West Clayton Elementary

1012 South Lombard Street

School District

Johnston County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Johnston County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 04, 2024

Staff do not communicate with parents. This has not always been the case however when the new administration took over this year, not responding to parents concerns became priority. My child is special needs and has an IEP they do not respect him as a person or us as parents. Constantly have to fight for even a one line answer about my child. I have been in education this should not be the case. So many other things I could say but I do not feel it’s necessary. Just steer clear of this school if your child is a special needs student. Have contacted the school board as well but all they do is send you back to the school. My child does not feel safe at all in that building and we are looking to move so that he can be in a better learning environment.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2024

As a parent, I have always trusted and respected the education system, but my child's experience at West Clayton has been nothing short of disappointing.From the very beginning, my child has been judged and treated unfairly. It seems that the teachers at West Clayton have not taken the time to get to know my child as an individual, instead relying solely on what is written on a piece of paper. This has resulted in a lack of understanding and support for my child's unique needs.Furthermore, I have noticed that the majority of the teachers at West Clayton are simply there to collect a paycheck. Their attitudes towards their students are appalling, and it is clear that their priority is not the well-being and education of our children. This is unacceptable and goes against the very purpose of being a teacher.I regret to say that the curriculum at West Clayton is subpar, and the teachers are not on the same page. This has caused confusion and frustration for my child, and I can only imagine that other students are facing the same challenges. Lastly, this school is not for those of color and it is obvious.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2023

My family has several children that have gone through this school. My oldest niece had a wonderful experience here, but at the time, Mrs. Barnes was not the principal and she had teachers that cared about her education. She excelled in school and has since gone into early college and will have an Associates Degree before she is 18 years old. However, since then, the school has progressively gotten worse. I honestly wish I would have read the reviews before ever deciding to send my child here. He is extremely behind based on their testing methods-- and Lord knows what those even are. 2 of the other children in my family have transferred to a different school and it has been the best decision for them, however, they are also EXTREMELY behind compared to the other kids in their classes. It has been extremely sad seeing them at night struggle to make it through their homework. It takes them hours to do and according to their new teachers, it should be stuff that they already know.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2022

This school needs help and fast. Academically the school is struggling beyond what they’re capable of managing. The students are not receiving a level of support that they need to be successful and administration seems to not care. Even the basic instruction is so far off from what should be standard. The communication from teachers to parents is slim to none and they’re not capable of managing classroom behaviors. The staff isn’t held accountable and the school is just overall in a downward spiral.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2018

Our daughter had a wonderful year with Ms. DeLeon. She is so nice and caring. We disagree with the previous poster, and we love our new principal. Looking forward to fifth grade!
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2018

Ever since mr. bunn left the school is horrible the new principal is horrible just everything I’m glad my son will be leaving to go to charter Academy next year!
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2017

This school use to be great, but not anymore. Teachers are bigger bullies than other children. My 4th grader has always been an A student, but her teacher this year has her terrified to go to class and she stresses herself sick. Ive had conferences sent emails and still the teachers don't care. The only person they had that cared was Mrs. Roberts and she has retired...so now there is no one to contact that actually cares about the children. The children are treated like prisoners and screamed at about everything... Visit one morning during breakfast and see how these poor children are treated. I'll be so happy when my daughter is out of this dump of a school..my son is so much happier in the middle school
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2015

My daughter loves attending West Clayton and we couldn't be happier with the teaching staff. Everyone has been very helpful and we enjoy the events and would recomend anyone who enjoys involvement to enroll their children.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2014

This is a great community school. Been around forever. We have had a positive experience over 10 years of our kids cycling through here. One child has a learning disability and does well, and another was a book worm and also did well. Teachers here stick around and turnover is low. Our PTA is great and is always open to finding new volunteers. Lots of volunteers in the classrooms. This is a solid school.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

This is the most unfriendly school I have ever been in.The women in the office look like you are bothering them. I couldn't pick out the principle in a line up. I have no clue who she is. I am so unhappy with the teachers. 4th graders shouldn't be allowed to behave the way they do and all the teacher does is scream at them. The parent group is a click who only let their friends help then send out letters of how honored they are to be volunteer of the year. Time to look into charter schools. I wish I could move our dream house to another school zone. Avoid this school. Positive reviews are lies!
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2014

Zero should be an option. This school can not keep the good teachers. The only teachers that stay have no other options. The principal is the worst. Every year 10 or more teachers leave. Why does her boss not ask her why teachers keep leaving. I would say just hope you get a newly hired teacher but that wont protect your child. The elective teachers are terrible too. Just visit the school and watch how these "adults" act with the students. If you have another school for your child to attend DO IT!
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2014

This is our eight year having a child in this school. We loved Bruce Bunn as Principal! With the take over of the new principal, things have really gone down hill quickly!! The last two years have been HORRIBLE! Teachers aren't happy and many take it out on kids. Bullying is tolerated in that nothing is done about it. The principal, front office staff and many teachers will placate you by saying something will be done when in reity they will do nothing! Thank God for the teachers who DO still love the kids and what they do!! Three stars is generous. Used to be FIVE!
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2013

I had a child go K-5 and have a current third grader and a soon to be Kindergartner...the school is amazing... Leadership on every level is progressive and invested in seeing every child succeed. There are so many opportunities to get involved, and despite teacher salaries and benefits suffering all we see as parents are talented, deeply commited educators. The PTA is all-inclusive and not cliquish like at other schools and the list just goes on and on... An A+ school for sure!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2013

Being from Wake County we were excited to be assigned to West Clayton. What a disappointment. The focus of the school is testing, testing, testing. Students are cramming so much information it is all memorization. Classrooms lack organization and structure. Teachers lack training. The school has a huge teacher turnover rate. Administrators are never visible. School is outdated from the buildings to technology. Classrooms are outfitted with ancient computers. On rainy days the halls are full of buckets catching rain from leaking ceilings. West Clayton has been a huge disappointment for our family.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2012

West Clayton made my sons transition from moving and starting school much better and he is quickly learning and loves school. The teachers are incredible working with the kids and involving the parents as well as keeping us updated with their school work. Excited for our youngest to start next year.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2011

Both my children (boys) have attended from Kindergarten. Great quality teachers and challenging instructional environment. Great community involvement and strong PTA. Many volunteer opportunities and parental interaction. Principal was helpful in considering special needs for placement. Technology needs an overhaul Media Center needs funding for upgrades Would like to see a foreign language offering