Schools > Charter > New West Charter Middle School

New West Charter Middle School in Burbank, California

New West Charter Middle School Detail

(310) 943-5444
11625 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Levels: 6-8
District: SBE - New West Charter Middle


New West Charter Middle School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:20.38% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:47.66% (2009)
Black, non-Hispanic:18.38% (2009)
Hispanic:23.36% (2009)
Asian:4.98% (2009)
Pacific Islander:0.31% (2009)
Native American or Native Alaskan:0.31% (2009)
Unspecified:4.05% (2009)
Filipino:0.93% (2009)
Student Teacher Ratio:18.6% (2008)

New West Charter Middle School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating4
Average Safety Rating4

New West Charter Middle School Reviews

Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2010-01-09
“New West Charter is a great school and I am thankful that my child got in. It provides a small learning environment and the teachers work very hard to prepare our children for the next phase of education, and more importantly college! What I really love is when you listen to the teacher talk, the actually take into consideration the different phases our young people are in, and they incorporate this into their teaching method. For example they recognize that 7 grade boys have issues with staying on task because their hormones are out of sorts, so they take this into consideration and find ways to help them in this area. The comments about the front office staff not being friendly are true and that is an are for improvement, but they work really hard and care about the kids so I can see beyond this short coming.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2010-01-04
“My daughter has attend New West for the past 2 and a half years and unfortunately, we will be leaving for high school next year. New West has been a wonderful experience with great young dedicated instructors, a small community and an amazing music department. The principal of the school, Dr. Sharon Weir is doing a fantastic job, I really do not see what other people on this website are reproaching her, she is intelligent and quick to solve any problem. My daughter was coming from a private school and we feel that New West is even better, it offers an excellent education in a small environment minus the snobbery and the tab of a private school. The facilities are good, the only thing missing is better outdoors facilities. We feel totally comfortable recommending New West, and we will miss it. Thank you to all of you teachers and staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-11-21
“people who think dr.weir is hard to deal with is rong i am a 8th grader at new west and i have been ther for 3 hole years and idont think people sould rate her by what others say she is a very smaert orginzed and intalgent woman. andalso the teachters would NEVER! put a student down they will help them nomatter what after school durring luch and spare times they have durring the day”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-24
“This school is great due to small class sizes and ythe teachers knowing and discussing how each student is doing in all thjeior core subjects. Small school for those hard transitional years of middle school. No child left out.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-02
“New West Charter Middle School is a fantastic alternative to a private school. The school is small and the principle and teachers are highly qualified gems. Learning is project based with many hands on experiences in all subjects. The science education is outstanding and catches the children's interest. No child left behind is not just a phrase but is based on of rigorous dedicated teaching skills and afterschool tutoring. The school has a rigorous academic agenda and has risen to the top middle schools in the Los Angeles and Santa Monica areas as of 2009.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-16
“New West Charter provides an excellent, top of the line education! We are very impressed by the level of involvment and concern the teachers have demonstrated. It's all about the students succeeding and excelling.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-06-02
“The teachers at this school are truly incredible. My daughter graduates this year (but I have another one matriculating next year!) and has utterly thrived at the school. Their success is due to their visionary principal, Dr. Weir, and their truly outstanding teachers. They have high standards mixed with fun, inspired, hands-on learning. Cannot recommend this school highly enough. Tough to get into these days as its a strict lottery and they have lots of applications. We're lucky we got in before everyone in L.A. got hip to it.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-05-28
“New West has been an amazing school. My daughter is graduating this year and I must say that I am going to miss the school, the teachers and the staff. The entire 3 years that my daughter has attended has been academically challenging for her, yet she has excelled in each and every subject. The teachers pay specialized attention to every student and are very accessible when needed. I enjoyed volunteering and being around the students and the teachers to see how everyone interacts. I would strongly recommend New West Charter Middle School. Excellent Choice!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-04-04
“I am an 8th grader at new west and i have been going there for three years and i have to sya the teaching team is awesome. they are there when need help, especially after school tutoring, they are people you can go talk to if you have a problem and you will be so attached to this school when you come. Personally I think that 8th grade is the most fun grade ever. Yesterday 50 8th graders who got about 19 Daily Math Problems correct, the got to go to a Laker game and yesterday they were playing the rockets. For all those who dont know, it is the team with Yao Ming on it. It was fun being with friends and fun teachers. Its like, 'Is that my teacher over here dancing.' It was really fun. In the classroom, they will help you with everything.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-03-27
“With a tremendous director and dedicated teaching staff, New West has done amazing things with middle school students. In a very short period of time this school started from scratch, threw out what does not work in public education and implemented what works well. The result is a refreshingly different environment where students are treated as individuals. This school is a huge success.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-03-26
