Thurston Middle School is the best of the Westwood Public Schools…read more I actually will go out on a limb and say it's one of the best middle schools, if not the best, in the state. For all it accomplishes, there is no other middle school I would suggest more. My wonderful experience (and memories) here as a student over ten years ago certify this as my favorite public school experience, due to the large role I had in working many activities in this school. It has inspired myself to become a teacher, due to the overwhelming support from administration (both the principal and asst. principal here are amazing) and because of my incredible experience while going to this school years ago.The education here is amazing and all of the staff are fabulous. The administration addresses concerns and worries of the students, parents and faculty regarding any matters all the time. Anything brought up to the administration here is dealt with immediately. They truly care about satisfaction and gratification from those who are in the building on a daily basis. While there are so many great things about this place, the best thing about Thurston Middle School is the staff. Every teacher is welcoming, helpful, friendly, and there for students whenever needed for any reason. Administration is also fantastic. One of the most respected teachers (and now the head of the school) continues to ensure that ANY and EVERY concern that is brought to her is fixed and responded to within maybe a week at most. Never here are any excuses made to the tune of any issue; a concern is taken with dignity and respect, and a clear effort to fix the problem (whatever it may be). Many other schools take a "blind eye" to concerns, and simply just doesn't care enough to take the matters into their own hands. Here they do a fantastic job (and continue to) make all their students feel valued and appreciated. The relationship throughout the school is that everyone knows everyone and everyone is friendly, hardworking and helpful. Courses have been expanded over the last year or two adding more "technology" (STEM) related classes and new science classes. Currently, grades seven and eight are 1:1 with Chromebooks and by the 2017-2018 year all grades will have them. For that matter, they have a great deal of technology in this school with many laptop carts and projectors in every room. The library was recently renovated and has changed to digital with less bookcases and newer and more modern furniture and accents, effecting in a more productive and conducive space for students usage. The auditorium in this school is small, but they recently replaced everything and while it is only to hold a small portion of the school and could definitely use replacement, it works for its most frequent use. They have two gymnasiums (which works very well for the number of gym classes, and is a constant issue with other middle schools), both of these rooms are great to have, as all other Westwood schools have one gym. Having two large gymnasiums is convenient and helpful when overscheduling occurs. They have a designated snack block for students, which was always pleasant and something that could be improved at other schools (I don't know any other schools with this). Maintenance staff do an amazing job on the facility, that was originally built in 1939, and still in incredible condition 78 years later. It has grown over time, with multiple different wings added on over time. And for the entirety of the time I've spent at the school, there have been barely any issues. Everything about this building works to the fullest of its life and works well for the needed layout of the school. Never are tiles breaking, loudspeaker system breaking, any animals inside the school (mice / ants), or are there any issues with the heating system (common issues in other schools). In general, it's a more reliable facility that was built with a great deal of intricate detail. There are some issues with this school, however, that is something expected in an almost 80 year old building. Sure, something here and there doesn't work, but for the most part, a great job on maintenance is done, and every effort is taken to make this school the best it can be. Certainly there are space issues in this school, and that should be expected in a growing town; nevertheless, in only ten years the amount of students attending the WPS is scheduled to drop considerably (being a resident). Sure, the school could be replaced, but for the energy and current amazing vibe and reputation; that isn't necessary. I wouldn't suggest anywhere more than Thurston Middle School for education and a wonderful experience for any student. Moving to Westwood for three years for any child is worth it due to the way it can shape students lives and make what in some people's opinions, a hard time of life, an enjoyable and fun experience. 5 stars. Parents: move to Westwood for this school. It's by far worth it!

I attended this school from 2015-2017 as a middle schooler and wanted to acknowledge that after all…read moreof my schooling experience, this school is the one I appreciated the most. The impact Boston Trinity Academy had on my life was very unique, it cultivated an environment of faith and respect for others while still challenging me to dive deeper and find my own path. At 21, I can still recognize the importance of having these incredible teachers as a part of my life.

Don't be fooled by the building this amazing school uses for its rigorous curriculum. Our children…read moreare challenged daily, while also feeling loved and cared for by the staff. If you want your child to truly experience a diverse range of opinions and backgrounds, look no further. Other private schools of the same caliber feel much more stuffy and pretentious.

Everything good we've heard about Milton Academy seems to be true so far in our first year…read more Aside from their academic reputation, it's also apparent that Milton focuses heavily on developing community citizens. They engage students by encouraging volunteer time during school hours, and also parents by allowing them to interact to help students in various ways. The curriculum allows students to take lessons in chess and Chinese even beginning in Kindergarten. There is a curriculum plan for the year even in K -- but they fold teaching into creative ways of learning, and the students seem to love being here. The campus is expansive and impressive, but also inviting and playful. There's always a good positive vibe and energy around campus. I especially like how open and inviting the Head of School and leadership are to questions and feedback. They openly encourage parents to inquire and provide input so they can continue improving.

