Westridge School in San Gabriel, California

“I have a daughter at Westridge School who is now in her fifth year having started in the fourth grade. We selected the school based on their academic and performance arts strengths. What I discovered once we started were their other unique strengths - technology and the education of the whole child. The first pleasant surprise was the uncompromising commitment of the school to technology. The girls are fortunate to be exposed to smart boards in every classroom and other cutting edge technology preparing them well for the future. Alongside their academic classes, the girls meet on a regular basis to discuss social issues and personal development. There exists character education on this campus within a quiet but vibrant culture of excellence. In the fall, the school will open a new, Leed-certified green science building which we are very excited about!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent of two students currently attending Westridge. We are very pleased with the curriculum, faculty and beautiful campus. We have noticed how our girls have blossomed into confident, articulate and well rounded individuals. I would highly recommend Westridge for any prospective parents and their families.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a recent graduate from westridge and I disagree with many of the ratings. I feel as though the teacher quality is low, especially considering the absurd cost of the school. Teachers tend to attach to their highest performers, the ones that will bring in the most awards and accolades that westridge can then flaunt. So if you are an average or struggling student then be prepared to be pigeon holed and forgotten. Westridge seems to hire very intelligent and capable teachers who aren't necessarily good teachers or motivating instructors.”
This review was posted by a other.

“A great school that builds academic confidence, secure caring individuals, and healthy minds.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am currently a student at Westridge School and I am hispanic. I would liek to say to all of those people who say that Westridge is not diverse, you are nto right. I know, I go to achool there evry day. There is a large mixture of races, but obdviosly the majority is white, but that should come as no suprise. And Westridge does not have a women take over the world approach. I do not feel that way at all. What Westridge girl has ever harmed somebody? None. We are taught to empower ourselves and that is fine. Westridge is an amazing place that allows you grow as both a student and person. If you can afford it, go!”
This review was posted by a student.

“We have found it to be an excellent school. Our daughters love that their teachers engage them in interesting classroom discussions that have helped them understand complex topics. As for homework, it's manageable and not busy work. Also, when we occasionally hear of teachers that are not effective it seems within a year they are no longer at Westridge. As for the co curricular programs, the drama program is outstanding - more like a college program with terrific teachers and technical staff that use a new performing arts center. The music program seems as strong, particularly the vocal music program. The sports program has started to improve with much better coaching in place from elementary to high school and a new athletic complex. As a result, high school teams play in front of large enthusiastic crowds, seem to be competitive in every sport, and win 2-3 league championships per year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“good private girls school”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My sister and I are former students of this school. I can not say enough good things about the school, faculty and the campus. The principal knows the entire student body which lends itself to a warm, neighborhood feel. The campus has high quality facilities for art, sports and drama. The curriculum is very diverse, allowing students a well rounded education with the ability to focus on areas of expertise as they get older. The faculty is wonderful. Recognizing each student as an individual and learning their strengths and weaknesses. The only downside is that this kind of excellence comes with a heafty price tag. While I have gone on to become a successful professional, I probably will not be able to afford to send my children to this school. But if you can afford to do so, you will not regret one penny spent.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Great school. I love that the faculty and administration is genuinely concerned about your education. They will deter you from taking too many AP or honors courses if they foresee too high a stress load, yet they push you and challenge you every day. It has an incredible music and art program. The school is fairly liberal and realistic about parent participation. There's none of that silly pressure for women to attend PTA meetings or volunteer for bake sales. Westridge realizes that parents work, and the school instead focuses on student participation.”
This review was posted by a student.

“quality of academic programs-in 2002-2003-poor, but now in 2006, slowly making progress to hopeful excellence -great availability of extracurriculars -parent involvement-almost too much”
This review was posted by a student.

“I find Westridge a wonderful school academically. I have attending Westridge for 1.5 years. The school has a bad reputation socialy.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Westridge is an excellent school academically, but has a strong feminist perspective that, in my opinion, is not entirely positive. This goes beyond an encouraging 'you can be anything you want to be' to a distructive 'women can do everything better than men, so who needs them!' Academics and prestige (especially at the large ticket price) is not worth the life time of problems this kind of thinking can cause.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“In response to the claim that Westridge's lack of diversity leaves students without an understanding of how prevalent other cultures are in our society I would like to say that Westridge puts much time and effort into expanding the cultural horizons of its students. Westridge picks a culture, or idea as a focus every couple years and the students spend much time studying that, the most recent focus being South Africa. Also Westridge constantly teaches students about minorities in the United States as well as the rest of the world. We have many assemblies about different cultures including Korea, South Africa, African American, Hispanic, and Native American/Aztec. I say with extreme gratitude toward Westridge that I am a much more open-minded person because of the things that I learned there.”
This review was posted by a student.

“My daughter attends westridge school. She joined Westridge from a public school. I can say with 100% confidence that Westridge has worked exceedingly well for her. Westridge's training in overall writing skills, is by far the best and this is what is precisely lacking in many of our nation's high school students. Westridge also places strong emphasis on developing critical and analytical thinking skills in all the subjects of study. Their math and science department along with language and English departments are very strong. The highly qualified and dedicated teachers inspire the students to be leaders in their field of choice. Their curriculum is so rigorous that many westridge graduates find college studies pretty relaxing. I would support this school for any girl whole heartedly.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter currently attends Westridge School For Girls and loves the combination of academic challenges and supportive teachers and staff. The school is rigorous in its curriculum, providing a classical education so rare in California. The girls are required to take a stringed instrument in Lower School (violin, viola, cello) and Latin is required in the upper grades. In addition, math and the sciences are very challenging in their coursework. The school does not overly emphasize athletics, although there are many team sports available for the girls. Westridge is excellent in its music and fine arts/drama programs. Another focus at Westridge is to prepare girls to be independent, humane and self-confident. The girls have tremendous pride in themselves, their fellow students and their school. The school does not tolerate cruel or disruptive behavior. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the school, and the administration is incredibly accessible. There are many lunches with staff, and get togethers with other parents, far more so than at other schools. Although the education is top notch, Westridge has a small town feeling. The head of school literally knows the name of every girl in the school. Graduates attend top schools nationwide, from the UC system to the Ivy Leagues. The school's retention rate is very high (90%+) and very few transfer to other schools. Overall, graduates tell me that they remember their years at Westridge very fondly and that they made friends for life.”
This review was posted by a other.

“Westridge provides an excelent education and encourages free speech, however it is very dissapointing in its lack of diversity. While providing an exceptional education for the girls it leaves them without an understanding of how prevalent other cultures are in our society and the important role they play, leaving them with a somewhat closeminded and egocentric mindframe.”
This review was posted by a other.

“The student are very close with one another in Westridge. Very strong culture. Great girl school. Students present themself very well. You can tell right away these girls all have very good background. Highly recommend if you want your daughter to receive higher standard education.”
This review was posted by a parent.