West Creek Academy

28767 N. W. Hills Dr.

School District

Saugus Union
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:26
Type

public

School Map for Saugus Union 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 11, 2024

Bullying is a big problem at West Creek, and the way it’s handled is so frustrating. It feels like the victims are the ones who get blamed, while nothing is done to address the real issues. The principal, Ms. Bett, doesn’t seem to take it seriously and just tries to cover things up. I’ve talked to other parents, and almost every kid seems to have dealt with bullying here at some level.The academics are also really disappointing. There’s no GATE program or any advanced options for students, and it’s hard to tell where the school’s funding is even going. My children say they’re not learning anything meaningful and that the class is boring. It feels like the school is just going through without actually engaging the kids or challenging them to grow academically.The extracurriculars and aftercare programs are no better. The aftercare is completely disorganized—there’s barely any space available, and bullying often continues there. As for the extracurricular activities, they’re really underwhelming. You can take one free class and it doesn’t feel like a proper class at all. Nothing seems well-structured or worth the time.West Creek Academy has a lot of issues that need fixing, from bullying to academics to programs outside the classroom. We are leaving this school. Don’t put kids here!!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2024

Part of the reason we moved to the area was for the highly-rated schools, in particular West Creek Academy. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. Our child was excited to start Kindergarten, but we quickly found concerns that ultimately led us to unenroll.The children’s backpacks and lunches are kept outside in the sun because they packed 28 kids into a classroom designed for 15. There was no consideration for our child who is very advanced, and boredom quickly set in. Bullying started up almost immediately and nothing productive was done. The administration staffing is bloated but complains about inadequate funding for enough teachers. Maybe it’s just my perception, but the principal lacks the leadership and professionalism I’d expect from someone in that position.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2024

After a couple of years of experience with West Creek, I have some concerns that I want to share. Unfortunately, my overall impression hasn’t been very positive.Academic Performance: It seems that students’ high test scores are more a result of extra help from parents or programs like Kumon, rather than what’s happening in the classroom. This leaves students without that additional support feeling pretty left out, and it doesn’t seem like teachers are doing much to address this gap.School Atmosphere: The school often feels unwelcoming and judgmental. They talk a lot about embracing different cultures and personalities, but it doesn’t always feel that way in practice.Resources and Staff: The school is overcrowded and lacking in resources. Teachers are clearly overwhelmed, and the high turnover rate isn’t helping. The much-touted CalArt partnership hasn’t made much of a difference, and there haven’t been any field trips.Financial Concerns: Despite substantial taxes and donations intended to improve the school, funds seem to be allocated to events that are not accessible to all families. This raises concerns about whether resources are being used effectively to address the school's most urgent needs.Bullying: There’s a lot of bullying happening, and it seems like Mrs. Bett and the staff aren’t doing enough to handle it. This undermines the school’s commitment to being a safe and supportive environment for kids.I’m puzzled as to why West Creek Academy has such a high rating given these issues. I hope they can make some changes to improve things for everyone.
Submitted by student on July 19, 2024

coming from a student its just a normal school if you maintain good grades
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2020

So far our daughter has nothing but praises for WCA and for the teachers. As for us parents, we feel that she is safe and in good hands there.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2018

Excellent! Better than any other school around the area.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2018

So far I would rate it a 9.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2017

Superb! Really enjoy the school and the teachers.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2017

Great school.I love the school for its efforts to build kids overall development.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2017

Everything academic is wonderful thus far, I am even a member of PTA and volunteer weekly at various events throughout the school. My main concern is the socioeconomic dynamic at the school. I don't always feel welcomed or included, because as I have mentioned, I am probably the youngest minority parent, I do feel sometimes I am mistreated or have to work twice as hard to be included because of this. But as far as academics go, the school is Amazing and offers wonderful academic/elective/technological programs.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2016

Three years ago this was a five star school. What a difference a few hundred kids and a million new homes make. This school is overcrowded and kids no longer get personal attention. Everything that made this a great school has been removed to accommodate student enrollment growth. If you buy a house I hope you can afford private school because you likely will have to go somewhere else when the school turns away neighborhood kids so they can keep all of the transfer students!!!
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2015

After comparing WCA's curriculum to a nearby private school, WCA's is no more different , if not better, from a school that costs $10k per year. I was impressed with the amount of speeches my Kindergartener had to present throughout the school year. I've lost count but will say it's at least 5 speeches. Although WCA is a public school that has to conform with the new Common Core standards, so far, I have not seen this be an issue to my child. 3 years later? Maybe. But, again, that's part of the public school system. And if it poses to be a problem then, we will consider other alternatives. But, for now, we are extremely satisfied with the quality of education and the nurturing environment West Creek Academy provides.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2014

My Daughter she just Graduated from this Amazing School the teacher are great and the Principal and Staff are great too. she will miss the so much.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

My son is very happy here. 5 star school at WORST. It's just awesome for him. He only wishes they had baseball there!
Submitted by other on September 01, 2013

Excellent. I recommend it to all students. My granddaughter is feeling very comfortable with her teachers and is learning how to read very well
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2013

This is a fantastic school with a great principal who gets involved with every student and every thing that happens at the school. The students each know him by name and call out happily to him when they see him. He works hard behind the scenes and gets involved where ever help is needed. The teachers are carefully picked and are the best I've seen in 15 years of working in the education field. The mom's are so involved, caring and constatly challening each other and the school to be better each year. Amazing volunteers, amazing teachers, amazing principal.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2011

Excellent school. Great example of what a great public elementary school can be. The principal and teachers are highly committed and dedicated to academic excellence and honorable character traits. The school was founded on the basis that students need to incorporate the arts, music and foreign languages (in addition to academic excellence) in order to be a well-rounded, global thinking citizen. Students take music classes (application and theory) twice a week, are introduced to conversational foreign language phrases (currently Korean and Chinese) in the morning broadcast, upper grades (4-6) have a choice of excellent electives and for the academically high performing and GATE students, a new program will be implemented to encourage these students to "break the ceiling" and go above and beyond the standard curriculum. Also, an EXCELLENT PTA that works well with the principal and teachers to bring extra-curricular and academic enhancements to the school, along with tons of fun events for the school community. We just finished our first year and I am just amazed how well everything was implemented . No wonder we have a huge wait list. We feel so blessed to be at this school.