Chandler High School

This used to be a terrific school, in fact I bought my house ten years ago so that my child could attend CHS. Now finishing his junior year, he is seriously considering leaving for another school for senior year. I certainly hope that the new principal will bring accountability back to the teachers instead of allowing them to avoid teaching, insult students, and ignore parents. Additionally, it would be great if the administrative team is rebuilt with individuals who treat students like people instead of incidents. All in all, I hope this school returns to greatness before the reality of the past five years catches up with and ruins its reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best high school in the Greater Phoenix Metro and Suburb area. All three of my children have attended CHS. The teachers primarily, and the IB and AP programs set this school apart from the other High Schools in the area and the state. My daughters received a great education, the teachers truly care about all the childrens progress and in my interpretation do not default to the 'no child left behind' philosophy. Of course, the child must work hard and the parents must be involved in the childs success. I recommend this school to everyone concerned about their childs future!
—Submitted by a parent

this has been the school my family has been going to since the 20s. I'm in the band program and it is sweeeet. we're going to fiesta bowl.
—Submitted by a student

This school does a magnificent job incoperating the arts and athletics to its award winnign academics. Chandler offers infinite opportunites to excel, the studnets merely has the grasp and accomplish it. However, there is very low parent involvemet, maybe its because the studnes are 'big kids' now, making it akward for parents to come and volunteer. The only time parents are apprecitated it when the check is written for the fundraiser or event of the school.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has had some very caring teachers. They respond to e-mail concerns promptly. I even got a call from the principal once on a concern. He talked to me at length and we came up with a good solution. My daughter is in FFA. It is a very good club that teaches leadership skills, and people skills. She really enjoys it. My only regret is that she didn't make volleyball even though we thought she was good enough for at least JV. The teachers are as good as I could want. She has challenging enough classes even though she is in regular curriculum. I think she is learning a lot. She also has her choice of a lot of variety of electives which she enjoys. I wish our son would have started there. He wound up graduating from CHS and his teachers were great also. Thanks
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a Chandler High Teacher, I know my daughter puts her heart and soul into educating 'Her Kids' as she calls her students. She prepared her students to take the AIMS Test even though Chandler was not chosen to participate. If she is an example of the staff, the the students are receiving an excellent education. If your child is not receiving an education at this high school, it is because he/she does want an education. This parent has been involved in several events from sports, the science fair to graduation.
—Submitted by Myrna Kay Smith, a parent

Both of my boys attend CHS. Currently they are enrolled in the ROTC program and love it! I wish more students were aware of this program. It teaches them great leadership skills and they have a great time learning it as well as helping the community. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a substitute teacher in many high schools throughout the east valley. The openness of the students at Chandler High makes it a pleasure for me to be on their campus. You will find a diverse mix of students that makes for a much more stimulating backdrop for learning. The building itself is historical and distinctive. The school s proximity to The Chandler Center for the Arts is an extra value to many Fine Arts students. I have seen skilled teachers and students working together outside of class receiving accelerated support or remedial help. I give them kudos for including reading, writing and math skills in all subjects taught. I am especially impressed with the positive atmosphere generated by their adept principal.
—Submitted by a teacher

Poor Security Policies. Unnecessary rules and regulations. Filing paperwork and talking to administrators means getting tangled in red tape and dealing with a maze of bureaucracy.
—Submitted by a student

My son is a sophomore and daughter will be a freshman this fall. We are very happy with chs, and we're picky! the best thing about it is opportunity. Chs excels in academics (several levels to choose from) offers most electives and extracurricular activities a kid could want. The newly expanded campus is a wonderful mix of historical and modern facilities. Because it's such a large school, parental attention is required. Parents should not expect to hear from teachers without intiating contact, but i have found that any time i needed to reach someone (counselor or teacher) i was met with caring and action. If you're willing to advocate for your kid, opportunities abound at chs. Our experience has been mostly great teachers, a couple of duds. Again, parental involvement is key.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a recent graduate of Chandler High. I d have to say that the administration at this school is impossible to deal with. That being said, the IB program attracts the brightest students in the state and it is a real privilege to study with come of these kids who are so gifted in so many fields. The teachers are give and take, you will probably have the best and worse teachers of your life at Chandler High, unfortunately, only the good ones tend to get fired.
—Submitted by a former student

For a big city school, I think Chandler High is okay. I have two children currently attending, one is a special ed. student. The special ed. director is very, very good, and I am very happy with the services my son with Asperger's Syndrome receives. The teachers, in general, at Chandler High, are exceptional from what I have experienced. This is a school with pride in its history. The marching band is extremely excellent (will be in the Fiesta Bowl parade this year, Macy's parade next year). There are other excellent programs, the lacrosse team is very good. CHS has a brand new, really great swimmng pool for their swim team. Football team isn't too wonderful. There is a sizable Hispanic population at CHS. LDS Seminary available.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has many great opportunities for everyone. My children love this school and I recommend it to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a senior this year and I can't say enough positive things about CHS staff and their commitment to excellence. Mr. Williams leads the school with dignity and respect, and teachers are relentless in proving learning opportunities for all students. The new buildings and additional aquatic center and fields are outstanding. THANKS Chandler for giving our kids the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Chandler High has not been a pleasant experience for our family. We have a teen with A.D.D who needed the extra attention to help her through. Even the assistance of the 504 program, we only had 2 teachers that would call us with issues. She was caught cutting school 8 times before I was notified by mail. Most of the teachers never called me about her failing grades when they should be keeping me informed regularly of her progress or lack thereof under the 504 program. I rate this school poorly for any child that might have learning disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

Chandler high is a well balance of ethnic students. The school has a good academic standing and is equiped to handle a large student body. Some programs are weak, like the music and fine arts department. Still the school maintains a well balanced mix of students in the economic area. The mixture of affluent residents as well as the median income level residents makes for a varied student body. The school is still growing, both in population as well as in area size. With the addition of a new gymnasium as well as a new olympic size pool in the next year, it makes for a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated in 2001. She received an excellent education. She had 2 teachers that were interested enough to help her 'come out of her shell'. She had always been the 'quiet one' in class until her Jr. year. They saw potential and creativity in her that just needed a little 'push'. Their interest helped her become class speaker at graduation, an active member and leader in speech and debate, and an honor student. Unfortunatly some teachers were more focused on how they themselves apppeared to others if their students did not perform as the #1 class in their curriculum. These teachers did not take an interest in any student that did not enter their classroom as a top student! They didn't care about the 'jewels in the rough' The parents that spoke to these teachers were ignored and were told their child didn't 'fit' into their classroom.
—Submitted by Diane, a parent

Chandler Has the probably the best music program in the valley and the best academic programs. My involvement is strong and i believe others agree that parents normally are involved. The IB program is the strongest program there is to offer. Chandler is more of an academic school, but sports are always a big deal.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school located in the middle of old chandler. Althought the neighbor hood that the school is located in is a little old the education that is given at the school is very good. The local police are good at keeping children at the school safe and if there is any accedents that happen they are quick to respond.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a recent grad of Chandler High, and while I loved the majority of my teachers, I was extremely disappointed with the administration. From the security staff they hired to the policies they enacted, there seems to be a growing divide between the administration and the students. This was not my initial experience coming into the school, but with the change of leadership there was a change of philosophy. I warn any parent and student who will listen that you should walk on eggshells around them, and those who don't will find a very petty and vindictive office to deal with. The only sparkling review I have to give is to the teachers, of whom fought to keep education the number one priority both in the student's minds and the policies of the school. They're what make Chandler High the incredible school that is.
—Submitted by Seth, a former student