West End Middle School

Abysmal at best. I am a very active parent in my child’s education. I have volunteered from day one, not only for her, but for so many other students. This school took the joy from my once bright, curious, school-loving child. I am just glad we had the capability of stepping in and making changes & pulling her out when we needed to, as I’m sure so many don’t have that luxury.

As a parent of two children attending West End, I can say that I am incredibly happy with the experience. I can't imagine there are many schools with a more engaged group of teachers and administrators. If you are looking for a neighborhood school but are not willing to compromise on your child's enrichment, you cannot do better than West End.

West End Middle is a fantastic place. A small, intimate, community school. The academic rigor is to be commended. WEMS offers advanced high school curriculum beginning in the 7th grade to prepare them for the rigorous academic environment at Hillsboro High School. I have 2 children at WEMS, one in 7th and one in 5th. Both of my children are in the gifted program and they are both challenged academically. They both perform well on standardized testing (not that I put any stock in the significance of that, but I realize the importance of that statistic to many). The faculty is engaged with all students and my children have both had some truly remarkable educators. Dr. Hammond is the Principal and he is world class. We have a vibrant extracurricular environment, including band, art, Glee Club, Drama club, football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and wrestling. 5th and 6th graders have the opportunity to participate in the Tremont Institute of the Smokies fall trip. A week away including a science enrichment curriculum, and 7th and 8th graders go to Washington, D.C. in the Spring. I will always treasure our experience at WEMS and look forward to great times at HHS!

As a parent who is also a teacher, I was skeptical about West End when my child began the school year as a fifth grader in 2014. I must say that I am extremely impressed! The school has done a great job meeting the needs of my gifted student. My child is also in class with a pair of students who work as a team because one is bilingual in Japanese and English, and the other can understand and write English, but cannot pronounce it correctly, so the other student interprets. The school's unique approach to discipline focuses on positive reinforcement, as good behavior is rewarded with Birdie Bucks that can be redeemed for special privileges or to make up for a fault, such as late homework. This is the first public school my child has attended, and I believe that Dr. Hammond and his team are doing an amazing job. I would highly recommend West End.