Westside High School

14201 Briar Forest Drive

School District

Houston Independent
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Houston Independent 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 January 03, 2022

This school is by far the worse experience that my daughter and myself have experienced. The Deans and Principals are not trust worthy. The Principals do not care about the students well being. My daughter was assaulted on this school premise. We are frustrated, and emotionally and mentally affected by this entire situation. My daughter have attended this school for three years now and this will be her last year. I tried to speak to the Dean, and Principals: I was denied and refused to speak with the Principals or to resolve any issues. I am new to this city and I expected a better example of what this community demonstrates. Bullying and assaulting any child should never be tolerated. I ran to to school numerous times to deal with this bullying situation and no one helped in any kind of way. No one ever asked my child was she okay the day of the assault or when she returned! Parents should be allowed to be heard to gain a resolution. Children should feel safe at school. No child should be bullied, looked over or left behind under any circumstance. To any parent they may be interested in this particular school West Side High please be careful many situations are swept under the rug. The school is big and nice however the Principals, Deans /Staff could improve on how they administrate to their students.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2021

Westside High School is great! Great teachers deans and very good programs.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2020

My family made the right decision. Westside has been the most amazing experience for my children.
Submitted by student on April 02, 2020

While my last years here were good, my recent visits to this school have shown that management and order are on a decline here.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2018

The experience was excellent after my daughter's her dean resigned. The replacement was awesome!!!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2017

If I had it to do all over again, my child would not set foot in this building.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014

how do you switch schools that are assigned to your address or area?? hard to find greats schools w/o going outside the loop.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

Love this school. Very well organized, keeps parents very well informed with weekly newsletters and phone calls. Many workshops to assist parents in helping their children plan their academic future. The Deans of every House are very hands off and accessible and the teachers are engaged and communicate and offer tutorials and take the time to contact parents know where they see the need for additional help.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2014

I have found excellent teachers and some really poor ones. In particular, one particular language department head displayed some pretty questionable ethics in the past. The school principal at the time (no longer there) whose name is actually mentioned in some of the reviews, circled the wagons and ran defense for her when she was clearly lying and covering up her poor judgment and behavior. The good teachers often don't stay and the bad ones hang on to their lifeboat/paycheck. Teacher accountability has always been a problem there. Having said that, this is probably one of the better high schools in the district.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2013

Both of my sons attended 4 years and graduated from Westside and are now succesful in college. The dean system is excellent and really makes the difference. The new principal, Ms. Stewart, provides strong leadership and draws on her time at WHS as a dean and from her continued focus on the best developments in education. Students are expected to excell and there are plenty of academic opportunities. The list of colleges attended by WHS students is impressive. All students have an opportunity to find areas of interest to them through courses, clubs, fine arts and sports. The campus is modern and safety is a priority. School spirit is strong and the staff believe in Westside -- check it out for yourself!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

I am the mother of a special needs student. He attends some resource classes and some regular ed classes. The school is very willing to help choose the best types of classes for your student. They treat each special needs child as an individual. The school nurses are phenomenal and are so helpful. The special ed administrators are also great. All the teachers have worked so willingly with my child. I am very impressed. This has been a great choice for my special ed child.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

I am the parent of 2 children that have graduated from WHS and a third that is currently a junior in the Westside Engineering Geosciences Academy. The 2 older children were very well prepared for college, one having graduated with a degree in education and the other with a masters in finance. If a child is willing to work, an excellent and diverse education is available from WHS.