Bentonville High School

I used to go to the High School before I was accepted to a the Mathematics/Science school in Hot Springs. When I arrived and started classes, I realized that BHS had not properly prepared me for college or anything of the sort. I had no idea how to write academic papers (it was not something that you did or learned how to do in my English classes at BHS) and I found that I was missing the many of the basics for mathematics, things that students from other schools seemed to have already learned. You can imagine my surprise. I came from a large 7A school only to find that I had to play catch-up with students from other, less famed, schools.

I am a single parent of a Bentonville high school student. I have had nothing but issues with the staff and administration at this school. They have accused and bullied my student from day one. This year he was expelled on the first day of school before he even reached his first class because he was accused of being on drugs. After they had him arrested at school he was able to pass two drug screens and after a full semester they decided to drop the charges. Again this week, a teacher accused him of being on drugs again and after detaining him he passed 3 drug screens. I am a middle class working mother who is not able to donate to the athletic boosters or the PTO. Therefore, my child is look down upon and bullied by the administration. If your student is not wealthy, acedemically superior, or and outstanding athlete they will not do well in this school. They only want students that will make them look outstanding and families that are able to donate to their school.
—Submitted by a parent

BHS can be a good experience - but be prepared! As a parent, you must stay on top of what is going on - and help your child find their "niche". The student population is too large for the counselors to be of any real academic help - there is no student advisory happening at BHS. And don't look to the Principal, either -- she is of no help. My senior is in the top 5% of his class academically, and scored in the top 10% of ACT nationally, has been involved in student government, choir and other extra-curricular. He has never been advised on his academic scheduling, much less on options for college or post-HS options. Too many students for the counselors to deal with. They like to stick to their "formula" - regardless if it benefits the individual student. I have had to fight for my student's scheduling for 4 years. I fear for the kids who have parents that are too busy, ill-equipped or disengaged to advocate for their student. If your student is not superior in at least one component (athletic or academic) - there is little chance for them to thrive at highly competitive BHS.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at BHS; once you get over the student population size, the school (teachers and staff) are very friendly. Teachers communicate frequently through emails. There is no hand-holding from teachers, if your student misses school, they are responsible for getting their work assignments - welcome to adult hood! :) Have not had any dealings with the Principal or VP, which is a good thing; office staff is friendly enough; the counselors are extremely helpful and respond to phone calls or emails in a timely manner. BHS offers a variety of extra-curricular activities and a wide range of academic classes to choose from.
—Submitted by a parent

I attend here and it is a great school. I personally think that the school cares about its students and expects the best from them. The ones that slack off and don't work like to say that the school is not for the students when it's really the student not caring about their education.
—Submitted by a student

I am a student attending here, and I absolutly love it. I have lived all over the world and been to private schools my whole life, but this school rises above them all. There are a lot of different people and amazing activites you can do here. I recomend this to anyone.
—Submitted by a student

BHS is a great school. Its not for the meek. It's a progressive real world school. Don't expect anyone to hold your hand. Excuses are just that. If you decide to excel this is the school for you. If you want to just muddle through your high school years go somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children have been privileged to attend BPS from K - 9th grade. We have experienced the most qualified educators for the past 10 years, from the p.e. teachers to our superintendent and everything in between. The high school is no exception. It is the largest 7A school in Arkansas right now but, they do a great job of not letting children fall through the cracks. This is our first year to actually experience the H.S. but our daughter has thrived in all her AP classes and all her extra curricular activities. They have a phenomenal athletic program and facility in whichever sport you play also. The principal, Mrs. Garrett, does an excellent job watching over 3,600 + students and I agree with the previous posting regarding her example in the community. The freshman class has 917 students. I know several children who have or are graduating that have been excepted to all 4 of the military academy's and any of the the top colleges in the nation. They definitely prepare you for your college years. Go Tigers!!
—Submitted by a parent

