Westwood High School
Austin, TX 78750
Phone: (512) 464-4000
Fax: (512) 464-4020
District: Round Rock Independent School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 9,10,11,12 • 2856 students
Westwood High School, a public school located in Austin, TX, serves grades 9-12 in the Round Rock Independent School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Westwood High School is a public school located in Austin, TX. 2856 students attend Westwood High School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 9/10 | 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 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) data from Texas Education Agency. |
| College Readiness | 10/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2024 ACT participation data from Texas Education Agency, using 2024 SAT percent participation data from Texas Education Agency, using 2024 SAT percent college ready data from Texas Education Agency, using 2024 4-year high school graduation rate data from Texas Education Agency, using 2024 Average SAT score data from Texas Education Agency, using 2024 Average ACT score data from Texas Education Agency, using 2024 ACT percent college ready data from Texas Education Agency, and using 2025 demographic data from Texas Education Agency. |
| Student Growth | 7/10 | 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 2025 Percentage of students meeting growth target data from Texas Education Agency. |
Posted: December 1, 2025
Posted: December 1, 2025
Posted: December 1, 2025
Posted: December 1, 2025
Posted: December 1, 2025
Posted: December 1, 2025
Posted: December 1, 2025
Posted: December 1, 2025
this school is way overhyped. Most of staff are either really underqualified or burnout by admin. Admin tries to make the place the same way that it used to be, but it just isnt ever since their leadership has changed. Master students feel forgotten in the ratio that the list is a lie. It is more like 29:1 it really needs to be talked about because I feel like its not talked about enough and its just gonna keep getting worse and worse if nothing happens! most students do not enjoy their time there they either wanna go online or transfer because I feel like it would be easier because the workload is crazy for what they are getting back. Its rilly sad.
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
This school is deeply disappointing. Far too many teachers are unqualified and incompetent, and some keeps on giving students incorrect instructions in class. Its frustrating and discouraging that such low standards are tolerated.
If you dont mind spending your time constantly correcting teachers mistakes and sorting through misinformation, and ruin your GPA, then this school might be acceptable. Otherwise, students will learn far more effectively through self-study or in a different environment.
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Most people here have really bad mental health. I wonder why- maybe because of the workload, unrealistic expectations, poor special education programs, and little to no social life for IB or mainly AP students? Would not recommend unless you are someone who only cares about good grades and are willing to sacrifice your happiness for it.
Posted: April 7, 2025
Posted: April 7, 2025
Posted: April 7, 2025
Posted: April 7, 2025
Posted: April 7, 2025
Posted: April 7, 2025
Posted: April 7, 2025
Fire school, its super easy to do amazing like me. I got accepted into acc with a 3.4 gpa and thats pretty good i think. Teachers are alright, my favorite was Dale Fritch, he teaches AP US History. He would always send me into the hallway so that I could think about things. He cares so much about his student's mental health.
Posted: November 15, 2024
Posted: November 15, 2024
Posted: November 15, 2024
Posted: November 15, 2024
Posted: November 15, 2024
Posted: November 15, 2024
Posted: November 15, 2024
Posted: November 15, 2024
This is wonderful school with out standing debate program.
Posted: October 18, 2024
Posted: October 18, 2024
Posted: October 18, 2024
Posted: October 18, 2024
Posted: October 18, 2024
Posted: October 18, 2024
Posted: October 18, 2024
Posted: October 18, 2024
Westwood is a fantastic school and we love the positivity in the fine arts including band, orchestra and dance.
