West Lafayette Intermediate School

The school curriculum and teaching approach is centered around high ability math students. All the way through high school these students are given most of the opportunities. If a student is not a high ability math student then they are separated in math class starting in the low grades. Not "extra help" but separated in a way that feels humiliating to the child, especially for American children of color. There are no other 'abilities' that are magnified and supported. The students do no write or reflect in the classroom. For language arts, they are presented with mechanics that make learning about language and communication very dry and dreadful. They spend a lot of time separating kids based on data but not a lot of time cultivating various types of intelligences or learning styles. Communication with the parent is minimal and by 4th grade parents are strongly encouraged to be hands off with time management and due dates. Then, when the child gets behind, the parent is retroactively held accountable. This only further elevates the 'high ability' math students to surpass in achievement and leaves other children behind. Sadly, I would strongly recommend against this school. Surrounding school districts are much better, with the benefit of lower property taxes.

Solid school that prides itself on high test scores, but as others have acknowledged, it is hard to tell if that is from the curriculum or home life factors relating to the proximity to Purdue. I will say as much as everyone raves about the school, the reviews of individual teachers -- compared and dissected at length by parents --and the homework given -- types and amount -- varies greatly. if your child will thrive in a competitive, individually focused environment, they will do well here, but don't expect a lot of specialized treatment or too much sympathy or willingness to accommodate differences.

It's okay. When looking at the test scores, one has to keep in mind the student body/school district which is around Purdue University. The area is highly educated, and middle class or above. So the high scores are largely due to home life. The school could pay more attention to parent and student issues. The answer is usually "this is the way we do it." There should be more attention to individual student needs and issues. The music program is very antiquated and the teacher not respectful to students.

Good school. Teachers are driven and impressive for the most part. Principal has pie thrown in her face for fundraising event. Not a good message. If the kids aren't allowed to throw food or hit others then why condone it for adults? This school offers too much homework in general but it is doable. Lunch schedule provides too little time to eat and the lines are long. Even when bringing my DC never finishes lunch. There is no regulation where students sit so some kids are left out. Gym/PE is very aggressive and competitive with a focus on individual success. Elementary gym should be fun. Library time isn't warm fuzzy stories anymore, that is a competition too. Kids take tests to earn points. School seems safe for students. Art teacher is very good. High parent involvement. Not a lot of extra-curricular activities, those offered have limited space, many students are turned away. Kids are racially diverse, the staff is not. Class size is large but there seems to be a good effort to address that problem. Overall good school just be prepared to remind your child that competition isn't everything.

This is my school. I'm doing 8th grade math in 6th grade. So mr. 2 star I have to say this is a HIGH QUALITY SCHOOL. Not a bad one