Here stands West Lake Junior High. This school is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place of learning and growth.
West Lake Junior High was built in 1964. It has been a cornerstone of the community ever since. The school’s location is 3400 South and 3450 West in West Valley City. The school resides in the Granger region.
Did you know West Lake belongs to the Granite School District? This district is very large. It covers a significant part of the Salt Lake Valley.
West Lake is now known as West Lake STEM Junior High. STEM stands for science technology engineering and mathematics. These subjects are the platform for instruction. Students learn to think critically and solve problems.
The school has a rich history. West Lake celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015. In 2016 it became the first junior high STEM school in the Granite School District.
The Magna earthquake in 2020 caused severe damage. The original building was demolished. Students were temporarily relocated to the old Westbrook Elementary. Almost all students were bussed. A new building is scheduled to be ready for the 2024-2025 school year.
West Lake serves around 800 students in grades 7 and 8. The student body is very diverse. Many students come from different parts of the world.
The school supports its diverse students. A majority of the staff is ESL endorsed. They are also trained in Sheltered English Strategies. Students and families speak many different languages. There have been as many as 31 languages spoken. The teachers reflect the multicultural makeup of West Lake.
West Lake has a computer network system. Every classroom can access it. The Media Center is a central lab. All students can use it for research.
West Lake also focuses on the future. It prepares students for STEM careers. The demand for STEM workers is expected to rise. West Lake provides project-based and experiential learning.
The motto of West Lake is Try fail try again until you succeed. The school song is Oh West Lake. The mascot is the Mustang. West Lake empowers students to achieve their best. It uses a discovery-based collaborative approach.
As you leave West Lake remember its mission. The school empowers students. They learn to solve problems persevere and learn by doing. This school has a powerful legacy.