Hamilton High School

Few schools can compete with the quality of education at Hamilton. Many people think of it as a "Jock School" and sure that rings true. But what truly sets it apart is it's commitment to excellence in education. More than 1/3 of students are enrolled in AP courses, even more in honors courses, and year in and year out is a Top 5 AP School in AZ. The teachers and administration always work with the best interest of students in mind, even if that decision isn't popular with the parents. While many may complain about the rules at HHS, the rules in place are the same rules that apply in life (except maybe with wearing your ID). The modified block schedule helps accentuate learning; giving students longer to master concepts and teachers the ability to help students either in small groups or in one-on-one settings. As far as the student body goes, the students are the same everywhere; some good, some bad, some bullies, some mean girls, some tough guys. No matter where you go you'll find those students at any school. But, the good ones certainly outweigh the bad ones.

If your kids are into being clicky and superficial then Hamilton is for you. We moved to Chandler when our daughter was a sophomore and our son a freshman. My daughter who very easy going and social could not break in with all the mean girls (real mean!) She moved to Perry and did extremely well and graduated with many close friends. We left our son at Hamilton because he was a athlete and involved in 3 sports. The coaches are terrible - really! There's a LOT of favoritism and their goal is not to develop character but to win and not in a good way. If your kid is into sports plan on no vacations (kids ARE benched for missing practices that are "required" over vacations and breaks.) My son was even benched for attending a funeral. Academics are okay, there are some great teachers and some really bad and they sure pile on the homework especially in AP and honors classes making it almost impossible to be an athlete and a good student. My son regularly went to bed at 2am, it killed me as he didn't want to give up his AP classes. With so many kids rules are tight to keep everyone in line. Prison comes to mind. Would not recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Hamilton High about 5 years ago now and graduated from college last year. I enjoyed going to this school. Security did a good job of keeping students in check and the faculty was always great to work with. The school has a closed campus versus Chandler High which has an open campus. I think a closed campus offers better security for the students and helps keep kids out of trouble as well.

Hamilton High School is a great school, i have only been here for a few months and i can already tell that I'm going to have a great time. Hamilton has challenging programs like AP classes that anybody up for the challenge can take, AVID is also a great class as it helps you go through your honor classes and your life. AVID also gets you involved either be it sports or clubs. The main goal of AVID is to help you succeed and get you to college, it is a great class as well as Hamilton is a great school. In my opinion Hamilton is the best school in the state academically and in sports as it helps you get closer to the school with assemblies every second Friday talking not just about football but about everything going on in the school. Hamilton really makes you feel like you belong. GO HUSKIES!
—Submitted by a student

I DISLIKE THIS SCHOOL ! I sent my son to this school for his freshmen year and he said they had an "assembly every friday" for football, Why The Heck would the Principal allow this ? it seems like the whole school cares more about football than EDUCATION ! hamilton to me is only better because its located less than a mile away, i didnt care if i had to drive more north to find a better school so i chose to take him to Chandler High School. the teacher and principal are very respectful, its better to take your child to chandler they offer higher level education like IB/AP and dual credit. Sorry hamilton maybe you guys should make your school a football academy and not an education school!!
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is really a wonderful school. In just 10 years, it has set high standards for its students and reaches above level in all areas, even sports; which compete highly to the top schools in the state. This layout is quite the work of art, besides the fact that it's a bit small for the amount of students it holds, but we cope. Their motives are to send every student to college, and guest speakers are in and out of the classrooms delivering encouragement. There are plenty classes you can take to expand your horizon, if you will, and teachers are all willing to help. The career center is a great place to plan on classes to take in the future, and where you want to go to school after you graduate. I've met some pretty amazing people there and i will never for it. We made Traditions that will be passed along to future students. Huskies forever!
—Submitted by a student

My son has been attending Hamilton for the last three years and he has had a great experience at this school so far. He is getting an A+ education for most of his teachers are dedicated and knowledgeable. He has been able to take challenging and rewarding classes as Hamilton does provide a great curriculum for those who need and desire to excel. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

I live in the area and I have seen the students' behavior in and around the campus. I also read a lot on the school's achievements. I must say that I would not send my child to this school. One time 2 students were making out right outside the restroom in the library (the library also serves as a public library). Another student was wearing really short shorts and she was sitting by the window outside the library showing more skin than one needs to see. The other day students were driving out of the school without yielding/watching the traffic. The students from one of the cars tossed out soda cans while the car was moving. I know there're a lot of good students there and the school test scores are good, but the way that some of the students present themselves in public makes me doubt whether this school really lives up to the high rating. A great school is not just about test scores and sports programs. It's also about the student's whole person development. They need to have self-respect and courtesy for others.

