Pell City High School

The football coach, AD, and football caches run the school and system. The school system always ask themselves how would it benefit football? Title 9 is a big concern in this system. Discrimination and Equal Opportunity is, too.
—Submitted by a parent

under the leadership of its principal and her staff , pell city high school has moved from being a "dropout factory" to a fantastic place to receive an education. As a former student , i have already made the decision that when the time comes my children will go to school here.

The school as declining resources and they are reducing instructional blocks year over year. The leadership is stagnant with very few if any innovative ideas. Much of the campus is outdated and does not meet ADA compliance. There is a clear miss-match of resources between male and female sports (ie Football, Band, Volleyball, etc.) For example transportation to participate in off site sporting events is done by parents for some sports, but no all.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is run by students, not administrators. The students can do what they want. I taught there and was cursed out by students almost every day. The students skip class with no punishment. The administration does not have the teacher's back. This year, 3 teachers have left in the middle of the year because the school has gotten so bad. The academics do not help students for college. The students will struggle if they go to college. The school also has maternity leave because there are so many pregnancies. I do not recommend sending your child here.

I'm love pchs. I'm a 2009 graduate of pchs and I had an amazing high school experiance. The teacher were ther to help and the administration was very hands on.
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from PCHS in 2008 and I am overly confident in my academic path for my future.The teachers are great and the students are compared with a high academic standard. Like most schools, PCHS is completed with everything you need! GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This school has some great teachers. The problem with the school is the bullying of new students. My daughter has not had a break all year. This has been a continuous problem with no help from school officials. We will not be returning next year, I would rather my child not have to wonder if someone is going to attack her every single day. There needs to be better administrators and a better resource officer at this school. (Not to mention the parents of these kids, have definite problems). Do not send your child to this school if you want them to have a great high school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My son transfered here his junior yr. He has been on an IEP since middle school, and I'm sure they are written with best intentions, they place undo hardships on a student with ADHD. He's at the end of this quest; and will have nothing to show except a High School Certificate and being allowed to 'WALK' I doubt even 3 goals have ever been acheived, and it seems as though his starting problem has been comprehension, and not getting what is read.This area has never been addressed, even with direct references. He's struggled so, and I feel guilty that a diploma is not within range. Now he's been offered to participate in ceremonies days before we were told he couldn't. They don't have any medical or affective behaviors of these disorders, they seem to group it all in one, but every student/child is different , these disorders bring out .
—Submitted by a parent

Personally, I am not impressed with PCHS. I graduated from PCHS when Teachers were Teachers and not friends to the students. Don't get me wrong, the Teachers of the 70's and 80's were real, solid, caring, concerned, strong and professional. They were truly Respected. They never told the students their business or talked about a student to another, nor did they express their dislikes of any student to another. This is so disrespectful and very unprofessional. My children and I am sure others have gotten a raw deal at PCHS because all the teachers do not teach. They do not explain lessons or discuss lessons. How can they pass the AHSGE when they are not being taught. I would like to challenge all parents to go to their child's school and visit to see if you understand what your child is being taught.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is the craiest school you can go to. but overall pch is a wonderful school. we have tons of extra activities and stuff.
—Submitted by a student

i went to pell city high,graduated. and cannot make it in college. the academics are not good at pchs. people think it's good. but you go to other school's and compare,and you'll see. pell city,is pathetic.

I am a graduate student from Pell City High School. All I am going to say is that there is a lot of flaw in this school system.
—Submitted by a student

I have a tenth grade child attending PCHS. She is involved in Key Club, Cheerleading, Diamond Dolls, SGA, and Miss Pell High. The quality of academics is high. My daughter is in the honors program and spends much time with out of school projects and homework. The level of parent involvement is high-although I realize it is mainly parent involvement in the extra curricular activities and not the core academic program. The school offers so many choices for student involvement that it is sometimes mind boggling. If your child has an interest PCHS has a program.
—Submitted by a parent

My son came to PCHS in the midterm of 10th grade. He was struggling with chemistry(he is an honors student)the teacher he had really helped him. He has made new friends there and I am personaly happy with the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at PCHS and have been for my entire HS career. I honestly feel that this school is very unique. Over the last three years I have visited literally hundreds of schools across Alabama, while being involved with Key Club International. They are amazed at the level of involvement that PCHS retains. Not just with Sports, but with Extracurricular Activities and Academics. I am very proud to have attended PCHS and the Pell City School System for that matter. Our teachers, staff, administration and students are all great. Of course there are exceptions, but that is with every school. Overall, I would give PCHS a rating of 9 out of 10. I would encourage any students transferring to the area to visit and allow our new Ambassador Program (The Pridesmen and Pantherettes) show them around.
—Submitted by C W, a student

My daughter is in her 2nd year at PCHS and a Band student. I believe the addition of Mr. Jeremy McFall as Director of Bands was an excellent choice. He seems very committed to making sure that the students continue to perform at the highest level possible. My only problem with the school came last year when I attempted to volunteer. Needless to say, not a very welcoming atmosphere in the office! Overall, the academics so far have been above my expectations. I think we, basically, have a very good school, with excellent extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I've posted before, and I'll post again. I graduated 3 years ago and still come back in the summer to help teach the band. Yes, the school is changing, but everything changes. I've always loved the teachers and faculty, and am grateful for my experiences at PCHS. I wouldn't be where I am today without such guidance.
—Submitted by LO, a former student

Pell City High School is as good as you will make it for your child. All three of my children attend/ed PCHS. Two have graduated and gone on to college, and were very prepared in all subjects. My youngest is a junior at PCHS and involved in the band and chorale programs. The band is experiencing some transition but we have a great new band director coming next year and expect only wonderful things from an already great program. The oldest two received scholarships and I fully expect my youngest to do the same. Don't be fooled by those who give PCHS a bad review; if you expect the best out of your child, stay involved and work with the school system (not against it) your child can do great also!
—Submitted by a parent

I am one of the current currently in the band. Reffereing to the comment earlier, there is involvement in the fine arts department. So be correct on what you say.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a junior at PCHS and have been attending PCHS since my 9th gr. year. Yes I will admit our school has some problems- but no school is perfect. I am involved in the band, show choir, and many other clubs. PCHS has many activities for every type of student as well as a broad range of different teachers to help the students in any way that they may need. I'm sure that there are better schools out there than PCHS, but I know there are worse. But I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade my years at PCHS for anything. I'm will definitly be graduating next year with a lot of great memories!
—Submitted by a student