West Lake Middle

Apex, NC 27539

Phone: (919) 662-2900
Fax: (919) 662-2906
District: Wake County School District

8

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades 6,7,8 • 697 students

West Lake Middle, a public school located in Apex, NC, serves grades 6-8 in the Wake County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

West Lake Middle is a public school located in Apex, NC. 697 students attend West Lake Middle.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 7/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Student Growth 8/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Posted: July 28, 2024

Posted: July 28, 2024

Posted: July 28, 2024

Posted: July 28, 2024

Posted: July 28, 2024

Posted: July 28, 2024

Posted: July 28, 2024

Amazing experience! Administration does an excellent job with keeping the kids engaged with academics, parents informed on events and encouraging all to participate in sports.

Posted: July 28, 2024

Posted: May 31, 2023

Posted: May 31, 2023

Posted: May 31, 2023

Posted: May 31, 2023

Posted: May 31, 2023

Posted: May 31, 2023

Posted: May 31, 2023

Feel like being lost all the time and not having an idea of what is going on with your children’s school? Then this is the school for you. No one responds to you if you reach out- not teachers, administrators, or counselors. They are not welcoming at all and the PTSA doesn’t help that feeling either. They had a ton of staffing issues and the students barely knew what was going on and the parents were kept in the dark about that and all kinds of things. If you try to talk to anyone about this, IF they even respond, they act like they listen but nothing changes. This has been the worst experience in an academic setting for both of my kids. I’m not sure what we are going to do next year because it is literally that bad. We worry about the quality of education they are getting. The sports program is not great either, so no saving grace in that department. I wish there were some redeeming qualities, but we have found zero. My kids cannot wait for this year to be over to maybe reset. I do not recommend this school- if you have other options, by all means, TAKE THEM.

Posted: May 31, 2023

Posted: June 10, 2022

Posted: June 10, 2022

Posted: June 10, 2022

Posted: June 10, 2022

Posted: June 10, 2022

Posted: June 10, 2022

Posted: June 10, 2022

Felt teachers where great at communication with parents. They kept my child engaged and interested. Hoping next year 7th grade teachers do the same.

Posted: June 10, 2022

Posted: December 15, 2021

Excellent. Teachers are greatly involved in the students growth

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: December 11, 2021

So far very happy with this school. My daughters teachers all communicate very well with us and encourage my daughter to do her best. Transition into middle school is not always easy. But I feel her track four team is a wonderful group of educators.

Posted: December 11, 2021

Posted: December 11, 2021

Posted: December 11, 2021

Posted: December 11, 2021

Posted: December 11, 2021

Posted: December 11, 2021

Posted: December 11, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

My name is Breanah Mosley I am an 8th grade student here at west lake middle and I am writing this because I feel like no one would listen to me if I were to tell them face to face, there is nothing wrong with the school it's the system they're failing us along with the teachers..some are good (at least mine are) but other than that the 2 assistant principles JC and JR are not good at their job with the students and i'm tired of it. I'm pretty sure they know how to get paperwork through and all of that stuff but besides that how they talk and treat the students are preposterous. Especially JC, you could be minding your business and he'll find something to pick on you about, Not only have I experienced this but i've heard it from plenty more students EVEN teachers. If you got in trouble once here you're a target forever. I'm pretty sure the Principal doesn't even know how the AP's treat students. JC doesn't need to be fired but he needs to stop with the passive aggressiveness and treat other how he wants to be treated. I will also work on myself at that.

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: May 11, 2021

I would not recommend this school. I have had 3 children attend. It is not a welcoming environment. We actually pulled one of our children out of this school to attend private school. My child actually had teachers that just left during the middle of class, and did not return. The learning environment is chaotic to say the least. There is no substance or quality to what they are learning and I have been extremely disappointed with our family’s experience at this school. If your family has another option, take it. I would not give this school 1 star, but am required to by this website.

Posted: May 11, 2021

Posted: May 11, 2021

Posted: May 11, 2021

Posted: May 11, 2021

Posted: May 11, 2021

Posted: May 11, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2021

Teachers rose to the challenge and did great work engaging students during remote learning.

