West University Elementary School in Houston, Texas

“Good education while it's like one big family.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I find it odd that you think West U has a weak K program because of homework. Have you read the studies on homework and how much should be given at what age ? It looks like you haven't. I have had 4 children go through the program and the Kdgn. classes perform in the top 10% in the nation each year according to national norms. The GT tests are set up by the district not West U. The tests are developed by the district and approved by TEA. The profile must include all aspects of a child! Gifted doesn't mean JUST academically smart!!!! If you would have asked I am sure someone would have explained it to you. My children now go to one of the top rated private schools in Houston so West U must have done something right! In fact they got offers from 8 different schools!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter went to kindergarten there after coming from Galena Park ISD. I thought I was sending her to a better school. Yes the actiities are good there, but was not happy with how her education developed. I feel she learned more from her PreK school at GPISD. Her teacher did not giver her homework. i strongle believe she could have been better challenged. The parents didn't mind of course I spoke to some and some preferred no homework so that they did not have spend time on that after work. Sigh! I think their Gifted tests are a joke. In one year she was required to take two. You don't need a test to check if your child is gifted. You know it by having an extremely smart child. Their gifted child tested just proves that some kids are a bit more mature than others. Glad I left.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“WUE is a very good public school with mostly devoted and outstanding teachers who are limited by the emphasis on test scores and standardized curricula. The library is outstanding. Instruction in the music and art 'ancillary periods' is poor. There are very limited enrichment activities during and after school. There is a small invitation only track team and a newsletter club. The PTO runs a math club and a 'Name that Book' club. Foreign Language, Robotics, and Science after-school programs are run by private companies and are costly. The school is safe and has high standards for discipline. There is a very active PTO and a high level of parent involvement. Teachers are very accessable - the administration is less accessable.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Tremendous school, have been very impressed with not only the educators but caliber of the students themselves...parents very involved, amazing dedication and strong community feel/focus. My son has probably learned as much from the after school activities as from the instruction!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children have attended the school for the past 4 years. It is not a perfect school, but is there really such a thing as a perfect school? The level of good communication is in direct correlation as to the parents participation in discussions with the teacher and administration. My child had a bullying issue and it was resolved. For the past 6 years straight it is recognized as an exemplary school. Also the past 2 years, it has been recognized as a Texas Honor Roll school. It is a Texas Monthly top school 2007. I would like to correct in saying that the vote of uniforms was not a majority. I voted for uniforms. People need to remember our children s education starts at home and ends with use the parents. Yes, there is room for improvements, as in anything in life. Overall this is an excellent school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Curriculum is strong, but no foreign language, music is poor. Third and fifth grades are less challenging, fourth grade is extreme. Too much time spent teaching to the standardized tests. Respectfulness is not always shown among teachers, students, parents, and staff. Male students place great emphasis on athletics with teasing at recess. Some grades have issues with girl bullying. Majority of parents voted for uniforms, but it has never happened. Books needed to complete homework and binders are heavy, but the school banned rolling backpacks. Teacher turnover is high and teachers report not feeling supported by administration who focus on test scores and seem unresponsive to parental concerns. Some classes have nearly 30 students. Electrical, heating, and A/C problems plague the school. Students often have silent lunch and some classes are punished by missing recess. Food is fair, milk sometimes runs out or is expired! Doors are often propped open.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school as long as you aren't a single parent who needs assistance. With PTA meetings held at 8 and 9 AM it is obvious that they are not open to assisting the everyday working parent. The teachers are helpful but can be extremely judgmental and are quick to label a child. If you're an African American who isn't a stay at home parent or have an extremely flexible work schedule, I suggest you look on. They are not going to work with you. They pretend in words to care, but the actions toward working with a parent tell another story. Even feedback is a challenge.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We ve had the exact same experience with our child as that described by the first February entry it s all about status quo. This is a generously endowed school with superb teachers. However its administration has a very narrow focus on test scores. At WestU the community involvement in the school is limited to overzealous parents in the PTO. If your child is either very creative or is somehow disabled this may not be the right school for you.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I like this school very much. Our daughter has done well here. The academic standards are high and the discipline is firm but fair. The PTO is active and very influential. Parents are involved and the school encourages parent participation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school does not live up to its reputation. While the academics are generally good, the administration is too status quo to improve the overall quality. I find the PTO is too influential with the administration and gets unfair priority in teacher selection. When I tried to offer to help in the PTO, I did not feel welcomed or encouraged to participate. The school is much too concerned with politics and not enough with the quality of the students' educational experience. The school itself is too big with almost 1000 students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have been extremely disappointed in the weak academics and enrichment subjects at West U. The school is extremely heavy handed with the discipline. Parental concerns are ignored by a principal and staff who are more concerned with accountability ratings than teaching methods.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Most of the teachers are great. The music and art ancillary classes are very poor in quality. The principal's priority is test scores, and does not want to be bothered with parental concerns. Due to the poor conduct of some kids, there is too much yelling at all students. Students frequently have to be silent during lunch. Parent involvement is high.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“West University Elementary is a decent elementary school. The downside is the pure number of students of approximately 960 children. The majority of the children come from affluent families, hence, there is no economic diversity at the school. Very strong parent participation, which could be good and bad. Overall, this is a above average elementary school in HISD but if your child is super smart, it is not very challenging.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am impressed with the amount of parent involvement.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I found this school's principal to be far too involved in politics to concentrate on the educational needs of the students. From what I see your student will do well if you make large contributions to the school. There seems to be far more emphasis on fund raising than on education.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“excellent teacher and parent involvement. amazing community school. like a private school that is publicly funded. the best of all worlds. the teachers have a true interest in the students and the students know that.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“West U is an incredible elementary. By far, one of the best in the city. The teachers are some of the best I've met, and the overall parent involvement makes this school the center of the community. Many children within school boundaries have the resources to attend private school, but choose West U because of the excellence of the curriculum, staff, and sense of community.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Exceptional teachers - very strong gifted and talented program - excellent leadership at the administrative level - highest standards of performance and behavior expected from students and teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a very large elementary school with excellent academics, extracurriculars, and parental support.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Great School, Terrific parent involvement. School is renovating and increasing number of classrooms. The only downside is the growing student population of this popular school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Both our children have attended this school. In general the teachers are excellent and the academic programs are excellent. The classes have become increasingly large over the last few years.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school and great principal. Prior to his arriving in 1996 when one of my children was in 5th grade, the school had frequent turnover of principals and had its rating lowered to acceptable. Under his leadership, the school moved up to recognized and then exemplary three years ago. The HISD school district recognized him as one of their principals of the year in 2003. Many private school parents have come back to public school because of the positive changes here. Draw your own conclusions.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Although this is a high performing school, I feel that sometimes it is in spite of the leadership. Classes are too crowded, more than the maximum 22 students per class. The principal tends to hire brand new teachers because they are less expensive to hire. Then the teachers have their hands full trying to manage a large class. The integration of gifted kids with other kids don't work well, because the teachers are busy helping those kids who have trouble reading or adding, or who just act up more. Given that many teachers are new, the classroom can be chaotic. However, I have to say that the teachers are dedicated and work very hard with the children. It is the leadership of the principal that is lacking.”
This review was posted by a parent.