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.