Horizon High School

We home schooled for four years. It was time to choose a regular school. From the start Doris is awesome her voice just makes me smile hearing it! Darlene and the rest of that staff cares they just do not ask why they say hope your child feels better. Dr. Mobley whom has gone above and beyond his job to help my family, Mr. Cady whom also goes above and beyond, Mr. O'Connor whom is a honorable man whom always does and says the right thing to make a bad situation good, his calming me during a bad day was amazing (all of the staff I have delt with has this in there voice and heart) Spencer and Dr. Downing made my child feel so special it was so nice to see two people whom love life and share that with everything they do, there impact on my child changed our lives forever!Last years front office woman whom now works for the Asst. Principal was amazing which is why she is where she is now. The Asst. Principal attending one of my childs iep meetings and smiled and never once made a comment like your not a teacher. Seriously, this school staff is amazing go meet them tell them I sent you. They know who I am even without you saying my name. Thank you Horizon, you changed us!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent with two kids in this school, I could not have asked for a better choice. The admin staff is awesome, the teachers are fair, and teach what these students need to succeed. There are many programs, sports and clubs to help the kids have a great experience. Kudos to the principal Dr. Courson for helping to make this school one that is top rated in the district, and the state! *my kids agree!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Horizon. The person who stated that Horizon has an " secret Achilles heel a serious racial problem plaguing its core" is, in my opinion, having a unique experience that is surely not found within the vast majority of the school. Being a current freshman, I have been able to identify with a variety of people and am proud to say that Horizon definitely feels like home. After being at Horizon for only a few months, I can easily say that all of my teachers are very well prepared. I am a firm believer that it is the student who makes the grade and not the teacher (partially, but that's not the point). Kids who are failing classes here at Horizon are in their position because of them, not their teachers. All of my teachers really get the class to be independent thinkers they really push my class to think beyond what they are telling us and think for ourselves. I have also been able to find a place where I can balance my love for singing and art with my love for learning with Horizon's awesome music program! Never have I found more dedicated fine arts teachers. I feel that at Horizon I can succeed academically and artistically. The athletic program is also amazing! GO HUSKIES!
—Submitted by a student

We are new to Horizon High School this year and having nothing but great things to say. The teachers websites are informative. The school website is easy to navigate and find answers. My students' teachers have loads of experience and he is enjoying them. I can't wait to see what these next 4 years bring!
—Submitted by a parent

Of all the high schools in the district, Horizon has to be the best. The curriculum is challenging, as it pushes students to perform at their best, all the time. The choir program is definitely the best in the state, with their advanced ensembles placing first in all categories at a recent out-of-state competition. There are many opportunities for students to become involved, whether it is student government, arts programs, or sports programs. Contrary to previous reviews, there are no drug, racial, or bullying issues that is superfluous to what you may find at any other high school. Overall, Horizon is a wonderful school that allows students to be well-rounded in a safe and friendly environment.
—Submitted by a student

I am a current student attending Horizon and I feel insulted by all of these previous reviews, and obviously no new students such as freshmen or sophomores are going to feel comfortable with in the first two years. However, Horizon is the outlier of the other schools in the metropolitan area regarding drugs/alcohol.
—Submitted by a student

With its well-endowed curriculum and activities, prime Arizona location and affluence, it is easy to see why so many families deem this high school to be one of the best available. Unfortunately, this school has a secret Achilles heel a serious racial problem plaguing its core, which everyone pretends does not exist. While the rest of our nation's educational system is working hard to erase prejudice and elitism, through the years Horizon leadership has consistently swept clearly defined instances under the rug particularly in the sports department. Every single child deserves unbiased, even-handed opportunities. It is truly unfortunate this school has missed multiple chances to exemplify the true greatness of America s foundational premise instead of perpetuating and maintaining a Garden of Eden for a select few.

I love Horizon because it has many programs, the teachers are great, and I feel safe there.
—Submitted by a student

My positive review is about the HHS teachers who prepare students well for college and AP tests. My student excelled at Horizon for 4 years and is off to college . Thanks to HHS for a tough curriculum which teaches to all types of students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that are currently attending Horizon, and we are very happy with the school. We have found that there were many changes implemented since the new principal started 2 years ago that have made a great difference with the school. The adminstration is visible on campus, and most of the teachers have been dedicated and very responsive. It is not a 'rich kid' school at all. Our family is not rich, and neither of my children feel the need to wear designer labels to keep up with the other kids. Overall, we are very, very happy!
—Submitted by a parent

I found this school incompetent and the faculty definitely discriminates students. I found that this school was so ridiculous with all the regulations and the not so amazing curriculum that i happily left.
—Submitted by a student

I attended all 4 years at Horizon. Security is lack, the children as well as parents are cliquish and snobbery is everywhere. (No, nothing to be proud of, believe me) The teachers are not focused and we even had one who was proud of the fact that she was a playboy playmate! Drugs are everywhere. Keep your kids away!
—Submitted by a student

I am very happy with Horizon High School. In my opinion, it is the very best high school in the PV district. The teachers really care about the kids. They have a fantastic curriculum. My child has been happy wiht the school as well. It is not 'a rich kid' school full of spoiled children wearing designer clothing, as some have said. My child is not into labels and he is as accepted as the next kid. We have met many of the children and parents - all great people. If you are thinking about enrolling your child here - do not wait. The list for kids trying to get into this school is a very long one - and that in itself says a lot.
—Submitted by a parent

its an awesome school that has great programs for everyone. i go there now and all the rumors about the whole school being rich and there are a lot of fights and this and that are not true. there are a few fights but they get broken up before anything happens. it is a good school the security is awesome for stopping fights but they are so worried about the fights that they get distracted from other things like issues with stealing and students sneaking off to areas that they are not supposed to be in. its a cool school and you learn a lot there.
—Submitted by a student

The new principal is better than the previous one. He gets the kids more involved and is a visible presence to the students at school, as well as attending school functions. This has made a difference on the school campus!
—Submitted by a parent

Horizon High is in an upper middle class area with some affluence, but not the extremes found in other area schools. The teacher turnover is small, which I think is a good sign. My kids have learned and been involved in activities to have a rounded high school experieince. I think Horizon has demonstrated, that when you mess up as a kid, there are consequences and you are held responsible. I think Horizon is far above average as a high school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved from CA. I am glad the my child goes to this school. Kids are friendly, teachers are great! Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

I moved from NJ to AZ during my freshman year of high school and thought that Horizon was a much better school overall. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and sports, the teachers seem to challenge the kids, and fights didn't occur as often as on the east coast. The only area where I felt Horizon was weak, was their security.
—Submitted by a former student

Looking at other responses to this school, the problem parents seem to have is a fear of their child being beat up. While this is a problem, it's also a problem wherever you go. The teachers do a good job of keeping things interesting, and compared to other schools in the area I'd definitely recommend it, there's never really anything to truly be afraid of there. The only real problem is the principal, who is hard to see. I saw him maybe twice at my 3 year stay at Horizon, and both were school events.
—Submitted by a former student

I have taught here off and on for past 7 yrs. discipline problems galore and students lack respect for authority. This is supposed to be the 'jewel' of the P.V. district, I would look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a teacher