West Elementary School

415 West 2nd North

School District

Mountain Home District
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

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 July 23, 2018

I found that this school is what you make of it. Parents are welcomed to volunteer. Students who are willing to work can thrive. The reading program was very good; it was linked with the school library and computer room programs. Between my three children, I experienced every grade level except first grade. In all grades the students could progress in reading at their own pace; they could read up to two grades beyond their own grade with this program. As we moved from the area, the school was beginning to implement a new mathematics program. To me, this school is limited only by funding. The administrative staff, principal, and teachers care about the students. They try to maximize the education of their students to the best of their abilities, and any student with a willingess to learn will not be hindered. The only area I think that needs to be improved upon is the lack of communication between the playground attendants and the teachers. Bullying does happen, and the teachers and principal will stop it if they know about it. Problem is, how will they know about it if the playground attendants do not let the teachers know the incidents that occur at recess?
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2018

This school is terrible with helping kids who are behind. They do not care if a child gets the attention they need in otder to grow and learn. Would never recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2015

My children have been attending this school for the last 3 years. The teachers and staff are very kind and caring. My older son is above grade level in reading and math and his teacher has given us resources and ideas to help further and challenge him in those areas.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2015

My sons strongest subject at home is reading. I would find him third and fourth grade reading material to enjoy. So of course, when he came home with his first progress report stating that he had a 1 (lowest grade you can possibly earn), I was confused. How is it that he earned such a low grade in his strongest subject? He also had a 1 in language arts. I spoke with his teacher and she said that maybe it was because she gives most tests orally. That being said, I figured my son just needed time to adjust to her teaching style. I worked at home with my son on reading and language arts. Only thing was...I had no idea what they were learning in class so that what he was learning at home could be relevant in class as well. There is such poor communication on the school's end as far as what they are learning in school each week. How do you expect children to excel? His grade is STILL at the 1 level. I tried to review with my son the answers that he had gotten wrong on past tests, but of course there are no written instructions on his tests. It is extremely frustrating. My son says his teacher tests him with words, and rules of grammar and that they are not introduced to them until the day of the test! No studying or rules of language to prepare them. Either children know these things before entering this school, pick it up along the way on their own, or they are left behind. Very, Very, upset with the quality of education my son has been receiving. And currently just doing the best I can to supplement his education at home. On top of that, my son has encountered a few too many instances of bullying at this school. And so has my nephew, who also attends the school.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2014

This school's staff is warm and welcoming, the teachers that I have had the pleasure of getting to know thus far always have an open ear to my questions and/or concerns, and honestly...these are the best behaved students I have seen in the district at this age level. My children will definitely be staying at West!
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2011

This school is lacking in facilities and no communication on the schools end. I took my kids out of this school and would NEVER recommend this school for any children. After my son struggled at a first grade reading level for 2 years straight once i took him out and after 7 months of a different school he is now reading at proficient 4th grade reading level. Education is so important and you don't get time back.