Western Branch High School

As a current sophomore at WBHS, I have no complaints about any of the teachers; however, having been in the honors bubble which is clearly set apart from the rest of the student body, I haven't seen the worst of what can happen. I do know that there are fights, drugs, and other such things throughout the school, but as many others have said prior to this review, that is the parent's issue. As for security and safeguard of the students, the high security is required in a school with so many students in it. Also, Western Branch is very good at making sure us students are out of harm's way. Just yesterday there was a 'gas leak' during home room, the worst time that could have happened. All students were sent to their first bell and then evacuated from the school calmly. My only complaint is that my parents were not informed of this , even though I turned in my emergency card. There is room for improvement, but you will find that in any school.
--Submitted by a student

Western Branch High School showed little leadership when it came to the curriculum. It let students clown around in class and say whatever they wanted out of their mouths, using up precious time to write them up a reforral to the principal's office. Also, for that school to need so much security, makes students wonder whether or not they should tell the bus driver to go to a different Chesapeake school.

I taught at WBHS for 10 years and had 2 kids there as students. The student population shifted during my 10 year tenure. WBHS is known as "Tidewater High" because parents from neighboring cities unlawfully enroll their "troubled" kids ay WBHS. These parents hope that the goodness of the WBHS kids will rub off on their own kids. Unfortunately, the reverse happens shifting the student population in a negative direction. The administrators and teachers are very dedicated. Parent involvement lies at opposite extremes. Student success and behavior is the primary responsibility of parents. The administrators, teachers, and community are more in a support role. Unfortunately, some parents do not hold themselves to the same standard of accountability as they hold the administrators and teachers. Come on parents. Take a stand. Reclaim WBHS and restore its excellent reputation from past years.
--Submitted by a parent

Three of my children have graduated from WBHS. The teachers were patient and thorough. There were times when I was concerned about the kids' grades, but the teachers stayed late and tutored them. For those who are looking for a staff that cares, WBHS is the place to send your children.
--Submitted by a parent

We came to Virginia as a result of a military move in 2001. Finding good schools was our HIGHEST priority. At the time, we had two children in High School and one in Middle School. Through our research and visits with principal, teachers, coaches, and staff, we determined that Western Branch was the school for us. Our children have graduated from high school and they all received scholarships to good colleges. Our son is an officer in the USAF, our oldest daughter is in Law School, and our youngest daughter is a Junior at University of North Florida. We couldn't be happier about the decision to trust our children's formal education to the teachers of WBHS!
--Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter who graduated from WBHS in 2006 and I also have a daughter who is currently a junior. I'm happy with our Bruin learning community. Both of my girls have had good experiences through the school and became involved in clubs, music, and sports. Diversity is offered in academics and extracurricular activities. Plus, we have a talented and diverse population of students. My daughter is building relationships with people of many different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. I feel she is a better, more well-rounded person for being at WBHS. All Chesapeake high schools are overcrowded and I applaud the administration and staff for managing this crowded, pressure-cooker full of teens with raging hormones. I don't know how they do it! These days, schools are being asked to do more with less. Their doors have to be open to all students and I fully support their efforts!
--Submitted by a parent

i used to be a student at western branch and that is the reason i movedd i thought the work was way to hard and im not just saying that because im a student im serious,it difficult.
--Submitted by a student

I am the parent of 2 current students and I am a teaher at WBHS. The crowding issue was addressed before Grassfield HS opened. The school board suggested rezoning and sending the Dock Landing/Airline students to Deep Creek HS. Many WB parents flooded the school board meeting and vehemently opposed rezoning. As a result, millions are being spent on a new wing to accommodate the masses. As far as student misbehavior, the blame rests on the parents' shoulders. Parents are responsible for teaching their children to behave and be respectful. Many extracurricular activities are offered. There is something for everyone. Teachers volnteer to sponsor most clubs, etc. This builds school spirit and keeps kids off the street. We (teachers) do the best we can to educate kids and pick up the slack for the lack of parenting. Give us a break!
--Submitted by a parent

We have had 3 children graduate Western Branch High School. They were accepted to the following colleges/universities: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. One of our children took advantage of the Governor's School for the Arts (jazz music) offered through the high school. Western Branch is a safe place to raise a child and one where property values continue to increase due in large part to the great schools here. I should know I'm a Realtor. BTW the high school is currently undergoing renovation to address the need for more space issue.
--Submitted by a parent

We bought our house just for the Western Branch schools. What a mistake that was. The schools are so over crowded, with more portables on the way. During our first parent/teacher night the first thing out of my sons history teachers mouth was I have never had a student fail the assesment test. My question to her are you teaching the test or are you teaching history as a subject? I have not been pleased with the administration trying to get a handle, it seems like a losing battle. To many children, in not enough space. It doen't seem to be getting better. Summer school was a teacher of the week attempting to teach. During this class my son had several teachers teachng the subject during summer school. This didn' allow the children to become comfortable with a teachers processes or requirements. Everytime the teacher changed the method of teaching changed.
--Submitted by a parent