• About Westgate

    HISTORY
    Escambia Westgate dates back to 1946 when Mrs. Lucy Petree opened a school for children who had intellectual and physical disabilities. Mrs. Petree, whose own child had a disability, devoted her time and energy to ensure her students had appropriate educational services. Over the next decade, Mrs. Petree's school grew. Community support for the Petree school was also growing. Many church groups, clubs, and community leaders were joining the effort to provide a quality education for students with special needs. Funds were appropriated, in 1977, to build a new special education center. That center became Escambia Westgate school.  Escambia Westgate school serves the needs of Pre-k, Elementary, Middle, and High school students with varying exceptionalities. In 2005 the Lacey A Collier Sensory Complex was opened. Escambia Westgate teachers and staff use research based strategies and curriculum to meet the academic and behavioral needs of our students. Now the sensory complex allows us to also meet the sensory needs of the students.

    MISSION STATEMENT
    To work as a community to see and foster the potential in every child to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

    PHILOSOPHY
    The Faculty and Staff of Escambia Westgate School recognize the importance of improving the student's functional level not only at school but also at home and in the community. We provide our students with many experiences, this helps our students to make a smooth transition from school to community and work settings. We recognize that significant gains in learning take place when students learn a skill at school and then are able to utilize that skill at home, work, or in the community. A strong partnership between school and home must exist. This partnership enables our students to develop the knowledge and values that will allow them to make a positive contribution to society.