This is my student's first year in high school at the Westwood School as a 9th grader. He wakes up every day ready for school and rises to the challenges. That was definitely not me in high school - and I went to a great private Catholic high school. I love that they now have different levels of the IB program to fit each student's goals. The school continues to grow and expand - yet maintain what we love about a caring, smaller community. Yesterday a school in Allen accidentally called me saying that they had my son's phone but could not give me the child's name because there are almost 2k 9th graders, and she did not know. I can't imagine being somewhere that the office staff did not know my kid's name. Everyone at the Westwood School knows my student - and what would best serve him academically and emotionally - as they know what is "normal" or not normal in his every day interactions. I never worry about him during the day as I know he has the most caring community teaching, guiding, supporting, and looking out for him. We can't wait for the beautiful new campus. The tour last week just blew me away as to how amazing it will be for the kids - and I can't wait for our new gym! The teachers are phenomenal and like college level educators! There aren't enough stars for how much this school has made our son confident, caring, and ready for anything life hands him. I don't worry about his future. He believes he can do anything he wants to do in life - and I love everything about this school. There is nothing like it when I talk to all of my other parent friends around the nation - and I am so blessed we found it when he was small. read more

The Westwood School is truly a treasure that we are blessed to have found early in our school search. Our son has been a student here since kindergarten and will soon be in high school. His experience has been what I had always wanted for him. A place where kids are encouraged to be their personal best - a place where they are encouraged to discover the answer rather than regurgitate it. Pam Butler - the founder - was inspired to start the school based on Martin Luther King Jr's "I have a dream" speech. It was her dream to have a school foundation based on the content of one's character in a supportive community with personal excellence as the goal. This school has empowered our son to be a confident and independent learner who feels like he can do anything. I highly recommend checking out Westwood for your family, as it is the best kept secret in Dallas. read more

I went to school here from preschool to third grade. They didn't teach us anything except for how to pour rice and how to hammer nails into a log. We literally had recess like half of the day. This school is really expensive and not worth it. I would suggest a public school over this. read more

I've held off writing a review until I get a good feeling for the place. This year, we put the squid in a beginner's class. It was her first experience at a school like environment. I only have one kid, that I know of, so my experience is limited to my squid. That said, I never imagined the changes I would see in her. She has always been a rambunctious demanding child, but a few weeks into the school year and she became a focused charming little girl. I grew up in the old school where you got the back of someone's hand if you screwed around; obviously that's not acceptable in today's environment, and I really couldn't imagine myself spanking my kid. The teachers taught us some simple techniques they use to discipline and encourage your kid to do what you want them to do. The Montessori method is something I wasn't familiar with before this, but after schooling myself with the basics of the concept, I believe it to be the best way for my kid to learn. At 3, she's already got everyone in her life wrapped around her little finger. She counts, knows her ABC's, sings songs and while I wouldn't take her to Charlie Palmer, I feel fairly confident in taking her to Luby's. I checked out other schools, The Covenant, St. Alquin, and a few others, but I felt the most comfortable here. Their "campus" is an office building converted to a school, so it's not terribly posh like Alquin, but I like a bit of grit. The older kids at the school makes me wish I'd gone to a place like this when I was growing up. I probably would have been a better student. Overall, if you're looking for a Montessori school for your kid you can't go wrong sending your kid here. What's neat is the kids can go from 3-18 and graduate. They're also an IB (International Baccalaureate) school with great relations with colleges. From what I understand, they have an agreement with SMU for automatic admission if you graduate from here. Also, I think they're expanding their relationship to include Wake Forest and Duke. By the time my squid gets there maybe she can hit the ivy's? I think if you do well enough in the IB program you also get 36 hrs of college credit, but that's also true of most HS AP programs. read more