“the principal at new west charter is completely competent and professional she has a deep working knowledge of the school and a firm handle on the students she is very attentive and a great listener it is not even worth comparing new west charter to revere because they are vastly different and anyone who is lucky enough to get into new west should feel honored”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-03-13
“Being a Veteran student at new west, I guess you could say the I am biased towards it. But coming from a school where every one of my friends attended either cross roads or paul revere, I have found out just about everything there is to know about both Paul revere and New West. I took tours, visited friends, and just peaked around revere and it is nothing special. Sure it has a big campus, but there is a 6 minute passing period! 6 minutes times 7 passing periods... that's 42 minutes wasted! At New west we don't waste time. I find that the teachers envelope the students to compleatly cover their needs. I am getting Great grades, and so far, my favorite subject is science. New West is an amazing school and should be fully put to use.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-02-16
“as a student i really like new west, it is really small and everyone knows each other. the teachers are great and really help you if you need it. the teacher expect alot from you and it is also esier understanding when having a smaller class. well what can i say i love new west”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-01-16
“I am continually impressed by New West- the energy and enthusiasm of the entire staff, the respectful and 'family' camaraderie of the students, and especially the project based and interactive curriculum which truly makes learning exciting and applicable to real world situations. I have a sixth grader and she is truly happy here. I thanks my lucky stars we got in!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-12-04
“My daughter is in 8th grade at New West and her sister graduated from New West last year. We are thrilled to be part of this awesome charter school. While we may have less space and grass than Paul Revere, we have so much more than they will ever have. I get that some parents do not want the involvement required at New West and that is fine, they should go to Paul Revere. But for families willing to put in the time and effort in their child's education, New West offers an individually tailored education that is second to none in Los Angeles.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-12-04
“I have had children at New West since the day it opened. As a parent of six, my oldest child attended Paul Revere. For my next child I got involved with New West because there was no way I would ever send another child to Paul Revere. Two of my kids are New West graduates and I currently have twins in the 8th grade. We could not be happier and I don't think my kids could be better prepared for high school and beyond. New West is a special place where kids are not treated like cattle. With a great support staff, the director and teachers do an amazing job at customizing education for each child. In every school there will be a few bad seeds or disgruntled parents. Read all the reviews and come see for yourself. There is no better middle school option in Los Angeles!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-12-04
“As a teacher at New West, I could not be happier. The expectation level for teachers is challenging, the student - teacher ratio is just right and the unlimited creativity with my curriculum is outstanding! I can actually teach students with passion, humor and innovation. I do not have to worry about set lessons as I did with district schools and that is the best!”
This review was posted by a teacher.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-12-04
“Last night my family attended another wonder event at New West. 'The Taste of New West' was a celebration of cultural diversity and collaboration of parents, staff and students. It is truly amazing to see how this school who take kids from over 57 zip codes in Los Angeles brings everyone together as a model of community involvement. Well done New West!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-10-08
“New West has been an outstanding school for my child (now an 8th grader). We opted out of Paul Revere because no one knew who he was or cared? The Parent who loves Revere should stay there and allow the many hundreds of students on the waitlist at New West to get the opportunity to attend this fantastic school!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2008-10-04
“While New West loves waving its test scores around, you have to remember that it is a tiny school that plays favorites and demands conformity. What is more impressive?; a large school like Paul Revere that manages to shine even as a public school with a huge student body that it doesn't get to choose; or a tiny school run by a dictatorial leader that rests on test scores while students are routinely yelled at, put down and forced to toe the line in a narrow-minded environment?”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-09-21
“I have never been so glad to leave a school! My child graduated in June 2008, and it was a HUGE relief. The principal is a fraud--self agrandizing and full of herself. While there are some good teachers, the school in no way compares to Paul Revere Middle school in terms of variety of offerings, talent of teachers and usefulness of campus.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-09-20
“friendly staff and helpful teachers were there to guide us as late entering students this fall. so far, after our first week, we think it's a very well organized school with lots of opportunity.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-06-06
“There is so many positive things to be said about New West Charter Middle School. If you are looking for your child to thrive academically New West is the place. The music program is outstanding. The teachers are well qualified to handle any student. Their sports program is lacking. New West goes on many educational and phyically challenging field and road trips. My daughter has attended New West since 6th grade. She will be graduating this year. Reality has started to set in for her. New West is not a cliquey school. It is more of a family. If you are looking for a middle school for your child look at New West. Most parents are happy they sent their child to New West, I believe you will be too.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-05-22
“My son is a current 6th grader at New West Charter..we couldn't be happier with the academic programs, innovative cirriculum, and passionate teachers. There is a real respect for diversity and learning styles. They have successfully modeled organizational skills for him...which translated into never before seen academic success! I have to add that there has been only one student who left unsatifsied this school year (in such a small school it was easy to confirm.) Their agenda is obvious but will hopefully not deter parents from considering New West for their children.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-05-17
