Westside Elementary School

This school is definitely below average. The office staff and teachers are good but the problem is the students. There are several elementary schools in area and they all combine into westside. There are cliques and groups of kids that run in and out of the class and use profanity. My child is dealing with bullying off and on. Sadly, this could be a great school if all the counties didn't filter in and the school did more to get these gang type children out. Sadly, the parents just do not care and the kids are not scared of any consequences.
--Submitted by a parent

If it weren't for the new Principal, I would have moved my kids to another school. There seems to be a strong focus on the SOL's, but show me a VA school that doesn't have this. We are very happy with the 'New' Westside, and are eager to be a part of the growth.
--Submitted by a parent

School is too concerned with the SOL requirements, the students do not appear to be getting a very well rounded education, administration is only concerned with the state scores. Teachers do not appear to stay at this school very long and move to other districts with an alarming frequency.
--Submitted by a parent

In the 2007-08 school year, a new principal took over. Under his excellent leadership, test scores have improved, teacher morale is high and teachers are totally motivated and committed to continuing to strive for high levels of student achievement.
--Submitted by a teacher

Since the arrival of our new principal, Westside is on the rise! I am certain that he has the best interests of his school and students in mind when he makes a decision. Our test scores may not show it yet, but we are working hard to improve that. Soon our test scores will accurately reflect the quality teaching and caring community that Westside is becoming.
--Submitted by a teacher

The new principal, has helped turn the school around!!
--Submitted by a parent

Though the school year has just started, I must say that Westside is on the up and up. I personally can attest that every teacher at Westside, both this year and last year, work very hard to help their students achieve greatness. However, the sole responsibility cannot and must not rest on the classroom teacher. Parents and the community must become involved in raising our children and helping them to grow into well educated citizens. Remember it takes a village to raise a child....

I have a son/and daughter that attend Westside. They both have very different learning styles. It has been my observation that some of the teachers at Westside are very ditto worksheet and book oriented only. What about the students that do not learn this way?How about activities that teach.Both of my children were honor roll before coming to Isle of Wight,1 was advanced honor roll both are now failing or very near failing in several subjects.
--Submitted by a parent

My 11 year old son attends Westside Elementary School, and I think that the quality of academic programs is for the most part good, as well as extracurricular activities. Upon visiting the school, I've noticed a fairly moderate level of parent involvement. I must admit that I am a bit concerned with the actions and reactions of some of the teachers staffed at the school. My son has come to me on more than one occasion very upset with how a teacher responded to him. I do not want to jump to any conclusions,until I plan a visit to the school to sit in on a few classes. However, I do hope that when I am not present, these teachers recognize that my child's education is of importance, and that they are being trusted with playing a significant role in my child's future.
--Submitted by a parent