Hayward High School

The school has its ups and downs, just like all schools. There are a lot of great teachers at this school that truly care for their students, and there are also a few that shouldn't be teaching there. Great AP classes and great honors courses. Great music program and a very dedicated music teacher. Ethnic studies is also offered at HHS and is a great social justice class that many high schools don't offer. As for the "problems", there are always fights and drug use at every high school. Hayward high school certainly isn't the extreme of this. People have a common misconception that Hayward is a riot school full of drug everywhere. The school can also use a make over, but the district is in charge of funding for that, not the school, and not the principle. Overall, an average high school with a uniquely ethnically diverse student demographic.
—Submitted by a parent

Went here and graduated in the top 3% of my class. Students in the regular classes are not challenged enough. I had to take Honors and AP classes to guarantee a decent education. In my senior year the school received new teachers (fresh Berkley grads) who dramatically increased the quality of education in the school. Unfortunately the student body was not used to being challenged, parents complained and these teachers were pink slipped out of the school; way to go Hayward High. Fights were regular, racial tensions between African Americans and Latinos was ever present and most people didn't care about the education they were receiving. I wouldn't describe this school as an environment that is conducive to scholastic achievement or even good memories. Avoid sending your children to public schools in Hayward. I recommend a good private school or homeschooling, letting them finish early and sending them to a good community college. By the time their friends are graduating high school, they can transfer to a good school like UC Berkeley.

My son finished HHS this year. The school seemed to be up and coming when he entered as a freshman. The block schedule allowed him time to really get to know his teachers and feel valuable on a huge campus. In addition to going to a "normal" 6 period schedule & less face time with the teachers. The district decided to "close" the campus. This is a joke because there are huge holes in the fencing, I see students at nearby fast foods regularly. Several student smoke weed and gamble on the back side of the school daily. There have been more fights since the lock down. In order to get in all the instructional minutes the day has been lengthened. The schools scores have dropped sharply! My other son is in middle school and I've chosen to take him out of the district.
—Submitted by a parent

Hayward High is a great school with plenty of opportunities for students who are looking for them. I have three students attending and one is graduating this year. All three are in the puente program and are doing very well. The counselors are very supportive and give plenty of information about universities and scholarships available to students. I have heard of troubles and fights at the school, but my kids have never been involved with any of them. If you're looking for trouble, I'm sure you will find it but you can also find opportunities and trouble free activities if you're interested. I have been very happy with Hayward High School despite what rating it has, I would highly recommend the school because of the teachers and counselors that are always ready to help.
—Submitted by a parent

The school lacks the money and programs compared to other schools in HUSD. The campus also feels dangerous and there are numerous fights every year. Hayward High school it the second lowest school based on CST Testing. Truly Sad. If I had the opportunity to leave I would in a heartbeat. The only thing a student has to look forward to at this school are programs like AVID, Puente and The annual Down Town Rally. Other than that the school is a huge disappointment.
—Submitted by a student

I have one child who have graduated from HHS in 08 and one graduating this year. It is a great school and we have never had any problems there. If your child is looking for trouble they will find it just like in any High School. This school offers AP classes,along with all others. I would recomend this school to anyone who asks.
—Submitted by a parent

They have a great band and a very supportive Band teacher who wants to see the children excel in their musical skills but because of budget cuts the children may not be given the opportunities that await them at this time.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Hayward High and my son is currently a Junior there. It's a Great School.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a hayward high student, and so far most of my classes has been great, most people who say that hayward high hasnt prepared them are wrong because they just probably took the wrong classes, but i think i am going to do good in college as long as i take challenging classes
—Submitted by a student

this is a very good school school and i am proud to say that I attend it!
—Submitted by a student

I am a 2006 graduate and am now attending UC Berkeley. My transition from high school to my freshmen year was horrible. Hayward High does not prepare you at all.

I have a child that will be starting her 3rd year at HH and it has been an awful 2 years. The counselors, Principle and Vice Princple do not seem to care about the education that the students are getting. The majority of teachers are non responsive when contacted to find out a students status. There are only a few teachers that actually care and sadly they teach the elective classes.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Hayward as a scholar athlete 3 years ago. Its up to the student to succeed, the resources are there! if your child doesn't succeed the way you wish for: don't point your fingers at the faculty look at your child and his study habits. Again, I had a great 4 years and every student is capable of doing very very well as I and my close friends especially with the many extra curricular activities they have to offer.
—Submitted by a student

man this school is so clean and cool its the best school in hayward. the pep and marching band is so good plus the basketball team and the football team is to. so if you want your child to go here it is good.
—Submitted by a student

As with any public school, Hayward High has its share of ups and downs. Having had a child just graduate from HHS, and one attending there this year, I have a pretty good sense of the school. I really like the diversity the school offers. There are many dedicated teachers. Most of the teachers are doing an excellent job, as is the administration and the rest of the staff. Parent involvement could be stronger. The district is struggling with poor management and as always, a lack of funds. This filters down to the schools, and as a result, programs have been cut, fundraising has become a priority, and many parents grumble because of what we do not have. Basically, if a student is to succeed in this school (or any school) he/she must have parent support. Hayward High is a good school. I recommend it highly.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is just finishing her freshman year at Hayward HS. It has been a rude awakening to the amount of neglect and apathy which exist in this school and the district as a whole.
—Submitted by Mary Hobbs, a parent

If you stay vigilant and involved so that faculty and staff know you and your child you have a chance to have a good experience. As with any public school now exceptin the most affluent of districts, parent participation is what is going to get your child through successfully. I am continually inmpressed by the caring of most faculty but you must contact them indivudally.
—Submitted by a parent

HHS offers a good variety of classes and programs, particularly AP, AVID, and Puente. There are also other programs like Adewole. The band program is good too. A mindful parent can get a good education for their child here, but you do have to be viligant because of the teacher turn over. Overall, the school seems safe, but there are some slight gang issues. My children have had some awesome teachers at HHS and they went on to UCs, so it is possible to do well here. Among the 3 public high schools in Hayward, HHS, is the best one. Not much parent involvement however.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has ups and downs. Its one of the better public schools in the city of hayward when it comes to the testing scores. But honestly as a ex student I must warn others that this school has a saftey issue. The schools is dangerous for students becasue of other students. I would suggest private school if possible. But i will say some of the teachers are very good, but they are overstreesed and it shows.
—Submitted by a former student

My family had the misfortunate of living within the Hayward High School district, which meant since my son could not afford private school for his 3 sons, they attended Hayward High. Our experience w/the elementary school, East Ave. was close to excellent. Middle school - a waste of time, as is Hayward High. Faculty involvment, concern, attitude, (with exception of 1 or 2 office staff) starting at the highest level exceedingly poor! Students passed from one grade to the next, without gaining knowledge, skills to suceed in upper grades/future endeavors. Refusal of adminstrators to address quality of academics offered;safety,discipline issues;neighborhood problems resulting from students off campus during school hours,ignored,dismissed by school faculty,especially at the principal/vp level! Administrators found to be self serving! This school is a blight on our community and should be closed! Students leaving here are not prepared to be an asset to the community in which live.
—Submitted by a parent