Posted: September 7, 2024
Posted: September 7, 2024
Posted: September 7, 2024
Posted: September 7, 2024
Posted: September 7, 2024
Posted: September 7, 2024
Posted: September 7, 2024
Posted: September 7, 2024
Finally they started making tuition free universities
Posted: March 7, 2024
Posted: March 7, 2024
Posted: March 7, 2024
Posted: March 7, 2024
Posted: March 7, 2024
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Posted: March 7, 2024
All three of my kids graduated from Westwood. They came from a private school background and all of them have thanked us for moving across town so they could experience a diverse, challenging, and large high school environment with many options for extracurriculars. My daughter participated in dance, acted and stage managed for theater productions, and learned how to learn especially from her challenging AP courses in English and history. She refused to quit APUSH despite her low grades, eventually pulled it up and credits that class with preparing her to study independently in college. My second son did IB and orchestra and like his sister, used his fine arts as an outlet to de-stress from his studies. I didnt push him (much) because I knew his IB teachers and peers were doing that job for me. My third child was in IB til sophomore year, when he got a terrible case of Mono he had to switch to AP due to a month missed of school. The guidance for all three kids was kind, responsive and helpful. I appreciated that the guidance counselors (who have to take care of waaay too many kids) did not let them drop down to an easier class at the first sign of distress, but DID respond and make that change when the student had demonstrated the need to do so. They even scheduled ballet immediately after my daughters math class for stress management. None of my 3 three made it into top ten percent but with their excellent SAT scores they earned full or partial scholarships, which saved us many thousands in college tuition. This is to the credit of Westwood in general because had they been in an easier school, trust me, they would have slacked off. When I did my research on high schools, I looked at PSAT scores and national merit finalists across Austin. I knew I had at least two potential NMF kids and wanted them to be PUSHED so they could snag free tuition if possible. At that time, Westwood averaged about 40 NMF per school year compared to 1-2 per year at surrounding schools. These days, I believe the number is more like 60-70 per year. Yes, kids in this district study moretypically they go to Berkeley 2 Academy over the summer to pre study for their upcoming AP or IB classes. This is an option for those with finances for it, but I want to state that it is not necessary for students of average intelligence to get As. If your student struggles with stressful academics, talk to the counselors. They will work with you, I promise.
Posted: February 13, 2024
Posted: February 13, 2024
Posted: February 13, 2024
Posted: February 13, 2024
Posted: February 13, 2024
Posted: February 13, 2024
Posted: February 13, 2024
Posted: February 13, 2024
I am sure Westwood is great for those students in the AP and IB programs, but if your child goes here and needs accommdations for SPED, they are screwed! This school cares zero about SPED students! The Principal and administrative staff are rude and dismissive of the students' needs so they can be productive and not feel like a failure all of the time.
Posted: July 6, 2023
Posted: July 6, 2023
Posted: July 6, 2023
Posted: July 6, 2023
Posted: July 6, 2023
Posted: July 6, 2023
Posted: July 6, 2023
Posted: July 6, 2023
The quality at Westwood dropped drastically even before Covid. Keep your student away from a math teacher by the name of Jennifer Howitt. She doesnt care about students who actually need her help learning complicated math. She ignores emails, wont even let us know where we can study in the textbook to prepare for learning later in her class. Shes also a very dishonest person, having talked to her myself, and hearing all the half truths about why she doesnt have time to grade tests herself, making students grade their own tests, and never giving their test back in order for them to learn from their mistakes and move forward onto new lessons. Completely lazy, all at the students expense.
I waited till after my student graduated to write this review, fearing negative consequences if I did this years ago.
Tried to get my student out from her class as soon as I realized how bad it was, and they wouldnt let us out, citing some unbendable rules they had to follow. I asked to escalate this to the principal, and wasnt even allowed to speak to them at all, completely sidelined.
Posted: September 9, 2022
Posted: September 9, 2022
Posted: September 9, 2022
Posted: September 9, 2022
Posted: September 9, 2022
Posted: September 9, 2022
Posted: September 9, 2022
Posted: September 9, 2022
Westwood is really great for a small portion of students who can get private tutors. The rest...
My eldest was a straight A student out of Jr. high and had already completed some high school credits. She did okay her freshman year but started getting very stressed out. It went downhill from her sophomore year and she ended up basically failing lots of classes, ruining her GPA and all her confidence. The teachers weren't really helpful for office hours, it was challenging to find source material to study, and all around was overwhelming. She's now finishing credits at Success and thriving there. When looking into colleges, I realized that since all Texas schools make admission decisions on top 10%/25% of class, Westwood puts kids at a disadvantage anyway.
My youngest is now struggling and I'm considering moving her as she's always had a harder time with school and Westwood clearly has no ability to support such students.
