Westbrook Intermediate School

This is the best school that I have ever gone to! I have made so many friends and, WAVE really meets my academic standards.

I was excited for my kids to join WAVE after the orientation only to be disappointed in the program. After a year and a half, I have removed my kids. I do not find this program to be gifted. It is definitely advanced, but mostly, it is just a ton of extra work. My kids were loaded down with so much homework that they were exhausted everyday. Gifted doesn't mean tons of extra work. It should focus on outside of the box thinking. There are several gifted people in my family and my older sister has taught gifted and I am unimpressed with the WAVE program. My kids became depressed and stressed out and dreaded school and they were never like that before. After just a few days in the Omega program at our zoned school, my kids are perking back up and enjoying life. You can tell that a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a WAVE student at Westbrook Elementary. I have to say the I'm not sure the WAVE program is anything more than a bunch of talk without the substance to back it up. I was a very high-performing student throughout all years of my schooling with teachers that were apparently more efficient at teaching information without the rediculous amount of redundant busy-work. In the WAVE program repetetive busy-work repeatedly assigned after the students already have a grasp of the information masqurades as "creative teaching". My son still gets straight A's but hates school now being in the WAVE program. He used to love school. The amount of homework given is unneccesary and leaves kids with little time for extracurricular activiteies or tme to jut be kids.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a former WAVE student, and I'd just like to say that even though the work load was pretty heavy, it teaches you time managment. As long as your kid makes and effort and t ries to keep up, they'll do just fine. Honestly, 'PDA' constitutes of holding hands and maybe a peck. If you think that's too much, wait until high school. WAVE teaches you lots of important skills that make high school so much easier. And our athletics are actually pretty decent, thank you very much. High school is a piece of cake for me. Oh, and our arts programs ROCK. Plus, we beat Science Magnet every year at the science fair. That's how epic we are.

As a parent, this is one of the most stressful school programs I've ever experienced. It impacts the entire family. Most 6th graders can not manage the workload without significant help from the parents. Every child I've known that has been in this program has broken down in tears throughout the year (both in school and at home) because of the stress. Expect a minimum of 2 to 4 hours of homework every day, including weekends and holidays. I also recommend that any 6th grader cut out all after school activities
--Submitted by a parent

I am a returning 7th grader in the WAVE program. I remember in 5th grade, thinking about if I should to go to WAVE or not. I chose WAVE, hoping I wouldn't regret leaving my old friends. When I came to WAVE, I found that all the students super welcoming and nice! I was so happy that I made so many friends!! My teachers are overall, cooperative, fun and nice. They are always willing to help students. :) I remember the last week of 6th grade, I was literally crying because I didn't want to leave Westbrook for the summer. As far as the education goes, I think it is great. We mostly don't do alot of "Pencil and Paper" assignments, usually interactive and fun activities and assignments. Do expect homework, though, but remember that it is more about Quality of the work than Quantity. Try hard not to procrastinate and use your planner. In reply to the one star review posted on June 9, 2011 -- I'm taking Athletics and we're working very hard. The coaches are encouraging and helpful. Mini-Courses are extra classes are to enhance each GT students passions and hobbies. Every single WAVE student is gifted in some area or field. Mini-Courses help them expand their interests and knowledge.

I have been a student at Westbrook since 6th grade. I am now in the summer, going to be an 8th grader. My sister went to this school, ranting about the amazing educational standards and the athletics at the school. I have NO IDEA where she got those. The coaches there are absolutely awful. We lost terribly to almost every team last year in Football. The education there is terrible, too. I would get 100's on every single test. Every single one! I would never go to this school by choice ever again. I am actually asking my parents to move me into a different school district. Even though I am in WAVE, I still hate it. The Mini-courses are a HUGE waste of time! Magic classes. Really and truly, you can take a MAGIC class. I swear...

I am a student at Westbrook taking the WAVE program right now and it is awesome! All the teachers are so nice and they offer something called mini-courses. It's where you get to learn extra information and it's just really fun! The Principal always encourages us to do our best on the announcements. I'm in band and the teachers are the best. Even if you've never played any instrument they will teach you from the beginning. I'm enjoying Westbrook so much!!!!! Timberwolves!

I read the review from the student about Westbrook's PDA problem. In my opinion, the students at Westbrook have gone beyond PDA. It amazes me that the principal has not held an assembly to instate a zero tolerance policy on the school grounds. As for the WAVE, I don't really consider piling on homework, and de-emphasizing outside activities because of all the homework, to constitute a stellar education. Many of the kids I know in this program have broken down crying multiple times during the year because of the pressure. I also don't understand all the rave reviews...because I've yet to speak to a parent who thinks the education at the WAVE is outstanding...although it is probably rates high when compared with other Texas schools.
--Submitted by a parent

i was a student at westbrook in 6th grade 2007 an it was the best i loved it there but then the boundries changed an i had to go to clear lake i liked westbrook soo much better i felt like i got a way better education there so im asking please change the boundries back by 2010 please because i want to come back before i go to high school an alot of westbrook students that are also at clear lake now want to come back to so please change the boundries back
--Submitted by a student