As for Mr. Bill Kleinman, Thank you for helping me during my time at Hamilton, you are truly the greatest teacher I have ever had and i wish you all the success in the world as you were the one who made it possible for me to have the great success I have today.
—Submitted by a student

I strongly feel that this school hindered my daughter's education as a result from cyber bulling from other students and the lack of communication from which the teachers failed to meet as far as my expectations. Therefore, I had no choice but to transfer my daughter to another school district where she would feel safe in an enviornment in which she would be able to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

great teachers and kids!! very positive atmosphere
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student here at hamilton high and i think that this school is great. It's situated near a large plaza with resturaunts and they let the seniors go there after their half day. We exceed in numerous academics some of them are not even offered in the entire city of phoenix that would require an extra year or two to take in a college. The teachers are great and freindly to any student that walks in their classroom on their first day. We have a detention policy called ASD After School Detention meaning that if your child misses homework they stay after school for an hour which would put your kid in gear to finish their homework. If you need help in a subject every teacher is there after school to help your kid with whatever the problem is.
—Submitted by a student

Hamilton High School is not all negative. I am a senior at Hamilton High and I have gone here all four years. The teachers try their best to teach us kids and help us learn. They are not out to get kids in trouble with ASD. The School has many kids, but we an amazing staff that welcomes them all. Younger kids today think that if they do not get their way then 'life is unfair.' Teachers here do not take that excuse, they are getting us prepared for life after school. Hamilton is a great school for kids to get a real education.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a student at Hamilton, let me tell you! The school is overly packed.. All they care about is football, all the other sports really have NO chance. There's too many kids, so there's contstanly drama.. I absolutely hate the school. This is my Sophomore year, i want to leave badly... Everything else is alright expect girls cant wear 'tanktops' but yet again there aloud to wear 'bootyshorts' its really ridiculous! I rather go to Chandler High School. So if your thinking about sending your child to Hamilton... Think twice! The teachers are really nice, i had Mr.Ring for a freshman math teacher he really works with you too understand math! Other than that the teachers do anything to give you ASD, which is 'After School Detention'... Please re-think i would hate for you child to go through what i went through last year.
—Submitted by a student

what a wonderful job this school has done for the students. All three of my children graduated from Hamilton, two of the three are now at ASU on full ride scholarships. As a 'thank you' I continue to volunteer for the music dept.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Hamilton in 2008. It was probably the greatest experience of my life. Yes, the school is too small for the amount of students it packs in, however for Honors and AP courses everything seemed to go just fine. The large student body enables there ti be clubs that fit anybody's need (I mean DDR club, really?). This school changed what I wanted to be through its spectacular science program. Phenomenal school, 'nuff said.
—Submitted by a student

Hamilton is really a wonderful school. In just 10 years, it has set high standards for its students and reaches above level in all areas, which compete highly to the top schools in the state. This layout is quite the work of art, besides the fact that it's a bit small for the amount of students it holds, but we cope. Their motives are to send every student to college, and guest speakers are in and out of the classrooms delivering encouragement. There are plenty classes you can take to expand your horizon, if you will, and teachers are all willing to help. The career center is a great place to plan on classes to take in the future, and where you want to go to school after you graduate. I love going here!
—Submitted by a student

As a current student at Hamilton High School, I must say it is an excellent school. We exceed in athletics, academics, and the arts. This school has a great foundation under it and is everything any parent could hope for for their child's education.
—Submitted by a student

The semester I spent at this school was the worst semester of my life. The curriculum is too constricting and the schedule is detrimental to the students' time management skills. However, the biggest problem was the size of the school.The campus is much too small for the amount of students it holds, making hallways very dangerous. Hamilton does have a few good teachers, as I recall, but if you get stuck with a bad one they don't cater to your requests. It's very hard to get ahead in this school for the mass of the student body makes it hard to get noticed.
—Submitted by a former student

I graduated from HHS when it first opened I was really happy to attend HHS. Staff and teachers are all very caring. The only issue with the school was that it was a closed campus but I think it was a good thing because it kept students from ditching.
—Submitted by a former student