15 Longmeadow Dr
Westwood, MA 02090

There has been a consistent decline in the handling of behavioral issues. Expect to experience anything from physical violence, threats, exclusion and bullying. It starts as early as Kindergarten and only gets worse as they move up in grades. The behavior is not only tolerated, it appears to be fostered as Administration is made aware of the issues by several parents yet nothing is done to remediate the issues. The principal does not believe in consequences or as he states "singling out" student(s). Instead they all have lunch with lights out when only 1-2 students are creating the issue or they all miss 10 minutes of recess. What exactly are they trying to teach the kids that behave, are kind and show empathy? The children exercising good behavior get nothing but excluded, bullied, hit/pushed and threatened. What a total disappointment.

I'm going into the 8th grade this year and I can say that the support I have gotten here is incomparable. The teachers are so supportive and nice and really want you to do the best you can. Most of the students here are wonderful people. All my friends are here. The vice principal was probably one of the nicest humans alive. Social studies were so good and we learned new things and about current events too. The math teacher was so supportive. All my rotating teachers were the best. My ELA teacher made writing fun. My Spanish teacher pushed me to do my best and helped me learn life skills. My science teacher was so passionate about teaching and taught us in such a great way. Everyone was so kind to me and I am excited for 8th grade.

This school looks great on paper, but that is one of the issues with US News & World Report, isn't it? While the students are test prep ready, hence their high rankings and test scores, they are inundated with busy work and a "keep your head down" mentality. Students' differences are not celebrated, and neither are teachers' differences; if a teacher does not fit the mold of the school, they are fired. (My nephew lost 3 teachers that he loved over the course of this past year.) Students find themselves to be quiet and isolated if they are not high-achieving or do not come from well-to-do families. Moreover, the facilities are lacking, despite the high taxes: the building has temperamental heating and cooling, as well as mice issues. While some of the teachers are great and truly care about the students, others put too much pressure on the students without caring about the whole child. Overall, if you are looking to move to a suburb with "great schools," I would not consider Westwood.