West High School

I'm currently a junior at Waukesha West and things have gotten better now that we have a new principal. So far, I've really enjoyed the experience, especially my freshman and sophomore years. Naturally, junior year is much harder and stressful. Therefore, I haven't been enjoying this year all that much. There are the few who love their job and do everything for the students. However, there is the other side with a few teachers who make you want to explode. We have gone through many issues throughout the school years and it's all about what one makes of it. Some kids complain about how it's a drug-associated and snobby kind of school, but if you hang around with the right people, you don't really encounter that kind of stuff. The administration consisting of the principal and 3 vice principals are generally caring and helpful. Unfortunately, the secretaries in the office are rather cold-shouldered and unfriendly. The student body is pretty friendly and welcoming; there's always someone who'd want to help you out. To wrap things up, this school is a great place with so many opportunities to get involved; there is a place for everybody here, and you just have to find it.
—Submitted by a student

Our daughter is finishing up her freshman year at West and she is loving attending school there. In my opinion, she does not have a mediocre teacher...every one of them is outstanding. She is an active participant in band and she enjoys it. She has become very invested in her own high school experience and I feel that the teachers at West have encouraged this. I am very happy to have my daughter attend West. We moved to Waukesha from the Chicago area and I know that her experience at West far exceeds what it would have been if we hadn't moved here.
—Submitted by a parent

Ever since the administration was redone, the school has taken a nose dive.
—Submitted by a student

I am a sophomore here and I don't like this school. Few teachers are willing to help students outside of class and it seems like the faculty as a whole doesn't care about the kids once they're out of their class. The administration assumes the worst out of students without looking into their side and are super strict. The kids, for the most part, are exactly what other schools make them out to be, spoiled rich kids who complain to mommy and daddy when they don't get what they want
—Submitted by a student

This school is subpar to say the least. I sent 2 children here and we had to change districts to send my younger 2 children to a better school. The parents talk the talk about caring, but only a select few truly enjoy teaching. Drugs and Alcohol are common culture for upperclassmen and the school provides very little discipline. This is not the school for a student who wants to do more than graduate from High School.
—Submitted by a parent

My daugher graduated last year 08 and had a great experience. We made sure our Freshmen twins got in at West also. We are in the North district. First month of school and they are adjusting well. Web grader helps the teachers and parents stay informed. Sports activities are going great.
—Submitted by a parent

As the parent of a senior I can say that I love this school! My daughter has has a great education, contact with great teachers and tons of extracurricular activities to keep her busy. She has been involved in softball (frosh/soph and JV) and Drama (including Drama Board) as well as SADD (Students against distructive decisions). I would highly recommend this school, it is well maintained, the teachers are happy in their jobs and the parents are quite involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Waukesha West. I will admit that freshman year I hated it but after another year I really saw the best of West. West has many excellent teachers, but there are always a few that are less than stellar. Most of the staff is helpful and many will help you before the vice-principals are very helpful and involved, but I must say that the principal is rarely seen and most students would have to think hard to remember his name. There are many excellent opportunities for kids who need to be challenged academically and West also has a great art and band program. I would suggest sending your kids here.
—Submitted by a student

I attend Waukesha West and I am currently a Junior. This school is like being in prison 8 hours a day. The adminisration cares more about the students being in class then the over all wellfare of them. In the last year they have put security cameras in all of the hallways to see what kids are skipping. I am a decent student and am involved in many activites so it's not like I am the kind of person to bash everything. But this school is horrible. I don't suggest you send your students here if at all possible!
—Submitted by a student

Amazing school, I love it and I'm currently a sophomore. The teachers at West are very interested in their students learning as much as possible and make accommodations to help whenever needed. Sports programs have excellent coaches and they are so fun to play on, softball particularly. It's a great school where you can learn and grow as you pass through it. I would highly recommend West over the other two public schools in the district (South and North).
—Submitted by a student

As a young freshman first coming into West, I'll admit, I was a bit taken back. At first I thought it would be horrible, but it was great! The administration and staff are so helpful and are really appreciated. West has some of the best academic and athletic programs in the state, not to mention the only school in the city with skylight windows, beautiful scenery, and a well-kept building with excellent murals around the school painted by students themselves. As a sophomore, West has become my second home. I'm involved in about ten extra curriculars! West is one of the best schools, in my opinion!
—Submitted by Erik Rhine, a student

Both of my teens attended this High School and we are very impressed with the level of professionalism of staff. Enrichment courses such as photography and tech classes were appreciated by both of my children. Top notch design and beautiful environment.
—Submitted by a parent