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Teacher quality
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The post from December 8th, 2012 noting AP curriculum is incorrect. While the Diploma Program (DP) is the curriculum of instruction, AP curriculum is supported indirectly where the same content overlaps with the DP. Students may choose to take any AP test on campus. Dr. Clint Calzini Secondary Principal
There are some wonderful dedicated teachers, however, in recent years a high turnover of faculty, administration,as well as MYP/DP coordinators. Class sizes are small, which is ideal for learning environment, but not a welcoming arena for students who are new to the school. IB curriculum is exceptional especially the DP program. The school is not for everyone, especially for children who do not have a strong personality. Curriculum is competitive to neighboring school districts, be aware that Westlake is focusing only on IB curriculum, no longer supporting AP curriculum or testing, which is a disadvantage to the graduates as many of the university's offer very limited credit for IB classes and diplomas.
As a recent graduate of Westlake Academy I can say many things. The academic strength of the institution is high, but as with any school, what you get is equivalent to what you put in. The teachers care more than anything in the world, which is great. Yet, the school does little in regards to peer bullying and caters greatly towards those without learning disabilities. A beautiful school with faculty that really care, but with students who would rather pave their way to a bright future than to lifelong friendships or balanced lifestyles. If I did it again, I wouldn't go back. Surrounding schools have on par academic programs, stronger arts programs, and the possibilities of having a class size greater than 28. A good place for those who don't have trouble in academia, but not for those who wish to have a diverse group of friends.
This is my 8th year at Westlake Academy and I love it here! The faculty is amazing and the care about each student and their learning. They guide you at your own pace of learning and you are taught directly from the IB curriculum. Students fit in with each other and you get to know everyone in the entire school. I really recommend this school to everyone because of the faculty, students, IB curriculum and it is an amazing school!!
Appalled that an adult would use this board to "name" a specific teacher (who hasn't been at the school for over a year) and call them out. I had the same teacher for two different children and found her to be nothing like was mentioned in the disparaging review below. Sounds more like a personal attack than a "review". Our children have been at WA for 7 years. We find it to be challenging and they are learning to be well rounded students. They are taught to be good citizens and learning much more than simply math, reading and science. Each year this young school improves and there are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved and be active in their children's education. There are negative people wherever you choose. Pick the school that works for your child and one which WANTS you, the parent, to be involved.
All I have to say are good things about the school. I feel my daughter is now getting a better education in terms of strong and solid curriculum. I feel she's going to be prepared to compete with Other students in college and will be better prepared. I love that it's small and students have this ambiance of small community and fellowship. I specially enjoy the topics they are discussing in world history. I feel that the school is really preparing them to be international citizens. An this is the least I expect for my child. I am bilingual and my daughter is trilingual . There's do much more you expect from your kids and it's our duty to offer them the very best. This is why Im proud to say that she's a student at Westlake academy !
Westlake's second graduating class (May 2011) of 32 seniors received over $4.5 million in scholarships. The Academy is rated EXEMPLARY again this year. The teachers are invested in their careers. Parents are invested--they helped contribute over $500,000 this year. What's not to love??
Confused re: low performance comments. The school repeatedly attains exemplary status, regardless of the fact that the focus is not on teaching to the TAKS. Recently, last year's first senior class returned for a visit and reported that they have had an easy transition to college life and academics, despite the fact that many of them are enrolled in challenging &/or honors college programs. That alone has sold me on our decision to send our child to WA. He has been there 2 yrs, & the level of work to which he has been exposed (in primary) has been much more complex and cognitively challenging than that of his same grade peers in the local "exemplary" public elementary. I don't disagree that some amount of parental involvement is required for success in this setting, but, then again, why have children if you're not willing or able to spend time them, helping with schoolwork or otherwise??
Our son attended school here for one year, and after a disappointing year, we decided to leave. MANY other students and families have also recently left the school. Although we believe firmly in the school's mission statement and are impressed with the IB program, their execution of the program is abysmal. The school is run by a Board and Town CEO with absolutely no background in education, changes are made seemingly at a whim, turnover of teachers and administrative staff is high, and a small group of wealthy parents enjoys a disproportionate amount of influence over decision-makers. Our son actually did well at Westlake, but the lack of structure, proper supervision, and truly rigorous academic instruction led us back to our local public school in Carroll ISD.
