortunately, we have been extremely disappointed. This is not a high quality school. They do not offer art as an elective. Art is rarely incorporated into the kindergarten curriculum. (Our child is lucky if she completes one basic art project once a month w/ paper and glue) The children rarely bring home anything. Literacy isn't promoted very much. I haven't seen any literacy extension activities and the children are not read to on a daily basis. The principal thinks that this is fine. Mrs. Williams is not a good listener and isn't very respectful. I have received an attitude from her. I don't understand how someone can be a principal at a school with a lack of interpersonal relation skills. I treat her with respect. Why can't she treat me with respect in return? I would not recommend sending my child here. My child does not even enjoy kindergarten. My daughter was excited to start school and now she dreads going each day. Bullying also goes on at this school in kindergarten!
—Submitted by a parent

Honored to have our two children at Westview Elementary. The teachers are highly educated with a passion for teaching. The children are eager to learn and well mannered in the process. The school has strong a Principal which shows impeccable leadership. I am greatful and proud to have both our children at this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a father of a new K student of this school. Yes, the administrative staffs were not nice in terms of entering the school. I found so many parents wanted their children to enroll this school even if they were not living in this school zone. The school staffs were quite strict in tihs aspect. I heard some parents cheated their address to make their children enrolled in this school. Furthermore, there is no apartment in this school zone, which cause the enrollment more difficult. Besides entering this school, the program itself and the quality of teachers are trenmendous. The staffs are also very kind and responsive to the parent of students. Once you know the quality of this school, you cannot but love it. To get more information, visit Hamilton county web-page.
—Submitted by a parent

Due to the job situation, i moved to Chattanooga in 2010, and the most important thing for my family was the school for my children. There are quite good schools on the Lookout and Signal mountain areas. However, if your family do not fit into these areas, this school, westview, is almost the best option for your children. After investigating for 3 months, I chose this school for my children. So far, I am so satisfied with my choice. Thank Westview! Thank Greatschool!
—Submitted by a parent

Best Elementary Scool in East Hamilton County! Our child has attended Westview since 2006. He is in 4th grade now, making the Star Roll every Report card period. We are so pleased with his progress. The teachers are outstanding. The school has lot's of volunteer opportunitys for parents, they welcome parents with open arms. What a great school! Our daughter starts Kindergarten in August 2011, can't wait to start another 6 yrs of Westview!
—Submitted by a parent

I think the comments the people are making should NOT be judged by others, just because their situation does not apply to you. Everyone is entitled to rate the school according to their level of observation and participation. Westview is a good school, my child is happy there and I have no complaints. I think there is some racism which is sad, but it's everywhere. The school is most certainly overcrowded and yes, certain incidents and issues are swept under the rug, I guess that's to make the school more sound. One of the 3rd grade teachers need to restrain from yelling at the kids all the time. On meet the teacher night, there was no interest from the teacher. The attitude was just "doing my job" , which make me stay on top of everything my child does in her classroom. Apison needs another school built too much overflow.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved with my family 1.5 years ago from out of state. I was told we would be in Westview's zone. After moving, I called again and was told Westview. I show up to sign up for his classes and was flatly denied on the basis that I did not own my own property. I was then told that because the school is overcrowded, only some people were "allowed" in. Anyone who lives with family due to economic or personal reasons are forced into other schools. The situation has gotten so bad, that they are now denying apartment dwellers entrance also. It is not a coincidence that Apison has twice the level of poor students. I have to drive past the zoned bus stop to take my son to his a few miles away. Worse yet, there are no plans to stop the overcrowding, if ever, for years.
—Submitted by a parent

Westview Elementary is a wonderful school and the primary reason we made our last move six years ago. We wanted our children zoned for that school and that has been the best decision we could have made. We've gone through all grades there with the first child and are working our way through a second time. Each teacher has been extraordinary and the administration is top notch and very caring. Our children are enrolled in the after school art program which has also exceeded expectations! If you're considering Westview, you're on the right track. No need to spend money on a private education when Westview is available!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very dipleased with the school as a whole. We have had several issues come up and the staff is not at all helpful and down right rude. They like to sweep it under the rug and put you off as long as they can. Due to these actions my child is going to suffer. I can't wait for the year to be over and I can send my child to a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

We recently moved just so my daughter could attend Westview for Kindergarten. We both love it. I am very pleased with the amount of parent involvement as well as many other aspects of this wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is on the high end of the Autism Spectrum and I could not be happier with the support we have received at Westview Elementary!! We moved to Chattanooga from North Carolina and did some massive research into which public school would be best for a child with special needs and after 2+ years Westview has not dissapointed! Mrs. Williams is a compassionate and caring educator who is interested in the welfare of all her students.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family is so pleased with Westview Elementary.Our son has been a STAR student for th e last two years. We have been so happy with the 4 yrs are child has been there. We owe it all to the great teachers and staff. Our child looks forward to school everyday and is currently counting down the days till school starts up again. We are gearing up for another great year! Thanks Ms. Williams and staff. We give you 5 stars!
—Submitted by a parent

Westview is a great school.They are right on top of the special needs children.If it had'nt been for a special teacher and therapist,my 5 yr old grandson still would not be talking.Ms. Williams is a great principal and the school nurse is very professional and knows her job well/
—Submitted by a parent