409 Howard Ave
Aurora, IL 60506

Bullying can exist in many forms: It can be physical (pushing, punching, or hitting), verbal (name-calling or threats), or psychological and emotional (spreading rumors or excluding someone from a conversation or activity). The school does not agree. They punish the victim. Cater to the abuser. Poor guidance and ignorance does not excuse this schools response to a child's well being.

Racially-motivated bullying was an issue for my student at this institution to the point that I had brought it to administration's attention. Disruptive behavior between classes in the hallways was witnessed by staff, but not addressed. I once picked up my child early from school and watched as students shoved other students, swore loudly, and threw books directly outside the main office while staff never once intervened. We moved within the year with the objective of getting our kids out of that school district and couldn't be happier with that decision.

This school is situated in a very diverse neighborhood with many families below the poverty rate whose first language in the household may not be English. I think the statistics shown in these ratings are highly inaccurate in relation to the lived-experience, and may lead some families to believe WA isn't a good school, which hasn't been my family's experience at all. This school focuses on the path the student wants to take, not the path of college for all, which is highly needed in a world where skilled labor is still necessarily and needed. There are a ton of vocational programs and opportunities for students who want to apprentice while in school. Though my son is a college-bound student, not all of his friends are, and they are all supported with the resources needed for their aspirations. My college-bound student has plenty of honors and AP opportunities with teachers who communicate well with both my son and me, the parent. For those who are college-bound, WA has an entire department of counselors to help guide them to make the best decisions to get into the college they want to attend. Additionally, there are tutors and teachers available during student periods and after school in the library when help is needed. Extra-curricular activities are plentiful for all interests. My son participates in mathletes and the video game team. Additionally, the unique opportunities are amazing, with short summer study abroad programs; they most recently travelled to Costa Rica (Spanish and Conservation-focused) and Italy. Do not let faulty (classist and racist) statistics control your decisions. You and your student have the power to make West Aurora what you want it to be when you're active and involved.