My son attended a private K-12 school in the Northeast, so when we learned that we were moving to TX, we had high expectations for his new school. Westlake Academy has not disappointed! We sought WA out specifically for the IB curriculum offered K-12 (our old school was IB for 11th and 12th only). WA is a place where students learn to understand, respect and appreciate their own and other world cultures, where they are taught to take responsibility for their own learning, and where critical thinking and interdisciplinary work is the norm. I've loved the creativity and depth of my son's projects and assignments (and he's really enjoyed them, too!). Yes, the curriculum is rigorous. But how refreshing to heighten expectations about student potential and achievement, see these kids meet every challenge...then show you how high the bar really can go? That's why our son is at WA.
Great school! Great faculty and wonderful students. The curriculum is challenging because it is not taken straight from a textbook. Students are pushed to use their own minds rather than memorizing from boring textbooks. Heavy focus on critical thinking and community/world responsibility.
If you can even get in this school, you'll see that children who lack self-motivation will probably have difficulty here. This school is really effective for more advanced learners who are self-motivated, but children whose parents cannot be as involved in their lives tend to struggle in such a demanding academic atmosphere that requires personal responsibility. We were forced to remove our children because typical area public schools will cater more to students who need more external motivation. I wouldn't recommend this school for 'average' students or parents who do not have time to work with their children at home. This type of school was too much of a committment for my family because my job requires me to spend much time out of town and my children are not as self motivated as most of WA students.
We have been at Westlake Academy from the very beginning and have never second guessed our initial decision to enroll our children in the IB program. We have watched them gain confidence and knowledge that is not offered by any other private or public school in our area. While the school has undergone expected growth and changes it has never failed to give our children everything that has been promised. I have no doubt that they have become lifelong learners, with a respect and understanding of diversity that many of us may never grasp. Thank you to the original school Founders, the ongoing support of positive parents, the students of Westlake Academy, who along with phenomenal teachers make this school so very special and a true honor to be a part of.
Where did they get this Head of School? He is the most disrespectful and rude person in the world! He treats teachers, parents and sometimes students as if they were making him a favor by paying attention to them. An open and safe communication style is necessary. It is a such a great school that it is a shame that he is creating such a stressful environment.
After extensive research, we've gladly committed our children's education to the IB concept at Westlake Academy. If an Exemplary rating on the TEKS is mediocre, not to mention PSAT scores well above national averages, & letters arriving daily from highly reputed universities, we'll stay right where we are. WA continues to grow, improve & inspire! The IB concept is not only wonderful, it works & is respected the world over. Although some haven't found WA to be the best fit, many Westlake families remain in this school of 420+ students (K-11 currently) situated in this little town of only 700 residents. And, the numbers are growing. Westlake citizens should be PROUD of the fact that their leaders had the foresight to start this IB school... school & city leaders from all over the state & nation have visited the campus in hopes of duplicating these efforts. It's a terrific education!
Engage in extensive research before you commit your child s future to Westlake Academy. Absence of leadership, no curriculum, ill-prepared teachers, no text books, and lack of funding contribute to the school s mediocre performance. The IB is wonderful in concept; however, it is unrecognizable at WA. Sadly, the most outstanding feature of the academy is the pastoral setting. The school was built primarily for the residents of Westlake, but only a handful of families remain. The majority have moved on to superior public & private schools in the area. Even school board members have removed their children from this school. That fact alone should make you think twice before enrolling. Students who left Westlake have had to do extensive remedial work to catch up with their peers. If only I had known, I would have never risked my child s education on the unproven program offered at Westlake Academy. You've been warned.
i love this school, it is amazing. i am learning so much in the IB invironment, and the teachers genuinely care about each student. i would recommend my school to anyone, any day.
I do not like it here. My old school was better. Everyone is very rich at this school except me. Fine.
We have 2 children at Westlake and have been very happy. They learn reading, writing, math, science, language, arts, and music and still have tons of fun. They hardly emphasizes on the standard test, yet my son got a perfect score on reading this year. My kindergartener reads abd write her own books. Excellent school and continue to get better!
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2600 Ottinger Road
Westlake,
TX 76262
Phone: (817) 490-5757
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