Westchester Academy for International Studies

The teachers really care!
--Submitted by a teacher

The teachers and leaders really care- they challenge all students to take advanced courses even if a kid is not GT. Students are happy here- and my kids like going to school.
--Submitted by a parent

The multiculturalism that is the dominant theme of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

From a kid like me and everyone else who attends WAIS thinks that this is a school is: 1. Homework Hall which is a punishment to kids if they forget to do the homework or get a questions on the homework it's automatically a homework hall, 3. Saturday detentions which follows with the homework hall, if you miss a homework hall then you have a saturday detention even if you went to the doctors. 4. The principles treat you with no respect and the councilors do not believe you at all if you need to say something important along with the principles. 5.WAIS has been taking out the electives that kids go to school for and love, kids want to express themselves without getting in trouble by their teachers. I hope you consider thinking about my comments there is much more but i can't write all so this is it.
--Submitted by a student

I find that the students can be themselves and not waste time trying to impress others. Relaxed atmosphere, yet demanding courses. Very serious about academics.
--Submitted by a parent

When it comes down to it, you can make a child go to school, but you can't force them to learn. Many people complain about Westchester, but Westchester is the kind of school that requires their students to actually make an effort to do well. Unfortunately, many students prefer to coast on through without making the good grades. I will be a Junior and will be taking a mix of IB and AP classes (Advanced Placement & International Baccaluareate.) This is a good school because the teachers actually make an effort, and it's an interesting school because we have programs that few other schools do, and many students actually go forward with those programs. Students who complain should keep in mind they chose to go to Westchester.
--Submitted by a student

I am a parent at wais this is one of the best schools in sbisd I am very happy with the teachers and the principals .they really care about all the children if it was not for this school I would move out of district.
--Submitted by rona fernandez, a parent

My child attends this school. In elementary school she had been in resource classes. Here with smaller classes and more hands on learning she has blossomed and excelled beyond my wildest expectations. This is not a school for everyone. It is a small school so you cannot just blend in and not be noticed. Your every success, failure, and faux pas are noticed and commented upon. Our first year was much better than our second, but the second was still years ahead of the poor-performing elementary school attended by my kid. The focus here is more academic and the teachers seem to really care and want to make a difference for all the kids. That is the best thing about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have moved here from Europe, and this is our first meeting with US School system. It's difficult to compare, but here's my opinion: Middel school: good teachers but too little homework, I think. Learning would have been easier with more homework. High chool: good teachers, enough homework. Few sports activities available - focus on the academic part of school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an awesome school.
--Submitted by a student