Posted: May 4, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2021

Posted: February 19, 2021

I have had many family members attend this school and they all hated it, they didn't teach the children well and all that they learned was inappropriate behavior. 2 of my kids were bullied at this school, and the school did nothing, they talked about in the cafeteria announcing his name to everyone, this got him even more bullied.

Posted: February 19, 2021

Posted: February 19, 2021

Posted: February 19, 2021

Posted: February 19, 2021

Posted: February 19, 2021

Posted: February 19, 2021

Posted: March 3, 2020

I have not had a good experience with this school. All of my child's learning concerns are swept under a rug, no one is trying to help and give you the run around. The students know waaayyyy too much about inappropriate behavior.

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: February 15, 2019

West Lake Middle School has made a lot of changes in the past couple of years. I think that the principals have worked to make sure that student assignments give students the skills they need to be successful. They are still growing and changing but I love the direction that this school is headed in.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: August 28, 2018

The teachers there are not teaching the students enough to help the pass

Posted: August 28, 2018

They teachers dont explain to the kids how to do the work they just give it to them and leave them to figure it out without knowing i feel the teachers can do more to help each and every student reguardless there are not there just for the pay they need to do what they getting paid for and do more to reach out to the students and help them to succeed

Posted: August 22, 2018

From what i saw they treat these kids like elementary school kids its seems as if they dont realize that those kids are teenagers the school seems to be mainly for the rich white kids

Posted: August 22, 2018

Posted: February 9, 2018

Posted: February 9, 2018

Posted: February 9, 2018

Posted: February 9, 2018

Posted: February 9, 2018

Posted: February 9, 2018

Our 6th grader has transitioned wonderfully here from 5th. He actually used the words “I love my school”. I contribute this to the dedication to excellence that is set in administration. As a mother who was highly anxious about her rising 6th I recommend this school to everyone!

Posted: October 11, 2017

Posted: October 11, 2017

Posted: October 11, 2017

Posted: October 11, 2017

Posted: October 11, 2017

Posted: October 11, 2017

Both my children have attended WLMS, and, on a whole, they both had wondeful experiences.

All but one of their teachers were amazing (they both had this one teacher and agreed she was awful). The teachers are engaging, fun, creative and relate well to the students. Moreover, they are excellent teachers-which is truly one of the most amazing attributes about WLMS..

I found the administration, including the principal, to be repsonsive and effective in resolving academic and social issues.

More resources/support need to be allocated to sports teams. This area is severely lacking from upper administration. I don't think I have ever seen the Principal or any VP come to football games.

Posted: October 11, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2017

Our daughter is in 7th grade and has done amazing at West Lake. Our teachers both years have been incredible, she loves her teachers! It has been a fantastic experience at West Lake.

Posted: March 27, 2017

Teachers have been attentive and communicative. Good expectation for responsibility on students

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: January 21, 2017

I understand there is and should be a dress code, but when I see teachers in the carpool line in the morning and afternoon that have on less clothes than the kids, then I have a problem! teachers don't contact the parents on a regular basis about there childs grades if they are bad enough for concern...wish I could switch him

Posted: June 6, 2016

this is my son's first year at this school and he is bullied and picked on by kids and when he said something the counselor told him not to be so sensitive. what type of crapt is that it is almost like they support the bad kids and punish the good ones. the so called principal of the school will not meet with parents. at least me. I've tried several times. I keep getting sent to guidance and that's a joke. the administration is very very unfriendly. they walk around like they are too good to be spoken to. these young teachers are not teaching what needs to be learned. this core program where there isn't books is for the birds. I know my child isn't ready for next year and yet they have passed him. even his young teachers are clueless. I'm having to reteachave everything he learns because he don't understand it.
get the administration straight. Mr. superintendent from va. you run a better ship than this

Posted: April 20, 2016

Posted: April 20, 2016

Only a few teachers -the tenured ones truly teach - there are some good teachers here. It's administration that stinks

Posted: April 20, 2016

There are some good teachers here but not a good spirit. There is a new principal who is unfriendly and doesn't respond to questions about anything - curriculum . Social concerns or teacher communication . This school is not the strong educational place it was two years ago. My child is miserable and so are we. Can't wait to get out of this school . We will say the coaches and sports are good. Tenured teachers seem to rise above the administration pettiness.

