West High School

I currently have 2 children attending West right now, and I have nothing but good things to say about it! They offer so many challenging AP and honors classes, and the faculty is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

Diverse student body, attention to the needs of the bright, accelerated students
—Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but admiration for the teachers and administration at West. I have had children at the 5 star rated school, but I prefer West. The teachers really care, and the emphasis is on learning and preparing for college or AP courses. I do hate the new dress code, though.
—Submitted by a parent

I've worked at West for 3 years now and I can't imagine working anywhere else! The kids are fantastic, the parent support is excellent, and the administration is second to none. Even when I was offered jobs to leave and go to Oak Ridge and Maryville (both pay much more than Knox County!) I didn't hesitate to turn them down just to stay at West!
—Submitted by a teacher

I graduated from West in 2008. I really enjoyed my first three years at West, but my final year left much to be desired. There was always problems with fighting or something that would cause a whole problem for the school. I also think that something should be done about the cafeteria, they have a whole 'new' section, but the lunch lines are way too crowded. Most of the time I would wait until lunch was almost over to go through the line just so I would not have to worry about getting pushed! I think that if you take AP classes you learn a lot, however, I took mostly CP classes. The classes got boring at times and most of the class was spend listening to the teacher telling someone to stop talking or put up the cell phone.
—Submitted by a student

It's interesting to note that students have rated this school highly, while several parents have given it a low rating. I'm with the parents who think this school is worse than average. Because West does have some great teachers, I've given it two stars rather than one. Low-income, disabled, non-English speaking students are treated like second-class citizens. Administrators are generally deaf to any feedback that is not positive. Diversity of creed, race, and political outlook is not respected. Students who have excelled in both academics and citizenship are nonetheless treated like criminals--'Where's your pass?' barked at them in the halls--guilty until proven innocent. This school could be much better. As a parent who has spent many volunteer hours there, I am still at a loss as to how to effect real improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Not only for rich and gifted kids. In fact, we are working class and my child had severe problems. West High School was the only school in Knox County that was concerned for my daughter enough to eventually have her diagnosed with a form of autism. No school or teacher had ever bothered before. The classes are challenging, but the teachers truly care. The guidance staff is phenomenal and did everything they could to help my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with wonderful parent involment
—Submitted by a parent

West High Schools has both good and bad qualities. The teachers are great. Except for a few exceptions, teachers stayed in tune on how each student performed. The office staff was rude at times, but I think they did the best job they could. I would not recommend this school to a student who takes just CP classes. A lot of them are not high quality, and have many students who slow the class down. AP program is great though. Extra-Curricular activities tend to be cliquish. The janitorial staff could be better. Many dirty rooms and bathrooms. Food service is about the same as any other KCS school. And in some cases bullying is not handled well enough. Overall average in most areas (compared to other KCS schoold). However I would strongly recommend the AP program.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a just graduated senior and a rising sophomore. We have been so pleased to be a part of West High School. My daughter took loads of AP and Honors courses and loved the Art teacher, Mr. Eng, who taught her so much. Also the strong science AP classes she took opened her mind to the possiblility of majoring in science in college. And my son was excited about the dedicated soccer team who went to the state semi-finals this year. We are very fortunate to be able to go to this school and we like the fact that it is a little smaller than some of our neighboring high schools.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school unlike others actually care about their students. Unlike other schools in Knoxville where they push education into their students. West High Staff bonds with its students and that makes them more successful and attached to learning the presented curriculum.
—Submitted by a student

This is a wonderful high school. I had many positive experiences. The school has many wonderful energetic teachers that care about what happens to their students. I know many teachers that went above and beyond such as Mr. Drews. He wrote me a recommendation to get into UT and now i am graduating from UT in May. The school is the most diverse in Knoxville and will prepare you for not only college but for life in the future. I met my husband at West and we now cant wait for our son to attend West. He will be the third generation to attend as both my husbands parents, sister and aunts and uncles attended.
—Submitted by a student

I'm black and from Africa and went to West high and I have nothing but positive feedback on this wonderful school!! I took Honors and AP classes and had very good guidance. I still try keep in touch with some of the staff there! There were plenty windows when I was there and I really enjoyed this school, it set me up on a great path!!!! School spirit and overall Moral was always high. the school provides the best opportunities, its up to the students and parents to reap the benefits!!!!
—Submitted by Senny Dlamini, a former student

West High School greatly prepared me for college! I love the teachers and the dedication they put forward for the students. I took challenging AP classes that were taught by the very best! The extra programs including sports at West vary from good to great and none of them are disappointing, it's all based on preference! West goes out of its way to help the students achieve their goals. The staff is friendly and inviting and I know this because they were patient with my mom when she had questions and were helpful to me! The only downside to West that South Doyle excels in is helping their students find good scholarships for college. That was my only disappointment! Go rebels!
—Submitted by a former student

I graduated from West several years ago. I was surprised at how well my teachers had prepared me for college. Many of my college friends had attended 'top 100' high schools in Northern Virginia, but were woefully unprepared for individual study and discipline. With the exception of one or two, the teachers at West were amazingly talented and engaging- I am confident that I received instruction on par with the local private schools (probably better). The diversity of students at West was also a boon. I entered West as a fairly sheltered, former small, private school student. I graduated with friends from several countries, every major religion, and most of the typical high school 'groups'. Though I know many things have changed since I was a student, I know that it retains much of the unique balance between freedom and structure, and among arts, academics, and athletics.
—Submitted by a former student

Hey i loved goin to west high school the teachers were great and the principals were strict but not to strict and the grounds were nice my favorite class tho was my warwick i think west is the best high school~~~ryan kidd~~~
—Submitted by RYAN KIDD, a former student

We are very disappointed. The office staff is rude. The principal and administration do not welcome differing opinions or questions. Often questions are simply ignored. You m ust either chant the mantra 'west is best' or say nothing. Severe lack of a variety of electives. Many courses offered are AP, but other, differently focused students deserve fun classes and options too! The new library is a start, but still quite mediocre compared to what should be in a high school. I am very sad to be in the West High zoned area. We are even considering moving to be able to switch schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Attending West High school was a great time in my life. I had excellent teachers, who were unbiased and worked hard. We have a great baseball coach and program, which I was proudly a part of for four years. I strongly encourage parents to send their children to West. It has the diversity and realistic lifestyle that they will need in their many years after high school. Go Rebels! Ben Pressley
—Submitted by a former student

West High is a great school that not only is diverse but rich in tradition. As a West High alum I say this is the best school for your child to become ready not only for college but the real world as well. It's diversity and it's awsome staff ensure that your child will get the best education and experience Knox County has to offer.
—Submitted by Terry Maples, a former student

Our student has just completed freshman year and we have found West to be excellent so far. We once considered moving to one of the communities near Knoxville which are known for good schools, but the more we learned about West, the more we looked forward to our children attending there. Administrators are very capable, and we have been pleased with the faculty and academic quality. Teachers/coaches are enthusiastic about being at West, and willing to work with students to help them progress. Parent communication with teachers is welcomed. School is well-kept overall; a wonderful library expansion and cafeteria renovation have been added. Campus is 'land-locked;' parking and traffic can be an issue. A good range of sports/extracurricular activities; fine arts programs are very good and choirs are excellent. A diverse enrollment where students come from many backgrounds and are encouraged to participate in school life and to aim for success.
—Submitted by a parent