“Hi. I have just started New West this year. All of the teachers are great, caring, and want the best for us. If we have any trouble at all, or are falling behind, we know that they will help us. The school is small so we all get the 1 on 1 attention that we need. We only have 4 teachers in each grade so we all have the same teachers for each subject. None of us have more work than the other so it is fair. We have a good time doing P.E. everyday. We also have 2 other electives of our choice. Overall, as a student at this school, I love going to school and I will gladly be returning for the upcoming 2 years.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-05-15
“We must wholeheartedly agree with the 5/0/08 comment referring to the parent who disenrolled their child. The school does not have the reputation. It has the high test scores so academically it is okay but the parent who wrote that comment is not exaggerating at all. Administration especially the principal is not very friendly. The office staff are not pleasant being that they are the first ones you see when you enter. The teachers do yell unnecessarily and have their pick and chooses of who they show favoritism to. We will not be returning in the Fall and will not miss anyone there. Initially the staff comes across as caring, but once you get in it is a different ball game.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-05-15
“I have been at New West for 3 years, and this is the year I graduate. At New West I feel safe and accpeted for who I am. The teachers are awesome, they are always there to help us. I am going to miss everything about this school. It's like leaving your family because we've all become so close. New West is amazing!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-05-11
“This schools' reputation is wonderful!! The teachers are enthusiastic and always helpful. Anytime that I have had to speak with them, they have always made time for me. The administration is wonderful. The principal is focused and in charge!! The staff at the school does not need help, maybe the parent who wrote the 5/8/08 comment are the ones who need help!!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-05-08
“This school does not have the reputation people thinks it has. The teachers yell and the administration is the worst ever. The school is small but not enough programs to support extra activity. I immediately disenrolled my child from this school. The principal showed preference to 'certain parents' and not others. The staff is arrogant and uninformed. They need help.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2008-01-29
“There's are a lot of good things about this school, unfortunately, the principal is not one of them. She is self-agrandizing and difficult to deal with. This taints the school experience for many.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-11-07
“This is my 1 year at New West this is the best school ever. I love the fact that bearly anyone knows each other so it is easier to make friends. The teachers are the best that I had in my life. I recomend this school for everybody.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-09-19
“This is my second year at New West, I am in the 7th grade. My older brother and sister also went to New West and we all agree it is the best ever! I love the small classes and all the great electives we have. We also take great trips.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-09-07
“I can't say enough about this fabulous school! Small class size, differentiated classroom instruction, excellent teachers, a phenomenal principal and vice principal, dedicated and involved parents, a diverse student body... what more could you ask for? New West has a higher API than any area middle school. The school has a great music program, art, drama, science fair, National Honor Society, organized sports after school, student government, a wide variety of electives, the list just goes on and on. I have had another child at Paul Revere and I would NEVER go back. We are so very lucky to have such a gem of a school right in Los Angeles. The fact that this is a tuition free public charter school, without being part of LAUSD... that is just icing on the cake!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-09-05
“My daughter is in her 3rd and final year at NWCMS. I researched all the area schools and NW is the best choice hands down. The Principal and Vice Principal are like hand in glove. Both are capable leaders, experienced administrators and excellent teachers. The young teaching staff are enthusiastic and innovative. Great field trips add to the 'anything is possible' environment at NW. Send your kid there!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-03-27
“Our daughter has been at New West for a year and a half now, and we are very happy with the school! After 6 years of private school, we feel that we would not be happier with any private school! The teachers are young and excited about teaching. The small classes allow them to really know what's going on with the kids.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2006-12-17
“small school but great education.This is the school to go to if you want a good education for your child. The staff is very helpful and nice. But once again, the education is great!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2006-09-29
“New West Charter Have been the best school I have send my 3 boys to. After sending my oldest who graduated last year from N.W.C to Paul revere for 1 year and it was a disaster. New West was a welcoming environment for my 3 boys and I. New West not only encourages you to come and help in the school but also loves when the parents are involve with the children and their education the teachers are very friendly.This year we were 1 point behind Paul revere on the API.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2006-08-16
“New West offers a great alternative to LAUSD's over crowded schools. The one-on-one attention provided by it's core teachers, make New West's learning a unique & enriching environment. We value the teacher to student ratio which is that of a private school; additionally, it's social & cultural diversity enriches the learning experience. Our son is learning & is very happy there. Thank you New West teachers & Dr. Weir!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2006-06-08
“Good teachers. Family atmosphere.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2006-01-18
“New West is a great school. My 12 year old daughter goes there and enjoys it very much. She has been going there since october of 2004. She transferred from paul revere, their homework was just overwelming and her teachers were racists. Overall new west is a wonderful place to send your children.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2005-12-09
