The Westwood School

I love Westwood! It is truly a unique school that guides students from 2 years through 12th grade. Value is placed on individual students and helping them become the best they can be. The education received is superior with the Montessori/IB programs, while the character, compassion, and life skills received by students sets this school apart from other schools. Graduates return frequently and are so thankful for the great education and the tools they received to navigate college and the years beyond. Westwood is their home for a lifetime!
—Submitted by a teacher

I love this school! My children have both received a wonderful education throughout all levels. My husband and I are excited about coming changes for the school such as new property with new facilities. I have always felt that Westwood excelled in making sure my kids are known - they are not a number. We couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

The IB Diploma program offered by the high school is second to none. Very challenging, but a fantastic preparation for college. We've been at the school for over six years and plan on staying til graduation.
—Submitted by a parent

Totally agree with recent reviews. School is very good till 3rd grade, teachers are wonderful, experienced and very involved. But after that things are not very great. Not at all worth all the fee you pay. Very small campus, very little focus of science and math. Recently there has been changes to Language and Spanish teachers, which ended up being a setback. New spanish teacher does not have a good curriculum and all the progress made by previous teacher (who did a great job) was washed away. Language teacher is SO far away from montessori approach, very strict, unfriendly and my kid felt completely unchallenged and lost enthusiasm for the subject. Overall very very below expectations for 4th grade onwards.
—Submitted by a parent

Agree with two previous reviewers. Lots of money for very little. Lack of instructions. Unfortunately, we pulled our child out after several years. What a waste of time and money! That's the problem with private schools. It's sounds good until you get in.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Westwood for two years. Initially, we thought we may leave her there until graduation (we liked the idea of a pk-12 school). However, we soon changed our minds. Our daughter didn't seem to learn anything to justify the tuition - the tuition is the same as St. Alcuin, yet the campus is far less impressive and the curriculum seems to inferior, as well. I was also very disappointed with the PTA and many of the parents, in general. I made an effort to become very involved our first year at the school and I soon realized that a very small percentage of parents do all the work and if you volunteer in one area but are unable to volunteer in another, you are made to feel guilty about it. By the middle of my child's 2nd year at Westwood, I really analyzed what exactly we were paying for because the school fell short in so many areas. My husband I decided that our daughter would have a much more enriching experience at another school. She is now in another private school (that also goes through 12th grade) and we have been so impressed with it - the difference is night and day.
—Submitted by a parent

Great intentions by Leader, however not true. School Is really good at selling...sales. Staff lacks education. Tuition is way too high for what is being offered. There are plenty of public schools which can offer a lot more academically. I don't think it's worth the tuition. Took our daughter out after two years. We found out that many of the students who attend are learning disabled. Not that there is anything wrong with that, however that's a lot of tuition to pay to be told otherwise. This school is run by a lot parents who do not want to have their children identified special Ed in the public school system. So sorry but the truth. This staff/parent is done!
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter is finishing her senior year at Westwood having attended since age 3. We have watched the school grow primarily because of the financial support of the school's committed parental community whose suppot has been earned by Westwood's dedicated, skilled administrative staff and teachers. With adoption of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, Westwood graduates apply for college with a decisive academic edge and the potential to earn up to one year of college credit based upon the body of work completed in years 11and 12. Integration of the IB curriculum has benefitted every student at Westwood from preschool thru grade 12. Although academics are important, the Westwood commitment to development of the whole child is what really sets students apart. I have served as a parent volunteer for countless field trips and on extended trips to Washington DC, Houston, etc. every single time that I have accompanied the students, complete strangers have stopped me to compliment the students on their courtesy and respect. We entered at age 3, expected to go to public at 1st grade and again at 4th, but instead will be one of first 10 graduates.
—Submitted by a parent

School administration has gone all out over the past couple of years to provide a great athletic program for its students. A parent volunteer has handled the preschool and elementary grades most noteably getting Westwood students involved with Marathon Kids. The school emphasizes lifetime fitness. By Middle School and High School students can participate in volleyball, flag football, soccer, swim and track and field. But again, most importantly, students participate in ALP - Adventure Leadership Programs. Students attend overnight trips that include scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, canoeing and rock climbing. These are the types of activities that build student confidence, respect for the outdoor environment and encourage lifelong fitness. My children have only had wonderful athletic experiences at Westwood!
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE Westwood. Not only are the students excelling academically (the 6 Seniors have been offered over $955,000 in academic scholarships), students are also taught responsibility. My 9-year-old reminded me that we had to get to the library because his books were due in TWO DAYS! Students set personal boundaries and know what to do when someone crosses that boundary. They practice problem-solving and other social graces. I am an employee. After working here for one year and seeing what a wonderful place this is, I had to enroll my four children. My oldest graduated last year with Westwood's first graduating class and is now attending college overseas. Westwood has the best students, the best staff, and the best parents. It's the people that make the community.
—Submitted by a teacher

