West University Elementary School

After reading these reviews it is hard to ignore some of the complaints & criticisms by several parents. This is a very good school with many excellent teachers and a strong PTO, but agree with statements made by several about the emphasis on test scores, little administrative interaction and communication with parents, hiring of brand-new teachers with no experience and poor track record with kids (but a parent who works in HISD admin), and a lot of political maneuvering. Many teachers who have been complained about repeatedly remain in their jobs b/c the deliver good test scores each year. I do strongly disagree about the PTO criticisms and community service projects done throughout the year. The PTO is active, organized and raises a tremendous amount of money that goes directly back into the school. The community service projects are for excellent causes and at least show some of the kids who live in a bit of a bubble that there are many people in need outside the perimeter of our neighborhood. I do also agree with one reviewer that it is really sad that this school has no foreign language ancillary class and a pitiful art and music program. Overall, a good school.
--Submitted by a parent

I find it interesting that the person reviewing West University Elementary School could say in such an anecdotal manner with no evidence to back such negative statements. The TAKS, Standford scores, and the number of placement into high ranking middle schools are quantitative evidence of the academic excellence of the school. The PTO is active. Almost 82% of all money earned goes back to the students in way of teaching material, curriculum enrichment, or materials for the classroom. The constant preparation by teachers to help students after hours to help tutor kids (NON-PAYING Tutorials) are evident all through the year. Again this quantitative evidence of that the cooperative effort of teachers, administration and parents are doing things right at West University Elementary School.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been in West U for K & 1st grade and we have had a great experience at the school. We are glad that we have access to such good education through the public school system. Yes - it is not perfect but it is a good school academically and socially for my child.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, great teachers and strong PTO. My son excelled at West U in less than a year. He is almost finished with kindergarten. He started at reading level 6 and now is reading chapter books. His math is 1st grade level and tested well in all subjects in Stanford. His teacher is very responsive and caring. West U is named the 5th best schools (2nd in HISD after TH Rogers) by 2011 Houston Chronicle Best schools in the Houston and vicinity areas. Most grades tested at 99% in almost all subjects. This is one of the best public elementary schools by far. This is the largest elementary in the HISD and there is still a long waiting list every year.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is ALL HYPE. Education is poor; PTO is overzealous; The monthly fundraisers are ridiculous; the teachers are superficial and lack passion for teaching. All of the children (including mine... now) are tutored by one of the West U. teachers at the library across the street each day after school. It is incredible to think such an "outstanding school" requires such intense after-school preparation. Paperwork and email OVERLOAD. I am flooded day after day with either emails from the class mom's re: a fundraiser or paperwork in my child's folder re: anything other than her education. My child literally comes home with a folder FULL of paper each week; which, has nothing to do with her education. A huge portion of fundraising must go towards thousands and thousands of pieces of colored paper AND COPY MACHINES. Oh my... Frankly, the teachers are all very young and pretentious and there is a very high turn-over rate. Not to mention, the front office staff is incredibly rude. The school is beautiful but your child's education is not a priority.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not sure how anyone got the impression that there is no homework in K. My child has had plenty of homework in K. He has also had to complete projects and prepare for oral book reports to the class complete with tri-board. I've been very happy with the teachers. I have two children. The other child is in 2nd grade. The PTO is very active and the facilities are great.
--Submitted by a parent

Good education while it's like one big family.
--Submitted by a parent

I find it odd that you think West U has a weak K program because of homework. Have you read the studies on homework and how much should be given at what age ? It looks like you haven't. I have had 4 children go through the program and the Kdgn. classes perform in the top 10% in the nation each year according to national norms. The GT tests are set up by the district not West U. The tests are developed by the district and approved by TEA. The profile must include all aspects of a child! Gifted doesn't mean JUST academically smart!!!! If you would have asked I am sure someone would have explained it to you. My children now go to one of the top rated private schools in Houston so West U must have done something right! In fact they got offers from 8 different schools!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to kindergarten there after coming from Galena Park ISD. I thought I was sending her to a better school. Yes the actiities are good there, but was not happy with how her education developed. I feel she learned more from her PreK school at GPISD. Her teacher did not giver her homework. i strongle believe she could have been better challenged. The parents didn't mind of course I spoke to some and some preferred no homework so that they did not have spend time on that after work. Sigh! I think their Gifted tests are a joke. In one year she was required to take two. You don't need a test to check if your child is gifted. You know it by having an extremely smart child. Their gifted child tested just proves that some kids are a bit more mature than others. Glad I left.
--Submitted by a parent

WUE is a very good public school with mostly devoted and outstanding teachers who are limited by the emphasis on test scores and standardized curricula. The library is outstanding. Instruction in the music and art 'ancillary periods' is poor. There are very limited enrichment activities during and after school. There is a small invitation only track team and a newsletter club. The PTO runs a math club and a 'Name that Book' club. Foreign Language, Robotics, and Science after-school programs are run by private companies and are costly. The school is safe and has high standards for discipline. There is a very active PTO and a high level of parent involvement. Teachers are very accessable - the administration is less accessable.
--Submitted by a parent