Brea-Olinda High School

I am a firm believer that school is what you bring to it. My child is a very good, but not great, student. He generally has a positive attitude and overall enjoys his general experience at school. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for me as a parent. I had a complaint about a teacher's attendance at school and events, and took it directly to the teacher. He said it wasn't his problem. I then followed chain of command and went to principal, and he said it was between me and the teacher. Round and round in circles. My next stop is the board. I will not go away, so they better get ready. This school is generally quite good, but it is let down by poor administration at the top end. Too bad, considering the Brea community is such a fine place to live. If I had to do it over, I would have put my child in a different high school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is for certain ethic groups and well to do families that can buy their childs way through school. Grades are obtained through wealth not academic ability. Student body is very stuck up.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School! Academic education is outstanding. The school community embraced both of my daughters who were Inter-district transfer students. One daughter received a full academic scholarship and the other a scholarship for 60 % of her college expenses. Both daughters are attending major universities in New York City! Thanks BOHS!
—Submitted by a parent

This is not a great school. It's mediocre like its middle school however all the students who cause the school problems get sent down to the continuation school. They have a great teaching staff that is consistently let down by poor administration and an apathetic student body. Basically students there only care about themselves and their college application than the school itself, the facilities get pretty rundown at the end of the year due to this indifference.
—Submitted by a student

In every year there are teachers that are wonderful at teaching, and horrible at teaching. Unfortuneatly for students like myself, it leans toward the latter side. Most teachers at this school have little conviction to teach, do not know how to teach, or just don't do anything. They understand very little and do not comprehend any issues that arise. The principal is especially difficult to work with.
—Submitted by a student

This school has no compassion for families in need. Our son had an issue at school and our whole family was treated with such disrespect and disdain that we are looking into private schools. Not everything about a school has to do with it's scores. The administration at this school and at the Brea Olinda district is the worst in Orange County - beware!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends this school and I wish I could transfer my child out but I can't. My child comes home complaining about the teachers. At back to school I have met them and they do seem unhappy just no enthusiasm. My child works hard and has very good grades its just a shame that this is a school my child can't wait to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

this is a great school academicly and sports wise I will continue to say great things about this school as long as its greatness continues I highly recogmend for parents to put their children in this school

Much of the curriculum is based on memorization rather than learning. They give extra credit to bump up a child's grade by having them collect cans for recycling or visiting local food fairs. . . in other words, credit for non-academically related activities. The principal is very difficult to work with.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school I have ever been at great teachers and staff they gave great oppurtunitys
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from Brea Olinda a few years back and I had great experinces all 4 years. The campus was well maintain, had a great career center, lots of extracurricular activites, and passionate teachers. Nothing quite Compares.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a sophmore at Brea Olinda High School and I feel that it is a wonderful school. It has wonderful teachers and is very well rounded. I also feel that if your child doesn't fit in, its not the schools fault, there are more then enough oppurtunities for your child to get involved.
—Submitted by a student

This school is so disorganized, when my child started here I just didn't feel welcomed its just so busy and it doesn't seem like the Principal cares about making the teachers happier. For if the teachers feel appreciated then they will be more willing to do more. This school needs more energy. Its too bad for Brea is a popular City. I will just do my best for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

Brea-Olinda High School is a beautiful campus., However, some teachers and Mr. Halpin are not so great. The teachers don't take responsibility for their mistakes and Mr. Halpin only offers excuses instead of an apology or solution. It doesn't seem like he cares at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Beautiful campus. Wonderful fine arts program. Very sports focused. Busy campus, always bustling with activities. Lots of school and city pride. The staff seems well liked and respected by the students. Clever and enjoyable activities all year. Totally Incredible Grad Night. Tons of opportunities for parents to get involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from this school and I loved it. It ws fun, safe, and is a gorgeous campus! Prinipal Halpin has little involvement. Mr. Parish,in charge of disipline is nice for the most part. The teachers were great, most students were on there sides. Guidance counsilor are great! Student love them all.
—Submitted by a former student

I would rate the academic programs a B-. Depth of overall teacher involvement..lacking. Large problem with inter-active/personal skills of current principal, many certificated positions are more concerned with salaries/benefits than the well being/success of their students. Time commitment/involvement with their students is not there. Many in classified positions, appear unhappy with direction. Athletically, the school programs have been in decline over the past 3-4 years, except two or three sports where that sport's booster club has the strength to maintain some degree of parity for their respective teams.
—Submitted by positive change is always good, a parent

Great school teachers and parents are very involved with students.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school. Many sports activities and parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Very nice campus, very great sports, very great teachers, highly under paid
—Submitted by a student