446 Melrose Ave
Hillside, IL 60162

As a former student, I would not recommend Proviso West at all. Fights break out every day. Teachers who don't teach, but are afraid of the students. A battle zone is what best describes Proviso West. I remember being excited to be going there, that, unfortunately only lasted 1 week. Lunchtime is another battle zone, at best and the food is horrible. Hostile environment. If, you are planning a career in armed robbery, then you're in the right environment. Lockers are broken into on a daily basis, coats, personal items are stolen. My best friend had her new coat stolen out of her locked locker, she even saw it happen, the school did nothing. Proviso West is more like a prison, instead of a learning environment. Don't send your children here, find an alternative. I was so thankful when we moved to get away from Proviso West, I didn't even care where we moved, just to be away from Bellwood and Proviso West was enough for me.

I am writing this review as a former student and employee as a community member with a prospective student. It is noteworthy that the district promotes new initiatives and changes; however, it is nearly impossible to contact the school by phone or to schedule a visit for prospective students to engage with the school and determine if it is a suitable environment for them. I believe that access to such opportunities should be available to all community members, regardless of past relationship with the district or community prestige, especially considering that tax dollars are obligatorily paid into this school system. I find this situation to be highly unprofessional and quite disheartening, as it reflects poorly on what is considered a productive and compassionate learning environment for students.

I hate that this is the only middle school choice in this area. I will be looking into a new school or home school soon. They treat the students like there in jail. All of these students are not mischievous. Yes, some of them are hard. The school appearance on the outside look like a jail. They have medal detectors. Staff don't focus enough on achievement, academics and social and emotional skills. They focus on dress code, discipline, and suspensions. Some of the staff I've been told are very rude and holler too much. This students in this school needs help fast. The ones that want to learn.