Posted: May 9, 2021
Posted: May 9, 2021
Posted: May 9, 2021
Posted: May 9, 2021
Posted: May 9, 2021
My 2 children went to Westwood and had a generally good experience. Academics are tough but if you're on the college track this is rewarded then. Team and club activities are plentiful and a rewarding addition to the book work. Competition is high and if you expect to be in the top 10% without taking mostly AP or IB classes then think again. Some are disappointed by this and others think it impacts your ability to get into TX colleges, I don't know howuch truth there is to this. UT admissions for Austin are extremely competitive so just be realistic about what that takes.
Overall the school was a great experience and a good preparation for the next step for college bound kids.
Posted: May 9, 2021
Posted: May 9, 2021
Posted: May 9, 2021
Posted: April 6, 2021
Posted: April 6, 2021
Posted: April 6, 2021
Posted: April 6, 2021
Posted: April 6, 2021
I love that the school has so many different classes. The teachers also seem to really care about the students.
Posted: April 6, 2021
Posted: April 6, 2021
Posted: April 6, 2021
Posted: January 28, 2021
Posted: January 28, 2021
Posted: January 28, 2021
Posted: January 28, 2021
Posted: January 28, 2021
I am currently a freshman and this is so far the best high school with great staff and teachers!
Posted: January 28, 2021
Posted: January 28, 2021
Posted: January 28, 2021
Posted: December 15, 2020
Posted: December 15, 2020
Posted: December 15, 2020
Posted: December 15, 2020
Posted: December 15, 2020
My daughter is a current student at Westwood. She has had some great teachers and a few who have no ability to teach effectively. With my daughter working from home due to COVID, I have been able to see the quality of instruction of her teachers by sitting in on their lectures. She has some great teachers, an average teacher, and then one teacher who has flabbergasted me as probably the worst teacher that I have ever experienced. I don't feel that the administration is interested in weeding out the bad teachers, and this is the second Westwood teacher who i feel has done nothing to improve my daughter's knowledge at Westwood.
I have had to deal with the administration twice, and I feel like they try to make it very hard for parents to make adjustments to help solve their children's problems. There have been times where I feel like the administration just doesn't care.
At Westwood, you will find many overachieving kids who spend their summers getting ahead through summer education programs and many kids who only focus on academics. It is very hard for children to be well-balanced at Westwood due to the amount of stress and homework that is placed on the kids. If your child is lucky enough to not get the bad teachers, then your experience at Westwood can be great. However, if your child gets a bad teacher, be prepared for outside tutoring or teaching your child yourself, like I have had to do.
My daughter is taking all AP classes when they are available and is really stressed out.
Posted: December 15, 2020
Posted: December 15, 2020
Posted: December 15, 2020
Posted: August 15, 2019
Posted: August 15, 2019
Posted: August 15, 2019
Posted: August 15, 2019
10/10 grea school love it! many fun!
Posted: August 15, 2019
Posted: August 15, 2019
Posted: August 15, 2019
Posted: May 5, 2018
Principal is attempting to listen to different points of view and take real action.
Posted: May 5, 2018
Posted: May 5, 2018
My kids have never been bullied, but can't speak for everyone.
Posted: May 5, 2018
Many classes have "optional" homework. This is great because students are allowed to judge whether or not they want to do homework to strengthen their skills. Students can choose to postpone homework if they have a busy evening.
Posted: May 5, 2018
Some teachers are truly outstanding, we feel lucky they chose to teach public school.
Posted: May 5, 2018
Cheating and dishonesty among students needs better handling.
Posted: May 5, 2018
Am the parent of a junior and a freshman at this school. Poster who posted on April 30 2018 is perpetrating a harmful myth. That the students in top 10% only make it there because they have no interest in sports, extra curricular activities or social life and don't know how to have fun. Students are excelling not only in academics, but in various extracurricular activities and leadership roles. You can check out the rosters of teams like swim, golf, tennis, debate, orchestra, band, student council and almost any EC. There is a healthy representation of students of all backgrounds and all class ranks. Students dedicate many hours to ECs and excel at Regional, State and even National competitions. Senior students spend many hours being true leaders while mentoring younger students. Many students also participate in sports, music and other activities outside of school (many don't make the cut for school sports teams as the selection criteria is competitive).
