Virgil Grissom High School

I'm a graduate of Grissom High School many years ago. Fortunately, I attended this school and it prepared me to think outside the box and for the rat race that is college. I believe that the many options in the curriculum of Grissom prepared me for a successful future. I'm now approaching 50 & have fond memories of participating in several AP classes, having unique PhD'd teachers who were willing to discuss theory and challenge me, and of all the band opportunities I was fortunate to be involved with. It is a college-preparation dream for students. I was able to clep several college courses which was a time and financial advantage. Most importantly, I've been a self-supporting female in a professional workforce for 28 years. That's from a good foundation. Go Tigers!

My daughter was in top private schools before we relocated to Huntsville but I received recommendations from the private school principal to consider the SE Huntsville public schools. We bought a home in the Whitesburg/Grissom district and were extremely satisfied for the most part. She was a solid honor roll student, involved in extracurricular activities and JV sports, and was very well prepared to succeed at a big out-of-state university for undergrad and then at prestigious schools for her master's and PhD. Her comment as a college freshman was that it was very little different from Grissom.. SO many kids come from small schools to a big uni and just cannot handle the feeling of being "lost in a crowd" or the myriad distractions. As others have said, even the "second tier" Grissom student is well equipped academically and maybe even more importantly, socially and emotionally, for college!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of Grissom and have moved back and purchased a home in the District so that my son will attend Grissom when he goes to high school. I had a B average when I was at Grissom but when I went to college I was light years ahead of my peers. College was quite easy after attending Grissom. We had many faculty members who had their doctorates and taught college during the year and summer break. Grissom will give your kids a solid foundation for achievement if they want it. There is so many organizations to get involved with while they are enrolled. There is absolutely no reason that your child should not fit in other than they dont want to go to school. Grissom will give them what they need to succeed in college.

This is my second year at GHS, and my grades aren't very good. I have doubts that I'll go to the schools of my choice. This is mostly my fault but also the fault of the teachers. 99% of the teachers seem uninterested in the students. Absolutely none of them will confront a student about their performance in class. This is due to GHS's policy of preparing students for college, but they overlook the fact that they have to get there first. Teachers have admitted that they don't care, and say "I still get paid whether you pass or not." GHS's academic rank falls each year. Teachers announce their policies only once, and if you don't obey then they will not compromise for any reason. They never understand why their students fail. Each year the administration corrupts more. Superintendent Moore gives GHS the LEAST amount of money out of any other school even when it is the highest performing. But the school is good for those who try hard. The principal is a good one. Extracurriculars are very good. But those teachers. I mean, look at how flawless and beautiful my vernacular is. Tell me how I have a 64 in Honors English. GHS's main problem is the teachers, everything else is pretty good.
—Submitted by a student

I am a current freshmen at this school as of 2010 If you are moving to this town and are zoned for grissom district be prepared, BRING EVERYTHING teachers will not tolerate not having your supplies, (i learned it the hard way) our school is a very hard school and the majority of the teachers are strict and do lots of test so you will most likely be doing homework for 2 to 5 hours a day, our sports are very good so if your a football player than go ahead s and join (it is hard practice) we did not do well this season but every school has there up's and DOWNS......our school would be better if it was better designed and maintained better but the education matters and grissom education is diffidently college hard level (BE PREPARED)
—Submitted by a student

I have a senior and a freshman this year at Grissom. Grissom is a challenging school. The teachers your child gets greatly influences how well they do. My senior had a non-preforming teacher here and there. My freshman not so lucky this year. He had three such teachers - that means nothing is gotten out of class time so you are teaching yourself! Yes - he did ask questions when he needed help. That said there are some excellent teachers that go beyond for their students. If you are an incoming freshman take heed to what the 8th grade teachers say about classes and teachers at Grissom. Your child does NOT have to be in honors classes as a freshman to take honors the following year. You need a good grade and teacher's signature for any honors/AP.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two children attend Grissom and I was a substitute teacher there. It is a large school but there are many opportunities for every type of student to become involved. The education provided is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