Posted: March 3, 2016

The new principal who came on board mid year last year is awful. She passes off parent concerns to whomever she can instead of addressing them. She fails to deal with discipline issues in the classroom. She seems to be more concerned about the paint color on the walls than what's best for the students. The teacher turnover rate has increased greatly since she arrived. If you have any other options, transfer. We are counting the days until we are out of this school.

Posted: September 28, 2015

Education on bullying and social media needed. mean girl drama needs counseling. attitude of inclusiveness apart from sports and clubs is not there.

Posted: September 28, 2015

There is new leadership at this school. We have had some great teachers in the past. We now feel like the staff is spread too thin and discipline issues are affecting learning. The principal sends out a good communication each week but otherwise is unapproachable. "Mean kid" issues including social media bullying were addressed in the past to teach kids behavior and anti bullying . We are not seeing that this year nor the safety officer presence. The verdict still out on how this affects education. Clubs and sports and PTA at this school are all great.

Posted: December 20, 2014

All of my years at West Lake have been amazing! It is a very hard core school but everything is done to raise your potential. This school has been known for lots of homework, which is true coming from a current eighth grader at this school, but now I am almost positive I'm prepared for high school. I don't know what I would have done if it weren't for all my amazing teachers that really do care about everyone and encouraged me to do better and study harder. Our sports teams are really hard to make but that's a reason that we are so good in almost all of them. Their have been mean kids at school, the only thing you can do is avoid them and be sure to get in the right crowd when you start school. If things really get bad that is when you tell a teacher or talk to the school counselor so they can handle the problem. You really have to work hard and do your best each year, but those three have been the best.

Posted: February 17, 2013

This school has great potential, but the staff could use a nudge in a more positive direction. They let children slip through the cracks and a big issues seems to be lost grades! SPAN is useless for reporting grades because the teachers do not keep the accounts up to date. Speaking with the principle is like pulling teeth (very defensive!) and they don't care what your concerns are for your child's furture. Seem to be in it for a paycheck. Not a good approach to teaching (especially when preparing for high school). Time for a change!

Posted: August 2, 2012

I just graduated from West Lake and am currently going to attend Middle Creek this coming month. I couldn't see myself spending my three years of middle school anywhere else! It was a great environment to learn, and the teachers were extremely helpful, even when you didn't realize you needed a little nudge. The student body is full of kind students (for the most part) and not only that but the administration really cracks down on those who need discipline. I am going to sincerely miss West Lake and all of the teachers in it.

Posted: July 15, 2012

The office personel is friendly and helpful. However the Principal doesn't give a flip about your situation or anything!! I wish my child didn't have to go here just because of her! The teachers seem to be great....Get a new principal!

Posted: July 10, 2012

This school along with its Principal needs a major reformation. This school and its administration is indicative of the failed public school system here in NC.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

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8 Overhills Creek Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 30 mi
9 Ellerslie Subdivision Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 30.5 mi
10 Castlebrooke Neighborhood/Subdivision Linden NC 31 mi
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12 Forest Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Cameron NC 32.3 mi
13 Deerfield Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 34.1 mi
14 Kings Grant Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 34.2 mi
15 Inverness Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 35.7 mi
16 Patriot Park Village Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 35.7 mi
17 Stonegate Apartments Apartment Complex Spring Lake NC 35.7 mi
18 Kinwood Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 36.5 mi
19 College Lakes Area of Town Fayetteville NC 37 mi
20 Woodlake Neighborhood/Subdivision Vass NC 38.2 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 North Ramsey Road Fayetteville NC 32.2 mi
2 Spring Lake Spring Lake NC 35.9 mi
3 Spring Lake by Ft Bragg Base Spring Lake NC 36.2 mi
4 Princeton Princeton NC 36.2 mi
5 Eastwood Ave & Kentberry Ct. Fayetteville NC 39.4 mi
Base Distance
Raleigh National Guard 10.8 mi.
Pope Field 36.4 mi.
Fort Bragg 42.8 mi.
Seymour Johnson AFB 49.4 mi.
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