Posted: April 30, 2018
Posted: April 30, 2018
Posted: April 30, 2018
Posted: April 30, 2018
Extreme amounts of homework in each class which they expect you to do all the time
Posted: April 30, 2018
Teachers don't care about you or your grades, one teacher even said she will end up in the same place and doesn't care if you go to summer school
Posted: April 30, 2018
Posted: April 30, 2018
This school is super hard and being in the top 10% of your class is impossible unless if you don't do sports, don't have a social life, or even want to have fun
Posted: March 22, 2018
I almost never used accommodations, but the yearly meetings were great for letting teachers know beforehand that I might approach them for help more often than other students.
Posted: March 22, 2018
Not a lot of bullying here, the occasional meanness I experienced was discreet and indirect. If you have a mental disability or impaired social skills other students tend to be forgiving but (perhaps accidentally) patronizing.
Posted: March 22, 2018
This kind of environment is hard on the self-esteem due to a prevalence of high achievers and over-emphasis on grades as a reflection of intelligence and worth. However, I came out of Westwood average-ness to find myself well prepared for college with decent time management and life skills. It's a grueling four-year-long college audition and numbers game, but you do not need to push yourself in full AP/IB to receive a good education. Easy ACC dual-credit courses and on-level classes for my weak subjects spared me a lot of unnecessary hardship. It can be quite boring however, which leads to burnout, and struggling students may find little support as everyone is expected to succeed naturally.
Posted: March 22, 2018
Lots of competition leads naturally to cheating as a last resort to keep up.
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Overrated. Teachers act as if they are some third world dictators. Love, caring, a chance to improve is rare. Principal and so called vice principals are like some royalty- who surround themselves by an army of peons and secretaries. They do their best to fend off unworthy subjects like parents, students and all. Time to get rid of the crew. My tax dollars are not for royalty wannbees who scored Cs Ds in their own tests. Look em up. A lineup of mediocrity.
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 7, 2018
Posted: March 1, 2018
Posted: March 1, 2018
Posted: March 1, 2018
Posted: March 1, 2018
Posted: March 1, 2018
Posted: March 1, 2018
Posted: March 1, 2018
As a parent with education at UT Southwestern, University of Michigan and Duke I think I have some notion what education means. If your definition is top 5% or GPA... you are sadly mistaken. And please do not praise what you have never faced. Taking a bunch of hard working, super smart students (yes look at the zip code and demographics) and terrifying them into tears and making them feel inadequate is not called education. These kids work harder than a lot of good college kids I know - life experience seems so trivial. I actually know parents who have left this area for their children to go to Westlake or Lasa; ask them - they will tell you teachers in those schools care. Westwood teachers need to attend those schools to learn manners and etiquette and caring about students. If you have failed miserably in life or just an unhappy, angry or a bitter person - please don't go into teaching. And definitely do not take it on the students. In our community we have repeatedly felt the teachers get the audacity to bully and harass minors - because they belong to a certain ethnic group and are highly unlikely to argue. By the way these are the students who are at the top and fill IB and AP programs. The school certainly does not know ADA criterion or worse willfully ignores them and clueless how to deal with ADHD, Anxiety, Childhood Depression and even Cutters. When it comes to it - it seems there is a bunch of rogue teachers running around with their own rules. This school is a harbinger of mediocrity - it certainly does not create confident citizens and leaders. Time to face the facts and downgrade the school. Or have a charter school have it take over. There are many good teachers - my hats off to you. But condoning bad behavior among your colleagues is implicit participation on your part. The school is a joke (but has numerous brilliant students)
Posted: January 21, 2018
Posted: January 21, 2018
Posted: January 21, 2018
Bullying is not much of a problem here.
Posted: January 21, 2018
Some classes will not have a lot of homework while others (especially AP/IB classes) will have a lot.
Posted: January 21, 2018
Most teachers are hardworking and willing to help, but not all.
Posted: January 21, 2018
Quite a few students cheat in order to raise their GPA/class rank, which is very unfair.
Posted: January 21, 2018
Westwood is a challenging school, but do not be discouraged! I highly recommend it over other schools in the area.
1) Classes, especially at the AP/IB level, are absolutely fantastic. Most teachers are very experienced and will help you out. When selecting classes, always be sure to choose those that you think are right for your level and your personal schedule. In other words, don't take a class just because your friend did- you'll be disappointed. Also, don't let the rumors of a class being 'hard' discourage you from taking it! If you like the subject, you will be fine. DON'T PROCRASTINATE ON HOMEWORK. It will only hurt you later.
