On October 17, 2011 former President Barack Obama visited West Wilkes and gave a speech in the school gymnasium as part of his North Carolina, Virginia bus tour promoting the American Jobs Act.

West Wilkes also offers Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as English and History[vague].

West Wilkes is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, also known as SACS.

Fine Arts at West Wilkes include Band, Dance, Theater, and Chorus.

As of the 2011–2012 school year the West Wilkes Band had 65 members, and continues to grow.