Springdale High School

My son was beat up by his 'friends' on a school field trip. The principal that conducted the investigation gave my son one day of detention for defending himself, and gave the other 5 boys two days of detention. We chose to change schools because my son was afraid of meeting the other boys in the parking lot after school. Since correct punishment was not handed out, the principal told the rest of the student body that this kind of behavior is fine for SHS. We're hoping to find a safer enviornment at Harber.
—Submitted by a parent

They do a great job with the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best! so many different clubs!! the ag program is the best in arkansas! har-ber has noting on us!
—Submitted by a student

The school is not as crowded as it used to be because of the new high school they built across town, and I enjoy it there. I am currently a student there. Not all the teachers are great, but almost every teacher is thier for the students. I am excited about the new building they are going to make in the middle of campus, which will get rid of the street in the middle of school and help the school get more modern technology.They have classes for almost every career interest, including academies. I am in the medical academy, and I am satisfied with it. Springdale High School is the best high school in Springdale hands down.Go Bulldogs!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter will be entering the 11th grade this fall. She loves this school! My son graduated in 2006 and he enjoyed it as well. My daughter is in AP classes and finds the courses challenging and the teachers very committed to their success. She feels safe here regardless of the influx of some gang activity. Down side:Most of the school's resources ARE spent on athletics. The school's mechanics classes were discontinued all together this year because of lack of funding. They have lost a very valuable course and the kids suffer for it, but hey, we have a great football practice field. My daughter participates in FFA and loves it. Great teachers in Mr. Rice and Mr. Burkett. They both have a real concern for kids and their accomplishments and goals. Overall a great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

SHS academics are average, unless one is seeking college prep. courses. The IT courses are substantial.Math courses include Alg. 1,2, and 3, geometry, Trig, and Cal. The science department offers AP biology, chemistry, and a great physics' course. The band program had long been the best in the state, however, with the addition of a new highschool, the better band director fled to the new and nicer Harber Meadows. If you have a typical student, Harber is a better choice because it will continue to improve, whereas, SHS will continue to lose ground. My son enters his senior year this fall, and is lucky to have a few good AP teachers left (most that stayed are older and nearing retirement). SHS is not as safe as Harber, nor as good a school. SHS, at one point and time, was a fantastic school, but its best days have past.
—Submitted by a parent

I quit this school after the 10th grade. Too much money is spent on sports and anything sports related.
—Submitted by Corbin Mackepenny, a former student

There are quite a few academic programs that students can become involved in. The Band is very popular in the area along with choir. Springdale Bulldogs hold many titles for athletic acheivements. There are many programs/clubs that help students earn scholarships and grants. Parent involvement is not as predominant in SHS, but parents are always welcome to communicate with instructors.
—Submitted by a former student

I graduated in 2004 and i think springdale highschool is a pretty good school. The exceptions are the faculty, school board, and their policys. For example the students per teacher is a lot higher. Atleast doulble the listed number. Its a very crowded school. Luckily the new school will be finished soon so students wont have to have class in a trailer. Yes a trailer! Like for construction sites. With so much overcrowding they shouldnt have taken away privilages like open campus at lunch and out periods for seniors. I agree with the other review on the faculty. Assistant Principals Mr. Phillips and Mr. Harris are the only thing keeping the school together and acctually care about their students. The new principal has no interaction with students and doesn't listen to what the students have to say.
—Submitted by a former student

I think Sprindgdale HS is a great place to go to school. My son is in the special education program there and he is always so excited about going to school. Mrs. Biondo has been an outstanding teacher to him and has really made him feel like he could do anything he set his mind to. We could use more role models like Mrs. Biondo.
—Submitted by a parent

I, like Roy, am also a Senior at Springdale High School. I agree that our lunch lines can be a bit too long, and the hallways are pretty tight at times, but the school itself is great. Springdale offers an amazing amount of diverse classes, including many AP courses. I have had a wonderful three years at Springdale. -Natasha
—Submitted by a student

I am a junior at SHS and i believe that Springdale is among the top schools in the nation. The focuses are not only on academics but on the arts and sports as well. Our band and choir students are some of the best in the country. Springdale offers all sports and is at the top rankings of most (especially football with our recent defeat of Evangel Christian of Shreveport, LA at 30-14!). SHS also has great course options with AP, concurrent, and an on-the-job program. Springdale also manages it's size of nearly 3,000 while still keeping the small town community.
—Submitted by a student

The biggest problem with Springdale High School is the new principal. When Dr. Love was there it was a 5 star high school without question. However, with the exception of Vice Principals Lloyd Phillips and Aaron Harris, the administration is sub par. The principal has no grasp on the lives of his students and doesnt make any kind of effort to be involved - somethin Dr. Love did and did well. The counselors arent a great deal of help unless their name is Connie Williams... she is such a blessing to students who are lucky enough to have her. Overall the administration lacks the depth and character to retain what once was a 5 star reputation.
—Submitted by a former student

Although I am not a parent at Springdale High School, I am a senior. Even though there are some problems, such as long cafeteria lines and crowded halls, that's expected in a school with almost 3,000 students. Overall the school is great. All the teachers and principals are very open and willing to talk.
—Submitted by Roy, a student

The new math program is a disaster. Counselors were less than supportive. We received bad info from former principal and it caused our son great grief.
—Submitted by a parent