2) While GPA and class rank are important, know that if you are taking advanced classes and doing the very best you can, you will do FINE. Being a diligent worker, focusing on your academics, and putting forth effort will definitely allow you to have a good GPA - don't worry about it.
3) Extracurricular activities are just as important here as academics. With an abundance of clubs and activities to choose from, there are just too many opportunities to get involved. Do what interests you, not what will simply impress. Make sure to have balance and don't take on too many activities- sleep is also VERY IMPORTANT. Competitions are taken very seriously here, so always prepare. Debate, DECA, and sports are some very competitive extracurricular activities. You will be fine as long as you commit enough time.
4) The environment is mostly friendly and bullying is not really an issue as far as I've seen. Most students are focused on their college and career goals, and are willing to help each other out. It's fairly easy for even a new student to fit in and make friends.
Overall, I highly recommend this school for its exemplary academic rigor and the positive environment. Attending this school will prepare you greatly for college.
Posted: May 29, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2017
Westwood teachers rely heavily on worksheets, and the copying of notes onto worksheets, in order to teach the material. While this is efficient and allows them to cover what's needed for the state STAAR/EOC tests, it doesn't teach the students how to read, think and write critically. There is too much emphasis on teaching to all of the tests, and not enough attention paid to actual teaching. To some extent, this is not the teachers' fault, but it often is the case that the teachers have given up on teaching in a creative and flexible manner. My son spent the year overwhelmed by the paperwork and bored out of his mind.
Posted: April 11, 2017
Posted: April 11, 2017
Posted: April 11, 2017
All teachers are not as hard working.
Posted: April 11, 2017
Posted: April 11, 2017
College admission is all about numbers now. GPA and SAT are in the student's hands. Ranking can be manipulated by picking a less competitive school. If you want UT or A&M, then make sure to be in that 7% range. Otherwise, move to a less competitive school where you can be in the 7% range. However, ranking is looked at by colleges outside of these 2 as we experienced. Holistic review of application does not happen at the initial filtering stage.
Posted: March 29, 2017
Unless you're on the college track, they don't care. Teachers nor administration. When you bring up issues or concerns, they will not listen. The only way to get something addressed is to feed it to the superintendent. This school has lost their focus, teach the children. It's not about test scores and college placements, it's about growing educated young adults.
Posted: March 29, 2017
Posted: March 29, 2017
Posted: March 29, 2017
Posted: March 29, 2017
Posted: March 29, 2017
Posted: March 29, 2017
Posted: February 20, 2017
Westwood is a great school with rigorous academics but families and students need to know that if you attend WWHS and are not in the top 7% you WILL NOT get into UT and have a hard time at Texas ATM Especially if you do not have diversity and or adversity. Please learn from our misfortune! Our daughter was rejected at both schools with a 4.9 GPA 1400 SAT and volunteer leadership galore. Her rank was 26%. I spoke today with UT admit officer and she explicitly said "HIGH SCHOOL DOES NOT MATTER, ONLY RANK & RIGOR OF CLASSES". We were told over the years at Westwood that the academic rigor is noted at colleges...that is not true. Again --- if you are super genius and do not have any life outside of school or if UT or ATM do not matter than go there. Looking back we would have transferred our daughter to another RRISD high school where, with a 4.9 and good SAT scores she would have very likely had a higher rank & admitted to both schools.
Posted: February 20, 2017
Posted: February 20, 2017
Westwood is known to be a "grinder" school and is not for the non academic student
Posted: February 20, 2017
New principal this year so leadership remains to be seen
Posted: February 20, 2017
It is very competitive with lots of academic dishonesty because of the high pressure.
Posted: February 20, 2017
Most teachers are good and caring, but some seem to take pleasure in making things excessively hard for the kids
Posted: February 20, 2017
The homework level for AP classes is very heavy and unrealistic
Posted: February 7, 2017
Have you ever heard the saying " The inmates are running the asylum". Well, that's exactly how it is at Westwood High School. There is a new principal but the students don't need a friend, they need direction and structure - not what Westwood offers. Rules are out the window. I can't imagine what this school will be like when the freshmen are seniors.