“Extracurricular activities were very limited but the social aspect for the students was rewarding for my daughter. There are limited teachers so it is important to make sure your child's learning level is being matched by the resources available. The parents are involved in many aspects of the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-12-05
“I am very happy with the school, the teachers and principal are great. The only problem is that they don't have much of a playground. But the small size makes up for that and it feels like a private school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2005-09-11
“My child attended the first year. I can sum up this school in one word: disorganized. We were worried from day to day if the school would even last out the year.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-09-08
“As a 'founder', i have been with the school for over 3 years. My child has attended new west since the 6th grade and is currently in the 8th grade. She is a member of the class of 2006 who will hold the distinction of being the first class to culminate having attended the first 3 years of it's existence! while our road has been rocky, the students have been the beneficiaries of a richly diverse student body, good academic programs, and awesome art, music, and lauguage activities. Family commitment, participation and involvement is expected and encouraged! if i could turn back the hands of time and begin again, i would still choose new west.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-08-20
“I have been with this school from the beginning. New West is a great school with dedicated teachers,staff,parents and students. The first year was rocky, but not as rocky as some have mentioned. The second year was great! The director issues, staff changes and all the rest was well within what is expected of a new charter school. Bottom line, our kids did better than most others at area schools. My child benefited greatly from what New West offers and graduated with honors. I have an incomming sixth grader starting in September and would never go anywhere else! Rock On New West!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-08-05
“After a heavy first year struggle the school has settled in and his intense involvement from about 10% of parents to help the very outsanding principal.The music and arts programs have improved greatly. The campus is small and has no grass or field so PE suffers.Principal has increased the quality of teachers and academics in a short period”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2005-06-08
“My son only attended 8th grade here, but it was a benefical year for him, I felt this school would be better suited for his needs, small population which resulted in smaller class size, and greatteacher to student ratio. The academic curriculum is sound, the sports are pretty average for the middle school level. The arts are great my son came playing the trumpet and learned so much since his enrollment, he also draws very well but they now have a new art teacher who is farily new. The administration has a higher than average turn over so that was what was questionable here. Overall I wish he would have attended all 3yrs, but definitely time well spent. Parent involvement is awesome and paramount.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-04-20
“The curriculum for this school is good and they offer a decent amount of subjects for their students. However there has been a problem with securing a steady principal for reasons I am not quite sure of. I like the teachers at least the ones my son has they seem enthusiastic and eager to educate. Overall I am pleased w/the school . and as you can see the API growth is commendable and going in the right direction.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-04-06
“We had a rough first year indeed. But that was to be expected. Contrary to what a few self-motivated parents have claimed, the Founders of the School and the Goverannce Board made the tough decisions to replace an incompetent and ineffective principal and some problem teachers and parents. Most of the problem parents and teachers are gone now and the differrence is like night and day. Thanks to our dedicated and diligent Board and Founders, we now have a superior principal who understands the schools goals and knows how to implement them. She is supported by an equally great faculty and staff hired by the Board who worked all summer long without pay to find the best teachers available. The school is moving in the right direction. The faculty, staff, parents and most importantly, the students are happy and achieving thanks to the Founders who stuck it out through tough times.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2004-08-23
“Great Kids, great parents. The school has the potential to be one of the best. Very rocky first year. We lost our principal and all but 1 teacher. The Governance Council has much to learn.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2004-08-17
“This school has great potential as long as everyone works together to implenment the mission of its visionary founders. This first year was very difficult because a small number of parents tried to take over and some of the teachers didn't really understand what the school was all about. The teacher turnover was high but not unusual for a first year charter. The actual number of teachers who lesft were 9 out of 12. Some of the unruly, pushy parents have left too which will make things better. A new principal who truly understands this school was hired and promeises to set the coarse straight. New, experienced teachers have also been hired with two weeks of professional development set before school begins. Most parents and stundets were quite happy with the first year despite its shortcomings. The second year will be much better and very promissing.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2004-08-02
“The first year started with loads of excitement and parent involvement--some excellent teachers as well. By the end of the year most of the teachers had left along with principal--too much meddling fom the founders on the governing council drove them away. The biggest problem of the first year was the different levels of ability in the school (from 3 years below grade level to 3 years above. Instead of being able to address that in the second year, the summer has been spent looking for 12 out of 15 teachers + a new principal.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-15
“Amazing state API score for New West! Fantastic achievement for an amazing school. Congratulations to the New West team.”
This review was posted by a parent.




     




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