Westmeade Elementary School

We almost discounted Westmeade due to a poor review here. But decided to go find out for ourselves. My daughter, who just started 3rd grade (at the end of the year) at Westmeade loves it! I was glad that I went in to meet the wonderful staff in the office (including the principal) myself. My daughter says her favorite parts are: roller skating in gym, snack time, nice new recess equipment, switching classes for math ,really nice classmates, and her teachers! I saw the homework and it was challenging and appropriate. Good work Westmeade. We look forward to one more month of school and a good year next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Talented and caring teachers and staff at Westmeade Elementary create such a positive learning environment for students. There is a great sense of community at the school - parents are not only involved, but teachers and staff really welcome their involvement! There is a great synergy between the principal, staff and parents! Good leadership, great communication, and a very happy learning environment for our kids!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in first grade, and we've been very happy with Westmeade. I was so impressed that the principal knew my son's name the first day of kindergarten! The teachers are wonderful, and we appreciate the specials: PE, Art, and Music. The librarian is the best in Nashville, and I love the organic garden which can be used as an outdoor classroom. I only wish that foreign language were offered.
--Submitted by a parent

Westmeade is a FABULOUS little school! My child has been a student here for the last two years and we could not be happier. The adminstration, faculty, and staff are fantastic, and they do a great job communicating with parents. I love that the student body is very diverse. There are lots of opportunities for parents to become involved. Great sense of community at Westmeade!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Westmeade for two years now (my son is in the first grade) and we are so happy with his elementary experience thus far! Both his kindergarten and first grade teachers have been phenomenal; a perfect balance of firmness and kindness with a geniune love for teaching and caring for their students. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that my son is in such good hands when I can't be with him. The office staff and specials teachers are also equally wonderful. We are so grateful to be a part of the Westmeade family!
--Submitted by a parent

Wow. I am glad I am only registering my daughter for the last few weeks of the 4th grade here, sounds like there is no real supervision.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with other parents--Westmeade needs a new principal. Classic case of the peter principle; he just cannot handle the students (majority are low income, disrespectful and neglected kids). Good kids are ignored and discouraged while bad kids are praised all day for not being bad...that's screwed up. Teachers are great, they just have no support from the principal and parents. School needs lots of discipline; students that are working hard, following the rules should not have to tolerate bullying, threats, property being stolen, racism, etc. Maybe a drill sergeant could turn this school around (or giving punishment when due)...seems like the principal is scared of these punky kids. If you are considering this school, check out the local apartments nearby (Forest Park and Iroqouis); that's what your children will be dealing with--think children of the corn, lord of the flies, idiocracy-- that's the educational experience they will come out with :)
--Submitted by a parent

We have not been impressed with the Principal. He does a great job of dealing with 'challening students'. He would do a better job being a classroom teacher not a Principal. However, the Librarian, Music teacher and P.E. all go beyond the call of duty. Mrs. Kauffman is a wonderful teacher with a lot of experience working with all kinds of kids. My daughter loves Mrs. Kauffman, her music teacher,libraian and P.E. teacher. A great crew with a challening Principal.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Westmeade for 3 years, K, 1st and 2nd. She will not be attending next yr. My daughter loves her school but she isn't the best judge because she is only 9. I have had problems with her teacher and the principal ignored my concerns. It's very disheartening.
--Submitted by a parent

So far, our experience has been great. Our child has a new teacher who is very enthusiastic, and the teacher has tailored the class to suit the different levels of children. The teacher expects good behavior from all - but for those children who already know how to read and write - the teacher comes up with additional tasks for them to work on. And there is Encore and separate classes for reading and such down the line. We went into Westmeade nervous and with low expectations based on the Urban legends around Nashville. So far each and everyone of our our expectations has been exceeded. More importantly, our child looks forward to going to school every day.
--Submitted by a parent