Posted: March 8, 2016
Posted: March 8, 2016
I actually struggled somewhat academically and socially in Middle School. I was a bit apprehensive about attending Westwood because of it's reputation and my family and I didn't really know how I would do. After three years here, I think it's amazing and I am so glad this is my school. I guess all schools have their problems but I think all of my teachers (Pre-Ap and AP) really do care and have taught me a lot. One teacher and course or program has really helped me so much more than any other so I have to mention them. The Air Force JROTC program here is truly amazing. We got a new Senior instructor and he is doing so many things for us and this program. He really cares about us and pushes us to not only do our best, but make mistakes so we can learn from them before we graduate. I would probably have been lost in high school and not ready for the real world if I had not taken AFJROTC. The life skills they teach will definitely help me no matter where I go after this and I am having a blast while doing it! We receive academic credit and learn useful skills and information. We do a lot for the community and have a lot of fun and, I am earning a Letter in JROTC too! I think you will find your place wherever you look. I found mine and am so thankful! To me, Westwood is a challenging school but can be fun and eye opening as well. It is definitely helping prepare me for my next steps in life!
Posted: February 2, 2016
Posted: February 2, 2016
Posted: February 2, 2016
Team work is near-essential to staying near or above the rest. Flying solo is almost not an option entirely. While this seems anarchic, it actually creates an honor system in which mutual benefaction is prioritized over everything else.
Posted: February 2, 2016
Let me give you a rundown of the school from an inside perspective.
-We have an enourmous amount of clubs, many of which remain undocumented on the website and are at times a myth except to only the members of said club. Regardless, there are more than enough to satisfy you.
-Our sports teams are usually hit or miss. Some years they're amazing, others, not so much. Regardless, the football team is really the only one who suffers from such a heavy academic atmosphere, and most others actually benefit of the energy that students exert on their studies.
-Fine arts has always been a strong point for us, as we have one of the best marching bands in the district, an orchestra that formed almost 50% of the All-State orchestra, and extremely intricate drama and choir programs.
-IB. Ok, we get it, one of the few schools that offer the IB curriculum, so you should take it, right? No. Most upper level IB classes can be, or definitely are more work than standard AP classes. Is that a bad thing? Of course not. But if you are a GPA-grinder, its best to just take AP.
-Everyone has heard of it, the heavy academic pressure that is placed on many students. It has to be expected, when the difference between top 7% and not is close to 0.01 GPA points. If you are not prepared or do not want to be in the top couple percents, you either give up and deal with the ranking that you get, or move to a different school. It is not wrong to move, as many of my close friends who could not deal with the pressure did exactly that.
-Finally, westwood truly is a unique experience. I have had friends from many different districts, counties, states, and even countries, and it really doesn't compare. Though the experience is taxing and can ruin all but the dedicated. You really need to find a way to balance your life ASAP or you are unlikely to find success here.
Posted: June 10, 2014
Westwood has to be experienced to be believed. I mean this as a very positive thing. Graduates are more than prepared for life after HS, particularly life at a competitive college or university. Parents, educators, and administrators who are heavily involved and with a single goal- making Westwood the best HS it can be. A diverse student population with oceans of extracurricular activities available. Yes, competitive beyond belief but it pays off, even if the student and parent don't realize it at the time. When your child graduates from Westwood, colleges know they've been challenged. They readily recognize the name and reputation, an amazing fact given the sheer volume of schools in a state as populous as TX.
Posted: March 23, 2014
This school is absolutely the worst thing you can put yourself through. I am an A /B student with a GPA of 5.1 and I am outside of the top ten percent. In order to set yourself above the rest, say goodbye to sleep and extracurricular activities as school will take up more then 8 hours daily. The stress level is so high that peer pressure to get high isn't needed, many kids are searching for an escape from this place. Please do you child a favor and don't make the mistake my parents made by sending me here.