I rate the Bentonville High School currently as an excellant High School. The principal is a servant leader, she not only is the principal of 2933 students day in and day out, she also participates in teaching Sunday School, the Food Pantry at church, and Youth functions. With a leader of a High School with those serving the community type of values, the children at this school are not only receiving the best of the best education, they are also receiving direction on how to treat others and how to give back to the community. Both are qualities that make all students much better individuals in High School, but, more importantly, when they graduate into the real world. The Band Directors, Mrs. Rebecca Gale, and Mr. Gary Gale, are both of the same kind of individuals, they teach the children how to play in the Band, and also community volunteerism qualities.
—Submitted by a parent

2 of my 4 children have graduated from BHS and both have been well prepared for college. Encourage them to get involved, most clubs are free - the choir programs can 'teach' your child to sing! Some athletics are open to all - swim, tennis, some they have to earn a spot! Or they can cheer in the 'Jungle' but get involved. Having moved six times in three years ourselves prior to settling down in Bentonville, treat moves as an adventure/don't be a victim. Go to CAP conferences, help them get involved. Don't compare BHS to other schools, that does a 'disservice' to your child. Plus it is a great school - top 2% in the nation! Let them 'brag' about that to their friends back home! Encourage your kiddos to make the most of their high school experience. Many kids move around like ours did, they won't be alone.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no doubt this is an excellent school. There is a huge variety in terms of classes you are able to take, and extra-curricular activities. Not to mention countless other things, such as our high test scores, excellent athletic programs, and our Blue Ribbon status.
—Submitted by a student

My child is in the IB Program offered by Bentonville. Students receives a top notch education that is only offered by 3 other high schools in the state of Arkansas. IB truly requires the student give 110%. Bentonville offers AP and IB classes to those students who chose a more challenging curriculumn. I am very proud of the top notch facilities that Bentonville has to offer students whether it be in the curriculumn, athletics, band, choir or forensics. I guess it all depends on how much effort each inidividual child puts into high school. Mine chose to be challenged.
—Submitted by a parent

Not impressed. After attending schools (really great schools, and really crummy schools) all over the US and the world, our children received almost straight A's for the first time in their lives. They hardly ever did any homework or studying, and since I know that their arrival in Bentonville was not accompanied by a massive increase in IQ, I can only say that they were more challenged in their previous schools than at BHS. The recurrent complaint I heard from them all year long (by other BHS students as well) was about the constant distraction in their classrooms by students who do not care about education. In some classes, learning was effectively arrested--instead of raising or maintaining the bar, it was lowered to fit the students who did not care to learn. BUT, the sports complex is impressive (and should be with those types of sponsors!) Again, completely unimpressed w/education here.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student attending BHS. This is my first year here as a sophomore. Although there are top academics here I feel that the school is way too in to looking good. Whether its the multimillion dollar football stadium or trying to get blue ribbon awards. They need to slow down and focus on the kids not looking good. Also, there is no diversity.
—Submitted by a student

I have two children who have/are attending BHS and have been offered amazing opportunities. All [the administration and faculty is] concerned about is that you get a great education in a safe environment while conducting yourselves like ladies and gentlemen! In addition, both of my children were heavily involved with the arts. They had wonderful programs and opportunities afforded them...no small fete considering we live smack dab in the middle of 'football country.'
—Submitted by a parent

BHS has made great strides in the last few years in upgrading academic standards and have a caring faculty toward students in need of special services.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has top notch facilities and good programs. However you family income plays a great part to how the students are treated by the administration. A student that is middle class will not be afforded the opportunity to participate in activities. A student will get to participate if the family donates to the booster clubs or the parent is in the click.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does a great job given the large number of students it serves. The Principal is a good, fair leader and constantly trys to increase the quality of education provided to our kids. There is a great parent core in PTSO and Booster Club who also try to make high school a less intimidating and more beneficial experience. My experience at BHS continues to impress me with their efforts to improve, add and facilitate education.
—Submitted by a parent