This is the only review that I have ever written that has been a constant concern of mine…read more Hopefully, this time I have gotten the wording precise. To preface, I was a student of this school years ago and even though things have changed since then, this is the updated illustration of the state of the school. One other thing to preface is that the staff, and the staff alone are the only reason this review gets 3 stars... everyone there back when I attended Westwood High School (and from what I hear, now) cared immensely about their students and did everything they could to be helpful and of assistance, and flexible with different student needs. Lastly to note, I have written reviews in the past with focuses on the countless deficiencies with the facility of this building, but the story goes a whole lot further than that, even while that may be the bulk of my complaints. Historically, Westwood High School has never been maintained well which is clearly due to how fact the original WHS (built in 1956) needed to be rebuilt (2004). At the same time, the Thurston Middle School was built in 1939 and has not been rebuilt since, due to its longevity and continued fabulous maintenance. Even going on 80 years, TMS is still in fabulous condition. So, first to start off with the school itself, which is in a disastrous state in comparison to Wellesley High School, where maintenance is quite the opposite. Heating and cooling. During the winter, every room is either freezing cold or boiling hot. Rooms are illegally cold frequently and absolutely nothing is done to fix them. In only a 15 year old building, heat was never installed correctly in the first place. I am aware of someone who called the state about this issue, and of course, this was not addressed since Westwood High School finds a way to avoid having to fix or address anything, even if it's not legal. Specifically, one room was boiling hot (a math room) and the windows couldn't even be opened since all of them were jammed (and still are). At Thurston Middle School, the entire heating system works perfectly. A modest seventy degrees in every room every day during the winter. And air conditioning actually works in the summer for the rooms that have it.... this year air conditioning is being installed throughout TMS as well. 36 degrees is just too cold to run a class at Westwood High School (recent temperature in 2018) and something needs to be done to rectify that issue (did people actually move to Westwood so their kids would be learning in a room of 36 degrees?). Another thing to add on to this is that every thermostat in the school is for decoration and does not work by any means. They will literally all be set to ninety degrees and the room will still be freezing. From standpoints of students, these temperatures are "frustrating", "not ideal", and "extremely uncomfortable". Science. This entire wing of the school is incredibly appalling. Science was the only department that does not have a office where all teachers congregate, rather their own rooms. Since the rise in students, they no longer have their own rooms and have no offices. The prep rooms are not ventilated by any means and all are not equipped with the necessary science equipment. Dishwashers were installed in every prep room with no wiring attached (sure, what a great idea!), lots of plug outlets were installed in every science lab room for only about half of them to actually work. Fume hoods all don't work either. In every room several cabinets are broken and have had no efforts to be fixed in years. All science rooms have no running hot water, since the boilers broke and were never fixed years ago. Thurston Middle School has hot water in all prep rooms, all working outlets, and dishwashers that work in both of their prep rooms. General classrooms. Every teacher chair sinks automatically upon sitting in it. Every teacher desk is affixed to the floors. Nearly all rooms are not large enough to accompany the class sizes held in them. In comparison, the Thurston Middle School has proportionate room sizes and ironically only 5 fewer classrooms than the high school. Interdisciplinary teaching and atmosphere. There is no sense of interdisciplinary teaching at this school due to the departmentalized design of the school. It actually seems like some of the departments avoid each other. Everyone is a family at the Thurston Middle School, a way a school should operate. Teacher's have their own classrooms and aren't forced to congregate with other teachers in 1 large room, where making phone calls and having any space to work is constantly impossible. Overall, this school may have an extraordinary rating, for simply no purpose. Not only is the maintenance extremely subpar, but the way in which the school was built and the lack of space throughout effect in an aura and daily issue of ineffective learning. Thurston Middle School is a school that should be commended, WHS... not so exemplary.

This school may seem great on the outside but it's messed up. It's very hard to deceive when you…read moreare attending Westwood high but it's about as typical as a high school would be. cliques, high pressure, generalizations of students based on their economic status or appearance, ethnicity and background. If your parents don't make a zillion bucks you're not gunna be "cool" or "fit in". I hope they're working on their special education program especially because I went all my years in the Westwood school system and only got diagnosed as dyslexic and having an attention disorder when I was completely done @ Westwood high. They say that we have the best education...but man I learned nothing. So many social situations and undiagnosed learning disabilities will seriously steer you off Westwood high. It's over rated and your kid may act like they enjoy it. But all the stuff you learn about Westwood high will come out once your child has come to terms with it. And probably have a mental breakdown when they learn how other high schools are.

I am extremely disappointed with this school. During open house, they paint a picture of being…read moreaccommodating and supportive of students with IEPs and special needs, but that could not be further from the truth. The lack of safety, accountability, and proper supervision is alarming. The behavior in this school is out of control--there are constant fights, bullying, and students getting hurt, yet nothing is ever done. Incidents are repeatedly brushed under the rug. My son has been harmed multiple times since the beginning of the school year, and despite being a strong advocate, nothing has been done to protect him. The school claims to investigate, but there is never any follow-up or real action. A 7th grader was bullied so badly that students took a picture of him in the bathroom and spread it around--and still, nothing happened. Another student was body slammed outside, in front of two staff members, and was out of school for a week due to his injuries. Yet, no action was taken. Kids have to prepare themselves mentally, emotionally and physically to step foot in that school, which should not be the case. There is no sense of safety or respect in this school. The administration seems indifferent, and the well-being of students is clearly not a priority. Parents, be aware--this is not the safe, supportive environment they claim it to be. My son will not return to that school next year, and I have spoke to a good amount of parents that will be doing the same as well.

Absolutely awesome school!! Honored to say my child goes there!read more

Most teachers are inconsiderate and unsympathetic and egotistical. Bullying is rampant. It's…read moreincredibly cliquey with any non-white non-straight non-athletic and unconventionally attractive girls being excluded. Teachers turn a blind eye to bullying. Tuition goes up every year with several other expenses, like over 200$ for a retreat where students are fed chicken nuggets. No heat yet detentions are given to girls wearing pants or sweaters to be warmer. Stealing is rampant. School lunches are over priced. Some students show up drunk or high and teachers do nothing. However, the curriculum is challenging and expository writing fully prepares students for college, but at what cost?

For the last 2 years my daughter has been going to UA I…read morelove it so does my daughter they provide security, high education and higher level of self esteem.