Huntsville High School

Huntsville High is a decent school. If you are not involved in sports, it's almost miserable. It seems to be what most of the school cares about. There are quite a few great teachers though, with a passion for teaching and helping students. Mrs. Schrimsher is probably one of the best teachers I've had. She has helped so much with the college applying process and helping to make sure we all graduate and excel at what we are best at. I believe she has helped a lot of students to grow up. Also, Coach Mincher is probably one of the best math teachers I've ever had, and has really helped me to understand it. I never understood Shakespeare before I took Mrs. Dotts class on it. It is super fun and amazing to see just how much she really loves it.
--Submitted by a student

There are (basically) two populations of students at Huntsville High School. If you break out student performance based on demographics, one population scores better than any high school in Northern Alabama. Students from Hampton Cove and the neighborhoods in and around the Medical District contribute positively to the overall academic performance. Huntsville High School and it's extracurricular facilities are clean, modern and maintained. The students walking in the halls appear cheerful and engaged and they appear to be proud of their school. The faculty are stable and for the most part dedicated. There is a lot of parent involvement in both academic and extracurricular activities though the environment is extremely competitive. Virtually all students advance to four year universities and many students advance to college athletics and college arts.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with the high school and all of the administrators and teachers I have encountered thus far. My daughter has some special needs and they have done a great job of accommodating her needs. I really sense her teachers care and their expectations for the students requirements and behaviors are clear.
--Submitted by a parent

Huntsville High School is definitely a great school. The counselors are willing to help, if only you are willing to ask for it. The teachers are good maybe not great. Mrs. Dotts, an English teacher, is amazing and is very passionate about teaching. So is Mrs. Blocker, a History teacher, she is one of the toughest teachers at the school, but trust me she is passionate and knows what she is doing. The classroom sizes are somewhat big (30 or more in some). Of course there will always be cliques in schools that's just how it is, but most kids are friendly enough. Also, the athletics are really good, though I never involved myself in any of them. The volleyball team won state for the 6th time in a row I believe. Overall, a very good school
--Submitted by a student

This school failed us miserably. I've felt the censure of the educators toward us as parents as well as my son. They took no responsibility for our son's failure, it was all his lack of effort. Concluded that everday I sent him to this school emphasized his weaknesses instead of his incredible strengths and out of the box intelligence. He was struggling with anxiety and gravitating to students with behavior and drug issues. We reacted strongly and pulled him out to homeschool. It has made a TREMENDOUS difference. Now we focus on his strengths and abilities. His anxiety is gone. Confidence returning and he now talks about the possibilities of his future. If you have a different kind of learner (ADHD) don't even try - they have no clue. Take charge yourself and see success.
--Submitted by a parent

HHS has a lot to offer and there are some excellent teachers. As in most things in life, students get out of it about what they are willing to put into it. Overall, it is a good school. And kids have a wide variety of sports, clubs and extra curricular activities in which to be involved -- which I believe keeps them out of trouble.
--Submitted by a parent

As an educator, I believe HHS is one of the better schools I have taught at. Class sizes are a bit high- it can be difficult to teach when average class has more that 30 students. The biggest issue seems to be getting parents to support academics as much as they do extracurriculars. Parents seem to view a 'good' teacher as one who is willing to manipulate grades to make students look good on a transcript, regardless of effort put forth in a class setting. Students are not encouraged to take responsiblity for their actions or their education. However, of the area schools I have taught at, HHS is the best teaching environment.
--Submitted by a teacher

If you really want to know about Huntsville, the leadership is weak, the counselors are more focused on helping the kids who are struggling than the ones with a desire to excel. They are overloaded and insensitive to personal needs. The teaching staff leaves a lot to be desired in the Math and History Departments. Science and English are better, but not by too much. I have had probably three or four excellent teachers in my four years, and at least one or two complete idiots each year. Think long and hard before moving into this district, your kids will do better elsewhere.
--Submitted by a student

After having 4 children attend and graduate from HHS ( two in 2002, 2004, and now 2008), I believe the English and Science departments to be exceptional. The teachers really care about the students and nuture them throughout their 4 years. Math preparation is dependent upon teacher and level. A great principal who often must yeild to the fundamentalist codes of parents serving on PTA board. Social politics are sublte but quite active. Would that as much attention were paid to the math team, debate and other competitions as to the athletic programs.
--Submitted by a parent

Huntsville High is a great school, with a great Principal. It has any and every extracurricular activity there is to offer, so you're sure to get you student involved! It's recent move back to 6A classification (a result from an 06-07 attendance of 1512 students) has put its sports to the test. Yet our Volleyball team still has 5 State Champions in a row, and our Football program still makes it to the playoffs, this year ending a 7 year losing streak to cross-town rival Grissom. HHS also has a magnificent Drama Department and, under Mike Chappell, has put on a spectacular production every year.
--Submitted by a student