Building the Future: Introducing Westview High School

Building the Future

INTRODUCING WESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

PROGRESS IN ACTION

Westview is buzzing with excitement as we prepare for the official opening of Westview High School in Fall 2025. The sights and sounds of construction on our new high school building can be heard and seen as we progress toward the highly anticipated opening!

We are thrilled to share the story of how this groundbreaking initiative came to life and what it means for our students and community. Let's examine the journey to establish Westview High School, the innovative program structure, and the opportunities awaiting future students.

THE JOURNEY TO HIGH SCHOOL

An extension of The Westview School to include a high school education has been a repeat request and topic of discussion among stakeholders for many years. In 2016, with enthusiastic support from parents, Westview's Board of Trustees first initiated a strategic plan to explore the possibility of expansion. However, at the time, the financial feasibility and sustainability were unclear. It wasn't until a second strategic plan was completed in 2021 by Gershenson and Associates, followed by a comprehensive feasibility study by The Education Group, that the vision of a Westview High School started to take shape.

The feasibility study examined six years of data, including staff, student, and family surveys and interviews, alumni matriculation data, and the development of a pro forma budget. The results showed a clear need for a high school program serving students with autism and confirmed that the project was financially viable for Westview. With this green light, Westview's board unanimously voted to move forward to design a high school program tailored to Westview's mission and the unique needs of its students.

CRAFTING A UNIQUE PROGRAM

A program committee was formed and tasked with answering two key questions: “What should our signature program be?” and “Who should this high school serve?” The committee conducted extensive research and interviews with heads of schools and admissions directors from schools nationwide serving students with autism.

The results of this research showed one significant takeaway—most of these schools did not have a singular signature program of study. It was also very clear that flexibility and partnerships were important to the success of the program and student outcomes. The plan is for Westview High School to leverage partnerships with local community colleges and organizations to provide students with various opportunities aligned with their interests and aptitudes.

With our commitment to individualized learning, community integration, and skill development, this high school is more than an extension of The Westview School— it's a bold step forward in shaping the future of education for students with autism.

WHAT MAKES WESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL STANDOUT?

Westview High School extends The Westview School's 43-year legacy of providing a nurturing, specialized learning environment for students with autism. The program will be accredited and meet Texas state graduation requirements with 100% certified teachers.

THREE GRADUATION PATHWAYS

To accommodate diverse needs and goals, the high school offers a Distinguished Diploma, Foundations Diploma, and Modified Program. These pathways are specific to the needs of individual students and provide flexibility while maintaining the commitment to prepare graduates for college, the workforce, or transition programs.

INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING

Each student's program will be tailored to their unique strengths, interests, and needs.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships with local organizations and colleges will open doors to internships, career exploration, and real-world experiences

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

From academics and social communication to executive functioning and career readiness, the program is designed to build maturity, responsibility, and essential life skills.

A COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

The high school program includes core academics, social skills development, executive functioning, career exploration, and transition planning.

The core subjects of English/language arts, social studies, science, and math will be consistent in all student schedules. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore electives such as communication/speech, debate, languages other than English, physical education, visual and performing arts, career and technical education, and social skills development. The curriculum ensures that every student receives a comprehensive education tailored to their needs.

WHO IS WESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL FOR?

Westview High School seeks students who are:

• Academically capable and able to meet challenges with persistence

• Able to take initative in their learning and open to social growth

• Curious about careers and future opportunities

• Ready to engage in a supportive environment with teacher guidance

LOOKING AHEAD

The goal of Westview High School is a continuation of Westview's current program mission—the longstanding vision that all students with autism be educated in a supportive, nurturing learning environment that meets their social, emotional, and academic needs while empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

With our commitment to individualized learning, community integration, and skill development, this high school is more than an extension of The Westview School—it's a bold step forward in shaping the future of education for students with autism.

We're excited to welcome the first class of Westview High School students this fall and continue writing the next chapter of The Westview Story. We cannot wait to share more updates as we build this transformative program together!