Westlake Elementary School

The school does not welcome students from lower socio-econmic backgrounds. They are not sensitive to the differences within those students, and often the teachers get stuck on auto-pilot assuming all families have the same plentiful resources. There is a very serious lack of equity here.

So far after 2 years and 2 kids at Westlake I have gotten to know so much more about what the schools potential is, and how much it depends on volunteers . The first years are always the most disorienting but after getting to know the parents I have joined them in volunteering more and have a voice in what programs our kids can benefit from. I was drawn to the reputation of the school that relies on the culture and dedication of it's community of parents, so we all must put in what we want out of it. I would recommend this school for it's wide range of program and enrichment offerings in arts and science, and its community, and teachers.

This school was once a great community but is quickly heading downhill due to declining principal leadership and PTA involvement. The school needs to focus on closing the achievement gap among students with lower scores, assuring it's process is equitable and addressing diversity issues when they occur head-on. It's such a shame. It's a wonderful community but leadership is utterly failing and the school feels like it needs new energy......

All of my children have gone through Westlake and are at the very top of their classes at middle and high school. I can't imagine an elementary school with a more inclusive and compassionate environment. I'm sorry to read other multiple comments about poor treatment of a child of color but I personally haven't seen this type of behavior.