Bolsa Grande High School

I transferred here from another state and graduated here at BGHS. On my very first day, I felt the sense of disorganization and hostility. There were many complications on deciding which classes I should take. Counselors did not help me much with that, and I ended up missing some required courses to graduate. I was lucky to catch it myself before I would be required to stay back another year. I felt like the school was low in money. Some classrooms did not have AC in the hot summer. On my first day in my first class, I had to sit in the back of a laboratory table because there was not enough seats and had to write my notes on my lap. Academics is not very great. Most AP courses are not taught appropriately. There definitely needs to be improvements, and I have not seen any signs of it. Students definitely try hard, but the school does not provide the resources that it should. The focus and attention of staff is misplaced and feedback is not encouraged.
—Submitted by a student

Bolsa Grande makes the transititon from jr high to high school a welcoming experience. My daughter is a freshman and is doing very well academically and has made great new friends.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Bolsa Grande for 2 years already. And I am going to attend my Junior year there. So far, I think that Bolsa Granda is a really great school. It has all the qualities that make a good high school. It has a great staff, plenty of fun activities throughout the year, and eco-friendly enviroment. The staff really helps me with my struggles and helps me aim higher with my passings. I think everybody should go check out Bolsa Grande first before making judgements about it. Because like they say 'Don't judge a book by its cover.'
—Submitted by a student

My son went to Bolsa and I feel the teachers and staff were very supportive in helping him to succeed. The principal is very out of touch with the students. I do feel that the elective classes were slighted greatly. I wanted my son to prepare for his major in college and unfortunately I had to insist repeatedly (with his counselor) that he take the electives that would prepare him for his college major and not an extra year of foreign language, math or science. Overall a great school though.
—Submitted by a parent

Bolsa is a great school, trust me. it's bored sometimes, and some teachers are not really great but I like it. It has lots of smart students and they really are. Also, we can learn cultures from the other countries too because there are a lot of students fromt different countries. Especially, Asians are really so smart and clever. We can learn from them a lot.
—Submitted by a student

Bolsa was a great school to go to and was more fun then my current school trust me all the teachers there are great some can be a bore but if you're failing or don't understand something just ask them and they will help and disciplinary action at the school are not to strict or lenient im glad that i will be returning for my senior year Class of 09
—Submitted by a student

The teachers here are all horrible. Bolsa should check up on how well the teacher can teach and not how well they know their own material. Communicating with students is a big issue for most teachers here because I don't feel they are in sync. Don't get me wrong, im a very hardworking student and very open to all teachers as long as they are open with me. The students all live in their own little world and does not interact with many others. School rallies are very poor and the spirit is very limited. I will be graduating class of '09 and i really don't want to graduate at bolsa. I wish to go to some other school and hopefully I can get out of here and soon.
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from BGHS in 2003. It's funny to see the change in academics from normal classes to AP classes. If your child is struggling, do not send him/her to BGHS. I was the struggling child and I did not receive any support to get my grades up whatsoever. I finally started getting things right in my Junior year and took my first AP Civics/Honors Econ class with Mr. Shadid my senior year and he put me on the right track. Overall, I know that BGHS had only a slight influence on where I am now in terms of success, and this was due to taking that AP/honors class. I do believe that the AP program needs work in producing better academically prepared students.
—Submitted by a former student

I believe that Bolsa Grande has a strong control of academics. Although the sport activities are not really good but, they are getting stronger every year. Anyways, I think Bolsa Grande is a very great school with good staffs.
—Submitted by a student

I believe that Bolsa have the most best administrators and teachers. The most lack of all is parents constantly participation and I'm one of them. I do fill guilty about it when I can't put so much time with the school activities. However, even without participate much, I feel that the Bolsa is safe place for my kid to grow up as be coming an adult and to make her own decision. She will have the tool and education to prepare for the future. I'm sincerely greatly appreciated for the Bolsa staffs and parents that have put so much effort in the school to make a better place.
—Submitted by a parent

Bolsa is an academically good school. Most students are studious and involved in athletics or clubs. The AP program is good. Teachers, for the most part, care about students. This is one of the best schools in the district.
—Submitted by a student

I think this school has very good academics and other extracurriccular activities and parent involvement is high.
—Submitted by a student

I went to the school last year, and I know exactly what the school is really like. The teachers are fantastic. I have the utmost respect for them. However, the adminstration is in desperate need of a change. The principal does not have the best interest of your child as a priority.

I have two children attending Bolsa High. My daughter is a freshman and my son a junior. This year I have taken an active roll in participating in my children s' extracurricular activities and have talked with the administrators, teachers, and coaches. I have found them to be wonderful, open, and easy to talk and work with. Bolsa is underrated as far as how hard the administrators work to make a great environment for their students. My children excel at Bolsa with AP classes, offerings of SAT testing and college prep courses, and high-level electives. Bolsa Administrators can only do so much. It's up to parents to get involved with their students' academics. Communicate to the Principal or VP; talk with the teachers and coaches. They're open, friendly, and you'll see Bolsa is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Bolsa Grande is a good school, but definitly not the best from the GGUSD. I would like to see the school produce more students that have high GPA'S and have a since of school pride. When I was there graduating on a 1.0 was ok, it got you through the gate(I was 3.4) and I feel that is truly sad. I would like to see the school encourage students to explore the Fine Art programs, and also give it support, because there is more to life than sports and the AP programs.
—Submitted by a former student