Willow Glen High School

2001 Cottle Avenue

School District

San Jose Unified
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for San Jose Unified 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 14, 2024

The principal, Amy Hanna has greatly increased communication at WGHS. Parents were frustrated with the previous principal, but Ms. Hanna writes an extensive weekly newsletter, holds parent coffees and if available to talk in person if you make an appointment. Her communication, transparency, and ability to listen are unparalleled for a principal - and I've had kids in SJUSD schools for 16 years.WGHS has an amazing diversity of classes and extra curricular activities for all students: every sport you can imagine, drama, band, choir, dozens of AP classes; my kids have never been lacking in opportunities.The community in Willow Glen is unsurpassed. Parents form life-long friends and return to events with their Ram spirit.You can't go wrong with Willow Glen High.
Submitted by other on April 23, 2024

It's unfortunate this school used to be good. Unfortunately over the past year it has changed and not for the good. If you're looking for a principle that will communicate with you and treat students with respect & compassion take them somewhere else. It takes a strong leader to make a great school that they don't have right now.
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2023

If your kid can tolerate bullying and feeling excluded, send your kid here. Some teachers seem to just be there for a paycheck. Teachers don't care about someone getting picked on. The AP courses are good, but the school does a poor job of helping students that may not have as great study habits as initially believed to set themselves up for success. The staff also don't seem to do much to help you figure out what classes you should take in order to prepare for college.Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend anyone going to this contemptible place that is called a high school. If there's a better option than this school, send your kid other than Willow Glen High School.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2019

Unfortunately, my child’s first year at this school wasn’t a good experience. I am disappointed in the lack of communication and assistance from the teacher and office staff, I would mark this school very low.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2018

We have been impressed with our freshman's experience at WGHS. She seems to be well prepared for sophomore year academically. Her social experience has been positive, and being part of a sports team and Leadership plays a big role in that. The administration is communicative and responsive. The school is large, but has a lot to offer in terms of extracurriculars: sports, performing arts, dance, etc.. The school has a strong sense of community, and programs like Leadership and WG Cares really help make it stronger.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2016

this school is quite great. My child loves it way more than his previous one. I just want to say thanks to the teachers who help him through his transition time.
Submitted by student on August 28, 2013

" if child has learning problems they do npot look at IP." Submitted by a parent As a student who has had an IEP and now a 504, I have been contacted each year for a meeting. If I talk to my teachers, they will help meet my needs in anyway the document allows. I have never had an issue with my 504 at Willow Glen High.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2013

I reviewed this school when my daughter was a sophomore. Now she is a junior at University. She took some AP classes at WGHS and was a good student but I did worry and wonder whether she was really being prepared for college. You don't really know until they get there. So, now I know. I would say that she was well prepared in terms of language arts and science - because of the AP classes, perhaps? She got short-changed on the math. She's been short-changed in math since middle-school. I believe this is probably because teachers are not paid enough to attract enough good mathematicians to the profession. Perhaps, also, because of the persistent prejudice against girls in math. I don't blame the school or anyone in particular. My daughter is finally in calculus and doing okay-it's been a long haul. All in all, I'd say WGHS is a good school - as good as they can be under all the circumstances. One of the biggest plusses is the small, but very active group of parents who are so involved in the extracurricular activities. With the terrible funding of public schools parents have to be involved. You especially have to stay connected to your kid - that is where the rubber meets the road.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2012

There can be "NO TOLERANCE" when it comes to the safety of our children... NONE.... The world is crazy and if the threat was real, the casulites would be unmentionable.. but thank God it wasnt.The staff and administrators are big on pushing "NO TOLREANCE" on our kids and force feeding these idealogies. But when the shoe is on the other foot, incidents gets sweeped under the rug, no communcaition, 2nd and even 4th hands reports, no organizations, and no leaderships.... Where was the Sports Director, and all these other administrators? Why wasnt the football program canceled... MONEY or did the safe with a "NO TOLREANCE" take the back seat to money. What a disgrace from a school that lives in a glass house.