West Ridge Middle School

Awesome school! We are a new family to Austin, Texas and have found the West Ridge staff to be incredibly attentive, hard working, and nurturing for our daughter. They have held her accountable for her work yet all really care about her and have made her feel welcome at West Ridge. The principal, Mr. Waggoner is the best we have ever encountered or worked with. He met with us last June, gave us a tour of the building, clearly articulated in detail the core academic curriculum to help us make the best placement choice for our daughter, and followed up with us over the summer to help her transition to middle school. He is a true treasure! We were NOT impressed at all with the Superintendent Dr. Wellman. She was dismissive, arrogant, and seemed self-serving. If you can get by her and meet with Mr. Waggoner and his staff you will be in great shape! GREAT SCHOOL!
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible. Mediocre teaching, although supposed to be top notch, and horrible administration and worst of all vice-principals.

The principal is less than dedicated and seems to favor selected parents. He does not have student's best interest in mind. I have found it difficult to communicate with him.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with great teachers. The principal is frequently caught between parents who think their child is perfect and won't listen to constructive feedback. The district administration always sides with wealthy, connected parents.
—Submitted by a parent

The two assistant principals are fine/excellent. Some of the teachers are really good. The school was much better a couple years ago, but perhaps these things are cyclical. The math dept is very weak except for sixth grade. Electives are fine, esp. drama. The 8th grade science dept is outstanding. One team on the sixth grade level is really superlative.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter, now in 8th grade, has attended Westridge since coming in for the 6th. She is flourishing in her academics due to the superior level of her instructors. Her involvement with the outstanding Varsity Choir program has instilled a life-long love of music. When I was concerned about her status in a particular AP course over the summer Karl Waggoner was accessible and solved the problem even while he was on vacation because he truly cares about the education of each student. There are many reasons why Westridge is one of the top Middle Schools in Texas! I highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall the school has good teachers and excellent parent involvement. However the administration is not strong or supportive in handling concerns from all parents or students. The administration is not held accountable for its actions or performance. I would not recommend this school to any student/family due to the weak school administration.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been at West Ridge for two years now, and I can't even express how much I've learned. GO WILDCATS!
—Submitted by a student

This is our first year here at West Ridge. I cannot tell you how happy I am. The principal is outstanding. He really cares about his students. It is definately competitive and as a parent which I am very happy about. I want my children to always be challenged. As a parent you want your children to be even better than you were at that same age. I hope that Karl continues to be the principal. I have two other children in Elementary school. He is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and great principal.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Westridge and we could not be happier! From incredible teachers & staff happily dedicated to their jobs to the outstanding diverse programs, they have redefined the word 'Exemplary'. This public school offers what you would expect from a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Karl Waggoner leads his teachers and staff to provide a safe, fun, and challenging environment for middle schoolers. They work hard before sixth graders ever enter the school on the first day to prepare them for the new routine and responsibilities. The WEB program, which involves 7th and 8th graders leading the incoming 6th graders, alleviates most of the typical anxiety for the kids as they come into West Ridge. The teachers we've had truly love kids this age, and it shows. We couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely the best teachers and administration. Fine Arts are stressed and top awards are won in all areas. Great parental involvement in every grade. Academics couldn't be better. We have been so happy here and are sad to move onto high school.
—Submitted by Heather Harris, a parent

Sports teams are always great. Could use better coaching but overall coaches are pretty good. English teachers are very good. Math is very well taught. Some teachers are a bit iffy. UIL is very successful. Assistant principals are decent.
—Submitted by a parent

West Rigde Middle School's biggest assest is its dedicated teachers and staff. Principal, Karl Waggoner, is committed to insuring that students achieve to their full potential. Over 90% of students passed the TAKS test in 2005. Over 50% achieved the Commended status. WRMS consistently ranks very high in UIL competitions and is an all-around top performer. Both of my children were challenged and well-educated at West Ridge Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent

What a great athletic and fine arts program. My daughter has a great time in the choir. There are many concerned wonderful teachers. Classes are getting a bit overcrowded, especially in science. But the teachers still worked well with my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

I really think that this is a good school for both kids and adults. The principal knows what he is doing and the teachers are all really in clue. The music program is outstanding. The parental involvement is good and I really think that this is one of the best schools in the state.
—Submitted by a student