Westarea Elementary

941 Country Club Drive

School District

Cumberland County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:9
Type

public

School Map for Cumberland 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 November 04, 2024

This school made me feel horrible for having special needs kids and I have removed all of them due to the negligence we’ve experienced. The kindergarten department has a mold infestation and my son was hospitalized from it on multiple occasions and needed breathing treatments twice a day Dixie to this!
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2024

This school is horrible , they let parents know at last minute for any awards days , field trips … etc … the staff is rude especially in the front office , except Ms. Owen’s . You call to get information and they are clueless . Took food for my sons class and well guess what they kept part of it up there with them and his class didn’t get it . Testing is below average , you try and get your child help with education plan and tell you they can’t help you he has to have a adhd or some type of diagnosis … excuse me .. what ?
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2023

Worst excuse for a school I have ever witnessed! Their only priority is to have high test scores, not if the child can actually comprehend what’s going on. Instead of providing resources at the school (that they boast about having so frequently) I had to reach out to outside sources! Behavior from the staff is inexcusable! I would rate 0 stars if it were possible!
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2022

I’ve been a Westarea parent and now grandmother. After COVID, the children came back with many deficits and leading to low test scores. The teachers worked really hard getting them back into school mode. Overall, faculty is excellent, trying super hard to work with the students. Many of the children come from one parent homes and don’t have the support they need at home. The Hispanic children have parents who don’t know English and can’t help them with homework. ESL classes isn’t the solution for these children. My children never went to ESL and they soared to the top of their classes. A website review can be deceiving, the parent’s support to the child and school is imperative, the faculty’s care and dedication for the children, and the support of the community is what makes our schools successful. I’ve seen how faculty and staff are so dedicated to making every child feel special and that they’re able to be successful in everything they do.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2016

Westarea Elementary caters to one culture. Most of the teachers seem really distressed/intimidated by the Administration. I have personally seen Ms. Backman reprimand a teacher in front of parents/other faculty members. On more than one occasion my child has been degraded/berated by a teacher at this school. They pray at assemblies and fail to keep church and state separate. Favoritism exists in the classrooms, volunteering is encouraged, however; parents are made to feel unwelcome by the teachers and it makes us wonder exactly what goes on behind closed doors. I would NEVER recommend this school to anyone! I regret the day my child walked through the door. Dr. Till has really let us down. Everything needs to be revamped... From the Administration to the Cafeteria Staff. Unsanitary conditions exist in the cafeteria. The moral is HORRIBLE!!! I've personally heard how some of the teachers speak to these children....if you are SO miserable as a teacher and have to constantly brow beat these innocent "at risk" children.. Please change your profession!!! I'm so glad my child no longer attends Westarea Elementary and hope he doesn't need therapy to undo all the unpleasant, abusive issues that he had to endure while attending this God Awful facility.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2014

My child has attended Westarea for two years. Her teachers were great but the administration is not. Mrs. Backman's contract should not be renewed. I do believe a stronger leader is necessary to improve processes, ensure thorough and timely communication with parents and set a higher standard for student achievement. The PTA barely meets and if they do you wouldn't know because it's not consistent
Submitted by teacher on February 26, 2014

Westarea Elementary is an excellent school. There are a lot of hard working teachers and support staff working at the school. They have a lot of programs that help the students become more well rounded. Mrs. Backman cares a lot about the students. She works hard to make sure that they students are learning and are prepared. Students at this school have a lot of opportunities to grow. I would recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2014

Our son has been attending Westarea Elementary School since the 3rd grade. Since the arrival of Mrs. Backmann, there has been a wonderful change. Even the entrance into the school is welcoming! As an involved parent, I see how the positive changes have created positive results. Mrs. Backmann share the vision in that all students have potential to exceed and be successful. I see how the Instructional Coaches, Tutors and Support Staff focus on students requiring additional help; I see how parents involvement have increased, particularly at Parent Curriculum Night; and I see how parents receive various resources to assist their child at home. The students have various CLUBS they can be a part of that weren t available before. Most importantly, the shared vision, positive energy, and boost in morale have increased students test scores and teacher/staff morale. WAES have had its share of negativity however, I must say it has changed for the better due to fair and firm leadership. Although we see Mrs. Backmann, Mrs. Callejas, Teachers, Support Staff doing their part, let us as parents do our part to make this an even better school. Come and be part of a great team. Yes We Can!
Submitted by teacher on February 13, 2014

Opinions! This is my opinion. Since Mrs. Backman has arrived at Westarea Elementary, there has been changes; changes for the betterment of the school and community. Beyond doubt, her work is always in the best interest of the students and their families. She truly believes in structure and professionalism. I view her leadership style as assist and insist. Mrs. Backman will assist and mentor faculty and staff members until they are proficient with the set objectives and goals of the school, and then insist that level is sustained. I have witnessed on several occasions her being verbally abused by parents however; she put on the full armor, and then placed up the shield of faith to extinguish all the flaming arrows. Therefore, she displayed the character of the expectation of her faculty and staff members; patients, passion, and professionalism. Westarea is in a better standing and continuing to improve weekly in all aspects.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

Ms Batman is the worst thing that ever happened to this school.... Please don't let her continue another year... I am so disappointed in the superintendent for not reconciling this problem before this goes on another year
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2013

Great school school office staff is great The Data Manager is helpful and always helps he seems to be doing a lot he is a great multi-tasker. The bookkeeper is a sweet she is always nice and helpful. The overall school is making great improvements I would say that this year it is much better.