West High School

This is a magnet school and that means that you have to look beyond test scores. It is big and public and is a good fit- in my opinion- for kids who are bright and/or unconventional and who have pretty involved parents. I wouldn't send my children anywhere else. They have made friends with kids who have varied backgrounds, religions, and interests. In our case, I think my children have benefited from being with people who live in different circumstances. This year the Student Government at this school decided to try to raise "$3,000 in three minutes" to benefit a resource center the school established to help some of the poorest families. They raised $9,000. That says a lot to me. The administration has been wonderful even though they struggle with funds and overwork like everybody else. As for the teachers? My daughter attends College at a top ten research University and she is doing very well there- obviously the teachers have done a great job preparing her for college. This is not a private school and you have to be on the job- but some parents are so dedicated to the program that they support it long after their children have stopped benefiting. Isn't that what it's all about?
--Submitted by a parent

I can't recommend this school enough! My son attended five different schools in Davis Co. all with horrible bullying, nepotism and bias problems. (My kid has had straight A's in Honors classes the whole time, is white, very athletic, but not mormon!) Once entering West High School I was overjoyed at the happiness I witnessed in him! The rating of 5 at this school is way under rated! This place embraces an academically challenging programs with an AMAZING supportive staff, faculty AND administration who are loving and caring! We loved the diversity and loved the school spirit! The back to school night was the best I have ever experienced in 11 years with three kids in different schools. This school offers opportunities in whatever you would like to do at any time. Kids, teachers, parents, of all ethnicities, religious preferences and economic backgrounds all support and embrace each other. This education model works! The only thing I wish could change is that more parents would come support the band, music, and theatre programs... the kids need them! A truly balanced and strong academic program and a great lifetime experience we will never forget. Once a panther, always a panther.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended West High for all 4 years back and LOVED IT!!! Great teachers who really care and experiencing an environment that is diverse and enriching. I now live in Gilbert AZ, and I wish my high school aged children could really experience what having school spirit is all about.
--Submitted by a parent

West High has an awesome AP/IB program and supportive teachers, as well as great school spirit activities.
--Submitted by a parent

West high was voted the best high school in utah for a reason. The academics, faculty and students are diverse and create a wonderful learning environment, my son has really enjoyed his 3 years so far at west.
--Submitted by a parent

West High is amazing from a student's perspective! There are classes to challenge everyone at any level, and the diversity is truly an asset in Salt Lake. West has lots of extras to offer like clubs, AP/IB, and just lots of spirit. I have been at West for 3 years, and it's been great!
--Submitted by a student

Both my husband and I graduated from this school. Now my eldest is going to this school. It has always been a school with exceptional academics. It is the child who chooses to excell. West High has teachers who genuinely care about there students.
--Submitted by a parent

West Panthers! Yay! Teachers are over the top achievers. Staff are more than supporters. I love this school. Go west! Love the diversity/multicultural. Lets get together and feel alright-Bobmarley.
--Submitted by a parent

West High School is for sure the best public school to go because of so much spirit it has and also the education given there. Honor, AP, and IB classes challenge me to think and apply my knowledge to real life. Right now I'm taking AP/IB Geography, IB Math Studies, AP English, Concert band, TV West, Seminary, and student government because I'm Junior President. TOK is theory of knowledge which is a class that just is for discussion about topics now in the world that involve me and help me express my opinion. I'm also in key club, National Honors Society and many other clubs which West has. West for sure is the best school in Utah without a single doubt.
--Submitted by a student

I just started going to West High School, and so far I love it. I especially think my math teacher, 'Mr. S' is wonderful. He makes it so easy to learn and understand difficult problems. Another teacher who makes us be the best we can be is Mr. Thompson. He is my spanish teacher and I have already learned so much!
--Submitted by a student