West Potomac High School

We have been very happy with West Potomac. They have everything needed for academic success for the kids who choose to take advantage of it (AP, Honors, and an impressive array of Extracurriculars). When we have had questions or concerns we have found the teachers and staff very competent and caring - responding quickly and effectively.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough good things about West Potomac HS. I had the pleasure of attending West Potomac and now coach one of their dance teams. The staff and teachers have such a positive attitude and have a vested interest in their students. West Potomac is a Academy school which gives students the opportunity to take class in a career field. I am very excited to have my children attend my al mater, West Potomac HS

There is good reason why this school gets a bad rap -- it's a bad school! The school is overcrowded and full of juvenile delinquents. As a result, the staff has become totally desensitized when it comes to caring for the kids or looking out for their needs. My son switched from West Po to Mt. Vernon and is doing so much better. My daughter wanted to give West Po a try since many of her friends are there, but that didn't last long. A few months in and she was begging to leave the school. I attribute many of the problems to an abundance of children in the area who have no guidance at home, when they act out there's no recourse. This carries over to school, but the school is so jaded and maybe even feels like their hands are tied. There's only so much they can do.
—Submitted by a parent

West Po is a GREAT school! The upperlevel classes that are offered are both accomodating and challenging to the students. It's extremely centered around bettering the student so that by the time they graduate they are a well-rounded individual. Every hallway has dozens of posters and information about colleges. The school is extremely involved in its students. We have top choir, band, and theater departments in Fairfax County (which is top ten in the nation!) as well as great sports teams. There is a definite blend of demographics from both ends of the 'food chain' to put it nicely, but the diversity is amazing and so are the cultures. I can also say I feel safe here, yes there is theft problems and maybe one or two bad crowds. I am so glad that I am a Wolverine, it has broadened my views on the importance of college. I love W-Po.
—Submitted by a parent

West Potomac can sometimes get a bad rep. However, let's first put some things into context: It's a Fairfax County school. A Fairfax county school will beat any private school in the Northern Virginia area by leaps and bounds. FFX county public schools are top 10 in the nation. Also, there are great teachers here and a great sports program. Sure, there may be a few bad teachers, but if your student can't handle one bad teacher in 4 years, then your student can't handle the real world. There were a lot of changes in principals in years passed, but it's settled pretty well now. They even have a guy from Thomas Jefferson on the administrative staff now (TJ has been named the top high school in the nation over and over). School has less drugs than Bishop Ireton, etc. Go here!
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school. Good students and good teachers.:> Like all schools theres always some bad students and bad teachers. But most of them r great!!
—Submitted by a student

West Potomac is accomodating to any student willing to challenge themself and work hard or any student who wants an unconventional education. The teachers are extremely qualified and as long as you're willing to learn, they'll teach you a lot. The stealing is a small problem, and the drugs are a bit of an issue, but it's not like people are constantly stealing and lighting up everywhere; there are just a few bad groups who make it seem like everyone is worse.
—Submitted by a student

this school is the best but the teachers are even better
—Submitted by a student

When reading other reviews, it looks like two different schools are being discussed - which is exactly what is happening. Overall my kids have had an excellent experience here, both academically and in extracurricular activities. WPHS has outstanding choral, band and drama drama depts. They also offer a wide range of upper level classes. The teachers my children have had (with two notable exceptions) have been encouraging, knowledgable and good motivators. The one big problem at WP is theft. There is a certain group of kids who constantly steal ipods, cell phones, wallets, etc., and as addressed in other reviews, the administration does nothing about it as they don't want to offend anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

West Potomac is typical of many high schools in that the staff are fighting discipline issues, gang issues, drug issues, etc. My two children could not wait to get out of West Potomac because of the atmosphere created by the staff's handling or mishandling of issues. Not only is there a lack of consistency and communications between the educators themselves and how challenges are handled , there is extremly poor follow up and communications with the parents. Very dismal situation!
—Submitted by a parent

As far as academics, West Po cultivates young minds and challenges students to go above and beyond the call of duty. There are several outstanding teachers who deserve a higher score than 3 of 10. The debate team recently won a Championship debate in the Harrisonburg, VA area. The students are generally well behaved, but one downfall is that there is a level of laziness; which is a virus in the public school system nationwide. One negative thing I can say is that an outsider walking the halls, looking in classes will think that he or she is in a segregated school.
—Submitted by a teacher

There is very good reason that this school is ranked the lowest in Fairfax county. The administration too afraid to be called racist and refuses to enforce discpline or any standards. Because of that, there are gangs and the school is not safe. People have drugs and weapons at school. This place is terrible and needs to be closed.
—Submitted by a student

I've had a wonderful career so far at West Potomac. The classes are tough, but there are so many opportunities to get help, whether it's from a fellow classmate or your teacher. I have not had a 'bad' teacher yet. Teachers want students to succeed and counselors do everything they can to push a student to their fullest potential. Adminitrators/security have done an amazing job on keeping us safe and on track. There is a lack of school spirit, though.
—Submitted by a student

School is really good, the classes can be a little hard, and the pressure is a little too much, (i.e. they get alot of homework) but this helps students in the future. They also have a wonderful arts program. They have a whole building dedicated to arts, and music. The school could be mistaken as a college campus. Their are also alot of parent involvement in this school, we get a lot of money from parents and they really support us.
—Submitted by a student