Four students posing together on playground and smiling, one holding red ball

School Profile

  • West Side Mission

    Envision a school...

    • Where all children are encouraged to explore and strengthen their unique talents and gifts.
    • Where all children have equal access and opportunities to master the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, career pathways and the global economy.
    • Where students achieve this success through a variety of learning opportunities and differentiated tasks that challenge and engage 21st century learners in all core content areas.
    • Where members of the learning community collaborate to set high expectations and achieve this mission.

    Core Values and Beliefs

    Curriculum

    • Curriculum will be rigorous and relevant using a variety of research-based resources that are standards based and developmentally appropriate. The content will be vertically aligned, cohesive, and consistent within each grade level.

    Instruction

    • Instruction will be differentiated and student-centered using best practices to increase achievement.

    Assessment

    • Assessments will consist of purposeful, ongoing, balanced methods to measure student growth in order to drive instruction.

    Environment

    • Students will be immersed in a safe, respectful community that fosters responsible citizens, empowering them to succeed. 

    Awards & Honors

    • 2019 - Marietta Daily Journal Best of Cobb County - Public Elementary Schools
    • 2018 - Governor's Office of Student Achievement - Highest Performing Schools
    • 2017 - Governor's Office of Student Achievement - Highest Performing Schools
    • 2016 - Governor's Office of Student Achievement - Highest Performing Schools
    • 2012 - Exceptional Library Media Program
    • 2011 - Governor's Office of Student Acheivement - Bronze Award
    • 2007 - Academic Improvement Platinum Award
    • 2002-2011 - Nine Consecutive Years of Adequate Yearly Progress
    • 1985 - Georgia School of Excellence

    Student Support Services

    • Gifted Education
    • Comprehensive School Counseling Program
    • Early Intervention Program (EIP)
    • Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
    • Speech/Language Services
    • Special Education Services

    Student Activities

    • Weekly Specials Instruction (includes Art, Music, PE, STEM, and Innovation)
    • Before and After School Program with enrichment classes
    • Singing Stingers Chorus (4th-5th Grades)
    • Daily Student Produced News Show (4th-5th Grades)
    • Science Olympiad (4th-5th Grades)
    • Honors Chorus (5th Grade)
    • Safety Patrol (5th Grade)
    • Reading Bowl (5th Grade)
    • Junior Reading Bowl (4th Grade)
    • Girls on the Run (3rd-5th Grades)
    • Student Council (2nd-5th Grades)
    • Student Ambassadors (4th-5th Grades)
    • Yearbook Committee (4th-5th Grades)
    • K-Kids, in partnership with Marietta Kiwanis Club (2nd-5th Grades)
    • Drama Club, in partnership with The Strand Theater (1st-5th Grades)
    • Science Swarm (K-5th Grade)
    • Parent-led before and after school activities, including Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Awakening, and Sonrise
    • School-wide service activities
    • School-wide career day

    Facility

    • New Playground Renovation completed in 2019
    • Newly Renovated Gymnasium completed in 2019
    • $5.5M in renovations/new classrooms completed in 2007-2008
    • One to one Chromebooks in grade 1-5
    • One to one laptops in grade K
    • 55 iPads
    • Interactive Whiteboards in all classrooms
    • STEM lab
    • Innovation Lab (Innovation Hive)
    • Sport Court
    • Performance stage and auditorium
    • Multimedia production room
    • Multiple grade level garden, school green house, and on-site composting

    PTA-Sponsored Family Events and Activities

    • Fall Festival
    • Pizza on the Playground
    • Pastries with Parents
    • Stinger Auction
    • Grandparent's Day
    • "Reflections" contest and reception
    • Stingers Serve Week
    • Cultural Arts Programs
    • Second Grade Play
    • Spring Fling and Art Show
    • Fifth Grade Talent Program
    • Popsicles on the Playground
    • Spring Teddy Bear Tour for rising kindergarten students

    Faculty & Students

    • 80% of teachers hold advanced degrees
    • 75% of teachers hold gifted endorsement
    • One MCS Employee of the Year on Staff
    • One National Milken Award Winner on Staff
    • Alumni return to teach
    • Ten Principals in 70 years
    • Active PTA
    • Student Enrollment: 533 (FY22)
    • Average class size: 20
    • Number of teachers: 46
    • Uniforms: Yes, Unified dress code policy Monday through Thursday

    West Side History

    Learn about West Side's history and tradition of academic excellence.

Three girls smiling together in front of white picket fence, the center student in a blue West Side t-shirt
Two girls smiling on playground ladder