West Community Elementary School: Westlake's First Public School
West Community Elementary School is a new K-5 campus opening in Westlake, FL in August 2027. Learn about construction, features, principal, and what it means for families.
Westlake, FL is getting its first dedicated public elementary school — and it's on track to open its doors to students in August 2027. Here's everything Westlake families need to know about West Community Elementary School.
The Basics
- School name: West Community Elementary School
- Type: Public, K–5
- School district: Palm Beach County School District
- Location: Corner of Persimmon Boulevard and Green Lane, Westlake, FL
- Expected opening: August 2027
- Principal: Darline Winewski (appointed Spring 2026)
What the School Will Look Like
The Palm Beach County School District broke ground on the project in April–May 2026, marking the official start of construction. The campus is designed as a three-story, 97,000-square-foot building — a modern facility built to serve Westlake's rapidly growing student population.
Planned features include:
- State-of-the-art general education classrooms
- An integrated exterior covered play area
- A multipurpose performance space
- A patio and music lab
- Collaborative outdoor learning spaces
- STEM-focused areas throughout the campus
District officials say the school is being designed to reflect both modern educational needs and the character of the Westlake community. A school naming committee will be formed in accordance with School Board policy.
Why Westlake Needed Its Own School
Westlake is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Florida. As thousands of new homes have been built through Minto Communities — and with GL Homes' Silver Lake community planning 1,000+ additional homes — the demand for a local school has grown steadily.
West Community Elementary will be the first dedicated public school within the city of Westlake. Before this school, elementary-age children in the community commuted to schools in neighboring areas.
Meet the Principal
Darline Winewski was named the founding principal of West Community Elementary School in Spring 2026. Principal Winewski has spoken publicly about her goals for the school's culture.
"We're building a culture of excellence and high expectations — and most importantly, unwavering support for our children."
— Principal Darline Winewski
The Palm Beach County School District described the project as a blend of innovation and a "family-centric spirit" aimed at supporting future generations of students.
Construction Timeline
- March 2026: Project announced and plans previewed to Westlake City Council
- April–May 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony held at Persimmon Blvd and Green Lane
- Spring–Summer 2026: Construction underway
- August 2027: Target opening date (coinciding with Palm Beach County School District's academic calendar)
What This Means for Westlake Families
A local K–5 school is a meaningful quality-of-life addition for Westlake residents. It means shorter commutes for young families, a school community rooted in the neighborhood, and one more reason Westlake is increasingly self-sufficient as a city.
The school is being built to grow alongside the community — designed for modern learning, walkable from many Westlake neighborhoods, and staffed with a clear sense of mission from day one.
Stay Updated
Westlake Pulse is tracking West Community Elementary School through public documents, school district announcements, and city records. Check our Development Tracker for the latest construction milestones, or read the full school guide for background on the project.
You can also explore all active Westlake development projects or get the full picture in our guide to living in Westlake, FL.