Posted: October 26, 2013
If your child is very high achieving, independent and motivated, they'll do fine. If they are anything other than that, they will struggle. This school caters to the elite, it is not set up for students who need any kind of help. The instruction is almost non-existent. Students are expected to listen to 90 minutes lectures and in some cases they are just given materials and expected to teach themselves. There is no attempt to make classes interesting or to vary teaching styles. Many of the teachers are not in touch with current technology. To put the competitive nature of Westwood in perspective: a friend's son was in all AP classes and achieved A's and B's. He is in the bottom 50th percentile of the class. You must be TAG/IB/AP and achieve only A's to be in the top 10% at Westwood. My son was also in the marching band, but the directors were very authoritarian, handing out disciplinary referrals and assigning Saturday detention for things like laughing, talking, or even playing the wrong music accidentally. The assistant principals backed them up, even while admitting that the punishments were very excessive. This school will kill your child's love of learning.
Posted: September 22, 2013
MY SCHOOL IS AWESOME !!! MY SCHOOL IS EPIC !!! Up until high school I really struggled socially in school, but was received with open arms by students, and faculty alike at Westwood. Before Westwood I had only attended private schools, where I fell prey to pretty much any, and every negative stereotype of public schools you have ever heard of and more, but Westwood provides a fantastic learning environment for all, especially those with learning disabilities like myself, and an even better social environment. At Westwood I have been able to compete as part of the Men's and Mixed Choirs, which during my Freshman, and Sophomore years received nearly perfect scores, and therefore were recognized accordingly with UIL Honors. I have also placed in the top three at various national creative writing and poetry competitions under the teaching of wonderful English and Creative Writing teachers. Lastly, I am currently in the process of starting a fencing club at the school insured by United States Fencing Association. As you can see pretty much anything you can think of or want to try you can find a way at Westwood. Westwood is hard, but anyone who works hard will be prepared for college.
Posted: April 20, 2013
Westwood High School has a history of great academic scores overall; however, individual student homework tends to be fairly heavy, with an average of 3 hours per night (easy to confirm by asking the school counselors, teachers, or students). Adding the homework time with daily time spent in school yields an average 10 hour plus day. This may be good from the standpoint of keeping kids so busy they have little to no time for a social life or a job; however, it also translates to students having very little time to interact with their own parents, a concern parents wanting to involve themselves, more so than others, in raising their children may not appreciate. It appears the overall study time exceeds what I experienced at UT earning a B.S. in Geological Sciences. This overwhelming amount of homework is partly attributable to superfluous aspects of homework assignments many teachers issue, as well as inefficient classroom teaching. Speculation suggests a better balance could be achieved; but so far there have been no sympathetic ears in Westwood's policy makers. Is psychological burn out, with its range of related symptoms, including suicide, considered by the administration?
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| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anderson Mill | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Austin | TX | 0.3 mi | |
| 2 | Midtown Commons at Crestview Station | Apartment Complex | Austin | TX | 9.3 mi | |
| 3 | Mill creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Salado | TX | 38.1 mi | |
| 4 | Evergreen Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Harker Heights | TX | 41.6 mi | |
| 5 | Spanish Oaks | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Killeen | TX | 41.6 mi | |
| 6 | Skipcha Mountain Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Harker Heights | TX | 41.9 mi | |
| 7 | White Rock Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Killeen | TX | 42 mi | |
| 8 | Timber Ridge Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Killeen | TX | 42 mi | |
| 9 | Knights Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Harker Heights | TX | 42.5 mi | |
| 10 | Savannah Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Killeen | TX | 42.7 mi | |
| 11 | Glenwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Killeen | TX | 43 mi | |
| 12 | Copperas Cove | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Copperas Cove | TX | 45.5 mi | |
| 13 | Skyline Flats | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Copperas Cove | TX | 47.3 mi | |
| 14 | Heartwood Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Copperas Cove | TX | 47.8 mi | |
| 15 | Oak View | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Belton | TX | 47.8 mi | |
| 16 | Northcliffe | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Belton | TX | 49.6 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main street | Salado | TX | 37.3 mi | |
| 2 | Harker Heights | Harker Heights | TX | 43 mi | |
| 3 | Elms street | Killeen | TX | 43.8 mi | |
| 4 | East Rancier Road | Killeen | TX | 46.6 mi | |
| 5 | North Side | Copperas Cove | TX | 48.4 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Camp Mabry | 10.2 mi. |
| Fort Hood | 47 mi. |
