Big Pine High School

I think Big Pine is one of the better schools in the Inyo county. There education may not be all that it should be and does lack in some ares but with all the involvement of the parents, and teachers it really shows that Big Pine is a great school and cares about it's students. When Big Pine found out they were going to Catalina this year to play football and volleyball the parents and teachers got together to come up with ideas to help these kids raise money to help them withh the cost of the trip. I havent seen this much involvment from any other schools. Bishop cant offer this type of loving care that Big Pine can.
--Submitted by a former student

I graduated from Big Pine and I found it to be the best school. I find that you have a personal one-on-one relationship with the teachers and you get the help that you need. Big Pine cares about its students and there activities. Many of the teachers are involved with the after school programs and to me, I think that s what makes Big Pine great. Seeing teachers being involved with there students and their interests shows that they care.
--Submitted by a former student

All 3 of my children graduated from Big Pine. I consider their education to be of greatest value in learning leadership roles, cooperative skills, as well as a well rounded education in all academic areas. All 3 have done well in college and in life skills. It is the effort you put into your education, that will reward you in life after graduation. Because Big Pine is small, students have the chance to partake in every sport and activity offered. They learn the skills of leadership because everyone is needed in the small setting and appreciated and taught how to deal with those roles that normally only the elite students are chosen for. I am grateful for the opportunity that my children had to attend this small school where everyone knows your name and cares about you even after you have left the classroom.
--Submitted by Marvalyn Kothman, a parent

Being both a parent of three kids and a relatively new addition to the teaching staff of Big Pine, I have many postive views of Big Pine. My three kids did better at Big Pine than at the other schools they attended. Small class sizes are a major reason for this. The teachers get to know the students. In my experience at Big Pine, each student is given the opportunity to learn and grow. Many students take advantage of this. However, some see school as a bore or not worthwhile to them. They are unable to see the future usefulness of obtaining an education. We continue to work with these students, giving them different career paths to explore (through a job shadowing program). After four years, some students come around and see the value of school. Some still don't and either dropout or barely pass and obtain their diploma. Again, if you want to learn, Big Pine is a school that affords you that opportunity.
--Submitted by Pete Schlieker, a parent

I graduated from Big Pine Schools and went on to graduate from the number 1 ranked liberal arts college in the nation. There are many schools with a much lower quality of education, lower morale, and less personal safety than Big Pine Schools. Considering the tiny size of the school and the limited budget, it has a surprising amount to offer. During the years that I attended, school pride was very high; most students declined the option to transfer to the Bishop school district. Another very positive aspect of Big Pine Schools is that ALL kids can participate in extra-curriculars and sports, without having to try out.
--Submitted by a former student

I agree that Big Pine HS faces many challenges as a small school. As a successful graduate from the Claremont Colleges, however, I feel I gained many assets from Big Pine High, including leadership opportunities and membership in a strong community. Now an elementary school teacher in LAUSD, I also realize the challenges schools face and must give Big Pine credit for what they are able to do with such limited resources.
--Submitted by Amy Cox, a former student

I think Big Pine is one of the worst schools I've ever gone to, and now I am in college. The teachers didn't prepare me at all for a California State University school! I am so glad I went to Bishop Union High School my senior year!
--Submitted by Elizabeth Lewis