The Westwood School is a blessing to our family. It is a place where our child can build the skills needed to not only be an educated, cultured world citizen but encouraged to be a compassionate one too. Independent thinking is welcome while classmates support each other as a learning community. I feel a partnership with the teachers to help foster his independence and confidence. All the teachers we have had truly care about the whole child and ensuring mastery at his pace, not just reporting test scores and moving on. Every time I observe a classroom, I wish I had an opportunity to attend a school as wonderful as Westwood. read more

An excellent preschool, a decent lower elementary (depending on the class your child lands in), and sadly it just goes downhill from there. Administration is beyond unprofessional in how they work with parents and staff. This school failed my children while repeatedly reassuring me all was fine. They talk a big game but lack follow through. Save your money for a real school with a real education. read more

This is our 11th year at Westwood and we could not be happier! From the Montessori curriculum in the lower grades to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in middle school and high school, the teachers do a wonderful job of not only educating, but developing an individual who loves learning. The size of the school allows for a tight community among the students, families, and faculty. The teachers really get to know the students and what they are capable of achieving. We feel that we have a true partnership with the school. I am amazed everyday at my son's growth. From Economics to Mandarin to Biology, he has been well prepared and enjoyed his freshman year. With only 3 years left to go, we will be sad to leave Westwood, but oh so grateful for the the opportunity to be part of it! read more

We love our school and the community! The first thing we noticed when we started school at Westwood is the approach to learning. The curriculum is customized and designed to get the best out of each and every student. Instead of waiting for an entire class to master a concept, each child has their own plan and is consistently challenged. There isn't a cap on how far they can go. If you are in 3rd grade but working at a 5th grade math level, then your lessons are tailored to meet your needs. When kids are challenged; they are engaged and excited to go to school. My children love going to school and appreciate an environment where character matters. Children are treated with respect by the teachers and by each other. We feel very blessed to have found Westwood. read more

I LOVE Westwood. Not only are the students excelling academically (the 6 Seniors have been offered over $955,000 in academic scholarships), students are also taught responsibility. My 9-year-old reminded me that we had to get to the library because his books were due in TWO DAYS! Students set personal boundaries and know what to do when someone crosses that boundary. They practice problem-solving and other social graces. I am an employee. After working here for one year and seeing what a wonderful place this is, I had to enroll my four children. My oldest graduated last year with Westwood's first graduating class and is now attending college overseas. Westwood has the best students, the best staff, and the best parents. It's the people that make the community. read more

Our family has been a part of this wonderful community for 8 years, and continue to realize that this is the best all-around education for our two kids. They both have a true love of learning new concepts and ideas, and actually enjoy being challenged in school. The Westwood philosophy encourages our kids to think for themselves and solve problems, and focuses on shaping a confident person of character who will be a world-changer! read more

Enrolling our son in the Westwood School may be the wisest decision we have ever made as parents. He has never been happier and we are thrilled with the quality of the education he is getting. It is our plan to keep him here until graduation. read more

As a family in our 13th year now at the school, we cannot believe that word has not gotten out to every family in Dallas about the uniqueness and quality of the overall student experience that is Westwood. It is truly a hidden treasure. With a career history in psych, I can tell you the character development process that begins in the toddler programs and continues through High School is invaluable. The students that graduate the school are not only incredibly confident, compassionate, and well-rounded, but also have a true sense of who they are (and they remain true to it). The Montessori curriculum thru grade 6 was an incredible process to be a part of, often leading me to say "I wish I would have learned that way". The IB curriculum is a natural extension of the Montessori work beginning in grade 7 for all students. Unlike AP courses where students compete nationwide for scores, IB students compete globally for scores, which has proven to be a tremendous asset to our students applying to colleges. Extra-curricular activities in the arts, theatre, sports, and community & service round out the students' school experience. I am also happy to see Westwood claiming multiple 1st and 2nd place standings among the numerous TAPPS academic and athletic competitions, as well. Rather than depend on any one or two reviews, especially online, I encourage curious lookers to tour the school, meet the students and judge for yourself. I think you will feel the overwhelming sense of character and community that defines our school. read more