The school population is staggering, the staff is rude, short, and have a horrible problem with misunderstanding, they ignore everyone, and they assume you know everything about them, what their expectations are, and where to go and what to do. The building it s self has a bombarding and oppressive feel to it, I believe, that was purposely designed to create a hostel working and learning environment, but other than that, this is by far the best school in this state, believe me, it doesn t get any better. It s quite sad. The rest of the school is simply outstanding!
—Submitted by a student

Great School. Would not be where I am right now without it
—Submitted by a student

I'm proud that my oldest son is attending Grissom for his second year. He has always been an excellent student, and I believe that the atmosphere at Grissom is allowing him to achieve at a very high level ... in a school where there are lots of high achievers. He takes Band and has very much enjoyed the comraderie there. He is involved in outside interests that we handle as a family (sports, etc.). We purchased a home in Southeast Huntsville to give our children the opportunity to attend superior schools and we have not been sorry. Grissom is the icing on the cake. I am thrilled that our youngest son will be attending next year as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Hello! I am a proud Grissom grad currently at the University of Alabama at Birmingham working toward a dual degree of a BS in Biology, pre-med and a BA in Theatre. Grissom was a challenging environment, yet geared for success with dedicated teachers that cared about students getting the best education they could. Students don't quite realize how great their school is until they get to college and realize they are more prepared than every student they meet to deal with further education. I loved Grissom so much that when I start a family (and hopefully emjoying life as a successful surgeon), I want to move back to Huntsville so my children can attend Grissom! If you want your child to be motivated, educated, and above all have a love of school and involvement send them to Tiger Country! Krystal Hsu, class of 2005.
—Submitted by a parent

i currently attend grissom. i like the school, the main downfall is the overcrowded hallways, people sometimes have to push and shove to get around. some classes are even in portables outside. but there are tons of classes that you can choose from and the school spirt is great(if you go to any games..football,basketball, anything...then you will see a sea of orange and brown in the stands cheering).there is a dance,rotc,and band and choir programs. they even have classes such as photography and parenting. the councelers are nice also. there are also lots of clubs you can join. they deffently try to get you ready for college which is good. and of course there are a few bad teachers like any other school but there are a lot of good ones too. over all i would recomend this school the most out of any huntsville school.
—Submitted by a student

I have a senior [at] Grissom. He has ADHD. He has been more sucessful at Grissom than Mt. Gap, and especially Challenger. I dont believe that Grissom leaves behind less than exceptional students.
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent of 2 GHS students and also a graduate. Students are completely prepared for college after attending Grissom High School.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a Grissom grad, now working on my masters degree at The University of Alabama. I was never the outstanding student there (graduated with 3.3 GPA). I strongly believe the school does not just focus on the top students. Because of the tough classes at Grissom, I was able to maintain a 3.9 GPA in my undergraduate degree. If you don't like to be challenged this school is probably not for you, but they will set you up for success. There are a handful of schools that stick out in the state of Alabama, and Grissom is definitely one of them. Although Grissom is large and overcrowded, students get opportunities you wouldn't get at other schools: large arts programs (outstanding band), dance program, and numerous large academic and social clubs. I find it unusual if a student cannot find fit a place to fit in. Parental support is outstanding.
—Submitted by a former student

I have become very frustrated with Grissom. If you have a child that excels in studies and a solid study foundation they will progress.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not a parent but a graduate of Grissom. I have to disagree with the parents who say that if your student is mediocre then Grissom is not for them. I was not a A student and did not take AP courses but I am still proud of the education that I had available to me. The counselors and teachers that I had were more than willing to help me get the best education I could get. I highly recommend the school to anyone who is looking for a school that will give their child the best education that they can get in the City Of Huntsville.
—Submitted by a former student

I believe this school to be among the very finest in America. The teachers here are amazing. The only catch is that your student must be willing to work. Grissom has an ultra competetive environment where the top studnets in Huntsville compete at the highest levels.
—Submitted by a parent

Grissom High School can be a good school for students who need no help whatsoever. My daughter struggled there and we had to take her out and homeschool. They have a don't care about the students attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

I found Grissom a school not made for the average high school student. I have two students who attended Grissom one of average standing in the class the other on the lower end. The teaching method at Grissom is staggering for those who are not focused on the top level of the graduating class. The counselors are not helpful the teachers are overwhelmed by the size of the the school population and lack of discipline.
—Submitted by a parent