My son has been at Westwood since preschool. For us, it was the perfect fit. As he has progressed through middle school, I'm constantly amazed by what he is learning. They do a Shakespeare production every year that is truly incredible. My high school exposure to Shakespeare was reading something and answering questions on a quiz. Most of it went completely over my head. He actually UNDERSTANDS the material, which just blows me away.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Westwood for a few years now and we still have the same experience as when we toured the school - this place is home for us. I am amazed at the work my child brings home, and how proud he is of himself!
—Submitted by a parent

A very second-rate school with a practically non-existent sports and arts program. Key teachers and administration do not have college degrees. The high school is draining much needed resources from the middle and elementary levels. The other reviews are from teachers, admin and the handful of mothers who literally rule the school and ostracize community members. I would characterize the school as dysfunctional, and sadly mean-spirited. Individuality is not encouraged and it is quite the opposite of what we were trying to achieve from a montessori education for our children. Many other schools are much better academically and for fostering your child's creativity and positive self-worth.
—Submitted by a parent

I was blown away by the education offered by Westwood. Our son went there for three years before we had to move to the west coast. We haven't found anything anywhere CLOSE to what we got at Westwood. Great sense of community and the IB program is a huge plus!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Westwood from 1st. through 8th. grade. He was there when the school was pretty small. The director, Pam Butler, was and has always been the soul of the school and a true Montessorian. She was always approachable and ready to listen to any student , parent. or teacher. He recently graduated from an accredited college in California and he is doing extremely well At Westwood he learned how to identify and to develop his gifts. His critical skills are superior. He has always been comfortable with who he is, not like most kids who are followers of trends, etc. Friends still comment, on what a great human being he is, compassionate, smart, charismatic. He still opens doors for other people, etc. He is 25 years old with a successful job. Westwood prepared him academically, but most importantly for LIFE. Many schools focus on the academic part but lack any kind of social or community preparation. Even though, he went from a small school to a large school, he adapted fast. He was one of the only students who didn't use a calculator for his math admissions test. The admissions director was so impressed with his results that they gave him a scholarship. Thank you Westwood!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids in Westwood School. One is in 7th grade, and the other one in beginners classroom. My little one has three excellent teachers, they are professionals, dedicated, and loving. In addition, two of the three teachers are fully bilingual, plus he is learning a third language in the school, Mandarin. We have notice a lot of progress, he is more matured, organized,... My older child has been in the school for the last six years, we have seen the progress year after year, and at the beginning of this year he received an invitation from Duke University to participate in the "7th GradeTalent Search Program." All this could happened thanks to the IB program implementared by the school, and of course for his excellent teachers through out the years. Besides the academic program he has been exposure to the theater and drama program, to the social environment at school, and to the opportunity of serving in the community vital to the social growth.
—Submitted by a parent

The Westwood crest promises Character, Community & Academic Excellence ; Westwood truly delivers on all three. Our curriculum and school procedures are intentionally designed with these ideals at the center. You can see that our school is special by simply observing a group of Westwood children heading outdoors. The first child holds the door open for the others, every child thanking the one holding the door as s/he passes. This is but one simple example of an intentional procedure that teaches grace & courtesy as well as order and respect. As teachers, we understand that our mission is to develop the whole child. Over the course of the 3-year Montessori cycle, we get to know our students on a deeper level than traditional schools allow. This permits us to customize not only an academic track for each child, but also to work toward social & emotional growth on an individual basis. We achieve academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum that incorporates problem-solving, exploration and discovery, and of course, strong fundamentals. I am proud of the way we challenge and nurture children, hold them to high ideals, and provide a community where they know they are cherished.
—Submitted by a teacher

If you are looking for a school where your child is known by his first name, by staff and teachers at multiple levels, a school where people firmly believe in independent thinking, self respect, community spirit, multicultural tolerance and understanding, and above all, academic excellence, The Westwood School is your arrival destination! I have been a montessori parent, and a Westwood parent for many years now, and I have grown a lot, and learned a lot about our changing world, together with my children. This school is set apart from the rest in so many ways...Here children are familiar personalities to their teachers and staff, not just another face in a crowd. The teachers are kind and focused on each individual, finding the best way of maximizing each potential for success. It all begins early, around the toddler age, and it beautifully grows into a place where teenagers feel proud and connected with whom they want to become.This school truely focusses on the child'sworld, and the understanding of his needs and potential.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended The Westwood School from 2 years old until the 8th grade. After her graduation, she went to another local private school. She has been extremely successful at both schools, and I credit The Westwood School for her success. I am a single, working parent and I know I was lucky to find a place that is not just a school but a community. Everyone at Westwood from the head of school, to the teachers and the parents ALL helped her to become the mature, independent, hardworking, and caring person that she is now. She is now a senior, and I hope that her experience at college is as rewarding as her experience at The Westwood School!
—Submitted by a parent

The Westwood School is a fantastic school with caring teachers and staff. Over the past years I have volunteered at Westwood and several other Montessori Schools and have seen the inner workings and environments. Compared to these other Montessori schools, Westwood is far superior. I chose to send my grandchildren to The Westwood School because I wanted them to have the best education possible. I am continually impressed and happy with the school including the teachers, safe environment, community/family support, and high level of academic achievement provided at the school. I have my choice of schools and Westwood is my first choice.
—Submitted by a parent