Agoura High School

Recently asked the Deans and Admin about Zero Tolerance for bullying and they would simply reiterate POLICY verbiage instead of answering the issue. After weeks of requests and no return info from Ventura Sheriffs Department or the Admin I began research to try and help them. I was told that they do not make policy that it is the Board. So I began a research trek to find info on Zero Tolerance and found very negative facts for that lazy and cavalier policy,. I will now submit to Admin which will of course ignore it and will also submit to the board.
--Submitted by a parent

Arrogant self entitled from the principal down. Will not speak to a parent. New school year and have been refused now for 2 days to see counselor as they are not even on the campus. Most of the time they have substitute teachers. Horrible school. All Larry Misel does is send prerecorded messages out for money.
--Submitted by a parent

Agoura High School is well-known for it's music and drama programs. Unfortunately AHS suffers from many setbacks. My counselor says I can tell you are smart, but your grades are suffering. She even admitted that she has seen smart kids suffer from similar U.S. education systems (supposedly renowned similarly). Colleges complain that they get kids without creativity, but who are great at math or science problems they will (most likely) never use. My AP U.S. teacher asked us, 'How many of you think your grades show nothing about how smart you are?' The entire Advanced class raises their hands. He says he sees the same effect every year from almost every AP student, the smart A students. AHS fails to motivate the 'non-geniuses' and fails to prepare us for the real world. As my mom says 'Grades don't show your brilliance, but they are the ticket to college'.
--Submitted by a student

AHS was a great learning and growing experience for me. As a student with Autism, I was integrated into regular classes, with one social skills class, taught by Valorie Potter. I learned so much, and made so many great friends, many of whom I am still close with today. I will never forget my time at Agoura High.
--Submitted by a student

Agoura is very much like the suburban school I attended when my family moved to California in the early 70s because of the reputation of California schools. Things have changed in California, but Agoura is still a safe, supportive school that not only achieves academic excellence, but its graduates are competitive with any other school in any other state, gaining admission and scholarships in a wide range of disciplines. The staff and faculty always demonstrate their commitment to the students, and have created innovative programs to help students at all levels reach their educational potential. It's not all just academics, as was pointed out by another review - sports, arts, and even auto shop receive national recognition.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school. My child is happy to have such a great high school to attend! We are very pleased.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great all around highschool. The campus is great. It is located just outside of LA County, close enough to be part of LA, but far enough away to avoid the bad schools of LAUSD. The teachers are great. They not only teach the students the course material, but help the students mature as overall young adults. The school has fabulous arts and athletics. The Cheer team has won nationals for the past 8 years, the Boys and Girls waterpolo teams have consistently done very well with the Boys just coming off a State Championship. The other athletic teams all are very competitive and consistently place very high in league (Marmonte League). The photo department has won numerous awards, both locally and state wide. The Music department is fabulous and consistently places very high in national competitions. ANd the school has lots of spirit with its local rivalries.
--Submitted by a student

Although it is true that many teachers may not be the best, it is completely false to say that the school does not allow you to take any courses after Algebra II. I am in geometry and I am a sophomore. Usually, people take Algebra II sophomore year. However, I still plan to take AP statistics senior year. The school DOES address all students. Honestly, it depends on the student NOT the teacher. Yes the teacher helps you learn but it depends on the student if he or she wishes to learn anything. I have taken one AP class but I am not an AP/honors student. However, I am doing very well and I feel that I am being challenged. Maybe not as challenged as other schools but quite challenged.
--Submitted by a student

Agoura High caters more to the high achievers and the average student is left behind. The extracurricular activities and sports programs for the most part are very good. A number of the teachers should have retired long ago and there is little support for those students who are struggling. Have 3 children who have attended the school and it is a definite step down from the excellent experience they had at Lindero Middle School!
--Submitted by a parent

What a difference a year (or two) make. I'm in total agreement with the parent comments from 2008 and 2007, this was our experience as well. This school year we transferred our child from Agoura High to Oak Park High. We are more than pleased with the positive difference in attitude, class size, teacher, administrators, district, principal attitudes and our child's test scores. Agoura really needs some new blood.
--Submitted by a parent