Westchester Academy for International Studies

What to say about my loving school, WAIS? The students are very diverse (I have black, white, Asian, Hispanic friends), the teachers are way cool (Except some one the middle school ones), and they classes are challenging but fun. I have learned so much my 4 years there. But, sometimes everyone there wishes they could move to a regular school. It does feel different, because we have no sports or band/orchestra, but we don't because that would mean leaving the amazing and crazy people we interact with everyday. There are some crazy rules, like homework hall, but all you have to do is do your homework, and everything will be alright for you. We also have the IB program, which is super difficult, but is great practice for college. Over all, WAIS is great school and I hope you take in my review before you consider not attending.

Hi everyone, I visited the school for contract work with computers and I met the staff, and all I have to say is that it is by far a top notch school with excellent teachers. As soon as I arrived I had to work quickly but as I visited each classroom I had a conversation with every teacher wishing that I had this education in the past. The classrooms are not cluttered, and it looks like the student gets the proper attention they need. The science classroom with robotics have excellent Mac computers with media classes as well, which is great because its diverse and children can learn and build things I never had the opportunity to do. If I had children I would put them in this school, I don't need a fancy school with a fountain in the middle, but I do want my children to have teachers that will be a part of their lives to remember that they enabled themselves into learning and not forced into learning. I like the atmosphere in this school and I know you will to, please consider having your children the best education possible in this tough economy because if you don't do anything about it then your risking your child's future.

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

Good school with a lot of future. Teacher vs student good relationship. Improving everyday. Now just selected to offer the international baccalaureate program. That is wonderful
—Submitted by a parent

This school has an academic focus. All the middle school classes are Pre-advanced placement and beginning in Fall 2005 will also be Pre- International Bacculaureate. (The high school classes are now part of the International Bacculaureate program.) The middle school does not have on level or below level classes or even a content mastery program. Students need to attend their own home school for those programs. The extra-curricular activities tend to be more academic. There is competitive fencing and lacrosse, a dance team and then various club sports.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an awesome school. I love coming to this school. My high school and middle school years have been the best. There is no better way to get an education like this school.So fast and a very wonderful way to learn. There is so many oppertunities here in which you can chose from. You would feel as family all together having a great time with your friends and your teachers as well.
—Submitted by a former student

I am not a parent, I am a student. I have been attending Westchester since I was in the 6th grde now being in 10th I realize how good it is to be at this school with such a small environment. This year we are a bit crowded only becuase we are combining this school with Stratford because of the brick problem. This school is great, good education and a good atmosphere.
—Submitted by Liz, a student

Grades are inflated. Parents/students are slow to complain because transcripts to colleges look great. WAIS doesn't have a charter that meets Texas/SBISD legal requirements for a district charter campus (would exempt teachers from State-mandated certification requirements, among other things, if it were valid). Top SBISD administration is aware and admits that; yet despite a valid, signed charter, SBISD continues to advertise itself as a 'charter school.' TAAS/TAKS/AP scores speak for themselves, especially at the upper grade levels. No decent chemistry/physics labs/No_Bunsen_burners. Students readily describe chemicals on shelves in honors chemistry classes as 'for show-never used.' WAIS declines request for release of end-of-course passing/mastery rates for 2000-2001 State-mandated exams in U. S. History/English. Mean/avg SATs for 2002-2003 & 2003-2004 WAIS seniors are unavailable. WAIS has never had a National Merit Finalist/Semi-finalist/Commended scholar. Motivated students here take critical math/science classes at Stratford and coast on the rest.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and I feel that if school has benefited my oldes son and I am sending my youngest. If my children were not in charter schools program than I would move out of the district. I can communicate on a regular basis with anyone in the school (ie. teacher, nurse, counselors, office staff). I only have two issues and that is transportation for after school required activities such as play prep and practice and allowing certain sports and not others.
—Submitted by a parent

Im not a parent nor a teacher, but a student, and I wanted to say that this school is the best in the whole SpringBranch district, and that SpringBrach is the best Community!!!

I went to wais when I was in the 8th grade and I am currently a Junior in high school. I love the small environment where I am able to get extra help from my teachers. I'm President of the Interact-Rotary Club, a member of National Honor Society and the Assistant Coach of the Fencing Club. Yes, the school is still new compared to others in the district and because we're still a 'public' school we can't except only the top elite students, BUT everyone made the choice to attend the school so therefore if they don't want rigorous classes they can go back to the school they're zoned to. I thank God everyday for this school.
—Submitted by a former student