Plano West Senior High School

As a student at Plano West, I have been afforded opportunities that are hard to find outside of top-tier privates. Because of its large size, PWSH can offer programs, activities, and a huge amount of clubs just not found elsewhere. It's easy to find a way to be involved after school with the large amount of student groups. There's a very strong AP program, extensive and well-kept facilities, and the school gets strong test scores, but that's really not what makes it special. I think its most valuable asset is the school's culture - the students expect each other to achieve, and there's a positive pressure to do well at whatever your interested in (music, academics, art, athletics, etc.). That's why Plano West (and Plano ISD as a whole) keep on dominating competitions of all sorts, and why the school is able to send kids to top colleges.
—Submitted by a student

Plano ISD and PWSH in particular has become a large bureaucratic organization that cares more about itself than the students they are supposed to serve. VERY easy for kids to get lost in the crowd. Try to talk to them - you will just get stonewalled. Very cold and indifferent towards parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Plano West Senior High School is a bureaucratic organization forgets that their business is our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I placed a negative comment regarding this school on this space. It was polite and did not name specific names. Yet it was still removed. So, I guess, this site feels it's okay to censor. Don't believe all the comments you read here because it's not the entire story. Some of our voices are not heard.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a very humiliating and a harrowing experience by two dept. heads at the Plano West. My daughter who is a AP and Honor student for all her classes this year was not given help and when she asked for help she was refused and after i wen in to see her teacher, I was humiliated and yelled at by her dept. heads and they said it was my daughter's fault. I then went to see the principal and he said he could take care of it and also help my daughter. I have not heard from him yet. I just feel that how will they teach our children if their own attitude is negative and do not know how to handle situations?
—Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of Plano West, I can attest to the high quality of education that students receive at this high school. It is an extremely competitive school, but that competition prepared me for college and the rigorous academic challenges I later had to face. The teachers are very caring and truly want you to succeed. There is an excellent selection of AP classes, which helped me to place out of 24 hours of college credit. The college counseling department is excellent and caters to every type of student and their individual college or career goals. The level of diversity is high, which helps students prepare for working in the real world. I would definitely recommend attending Plano West for high school.
—Submitted by a student

It prepares the students for their futures & inspires them to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I can proudly say I just graduated from Plano West. My experience in attending Plano schools for the majority of my education has been one-of-a-kind. The studeny body is remarkable -- both inside and outside of the classroom. Being involved is something that every student strives to achieve whether it's being on the prom commitee or participating in DECA competitions or even joining the frisbee club. I guarentee there is a place for everyone, not just the upper-class snobby kids that everyone makes the student body out to be. Aside from the students, the teachers are outstanding. I am completely prepared for college asnd I thank my teachers for that. I cannot imagine where I would be right now if I hadn't attended Plano schools, but I do know that I would not posess some of the wonderful qualities that I have gained by surrounding myself with the wolfpack.
—Submitted by a student

I'm current a senior at Plano West, graduating in 2009. I must say, it has been an amazing experience at West. The teachers are excellent and really care, taking their time to get to know their students on a personal level. It's also alot more diverse than people think, not just rich kids. The athletics are also great, as most of the sports are in the state playoffs every year. Overall, I could not imagine myself going anywhere else. It's a great school and a great experiance.
—Submitted by a student

Plano West is about as good as it gets considering it's part of the Texas Education System which ranks nationally as one of the worst systems. The school and teachers offer a rich environment for learning and prepare young men and women will for college or trade positions
—Submitted by a parent

I am a recently graduated student and by far I had the best luck with great teachers and assistance at Plano West. The principal, Ms. King is incredibly involved in ALL extracurricular events, meaning she goes to all the art student exhibits as well as all the football games. Some people think that West must have only snooty upper crust students, but my experience was exactly the opposite. Just about everybody was smart, talented, motivated and down to earth. I was supposed to go to Plano Senior, but I now could never imagine going anywhere other than West.

This School is excellent! Located in West Plano one of the best area's in Dallas. Smart students, amazing teachers! Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Plano West is an amazing school. Even with its large number of students the teachers and principals make an effort to get to know each of the students on a personal level.
—Submitted by a student

I have two sons graduate from PWHS. They both graduated with higher than a 3.8 GPA, and one of them played varsity basketball. The academics are great, but the competition is fierce. If you are the best of the best, you will get attention and opportunity. If you are merely good, you will be lost in the shuffle. If I did it over again, I would pick a smaller school district where my children would have more opportunities with less pressure. Since my sons did fine, we stuck with it, but I don't envy the talented children who work hard just to be average in Plano when they could be stand-outs somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

School has great academics and serious extracurriculars in a variety of areas. Students can be very competitive in just about everything though so some good students get stuck in the average pool. Also, the parents tend to meddle a bit too much. Still the school provides very good college preparatory support to all students from Ivy League to state schools to community college.
—Submitted by J, a former student

An exceptional school with phenominal resources.
—Submitted by a teacher