Grossmont High School

After we were both educated in private & private parochial schools back East, my wife & I were a bit concerned that our child would be attending public schools here in California, especially with the severe recent education budget cuts. But, like so much in life, we learned you get out of it what you put into it. The GUHS District has greatly upgraded Grossmont's facilities with a New Fully-Outfitted Science Building, Technology Equipment, and a brand New English/Liberal Arts Building coming on line this upcoming Fall. The NJROTC Program is stellar. The teachers care, are proactive, and are fully committed to each student's educational experience and safety. Our child has taken the bull by the horns, is in both AP & Honors classes, and keeps focused on the task at hand and out of trouble. He realizes that a school is only as good as the effort you put into it, and so far., so great! There's a bit of a "ganglike Hispanic clique" that attempts intimidation at times, but if you just let it go, they seem pretty harmless. We like the solid history & tradition at Grossmont and wouldn't switch to any other school around. Thanks to all Grossmont's teachers& staff for a job very well done!
—Submitted by a parent

Grossmont High School is one of the only schools which has one of the best programs out there for teen aged kids. They have an excelling NJROTC Program which not only allows students learn the military life but it also allows them to be able to get scholarships and simply looking at the reviews it saddens me that its the parents giving Grossmont bad reviews, and what saddens me even more its that it's about one or two incidents that have caused them to say bad things about the school. Meanwhile, students give outstanding reviews and they are the people going to school, not the parents. In all honesty if you are not going to say something nice about the school because you are a parent and its about how your child is not doing so great in class, it's because he/she doesn't care to work hard enough to pass a class. The classes are fairly simple and they only get complicated if you allow them to slack off in class. This is not a teacher or a parent problem, it is a student problem. All in all, the greatest times I have spent in four years where at this campus, because not only is it a school, but it becomes a home.

I have sent all three of my kids to GHS. They have all had some exceptional and stellar teachers, and a few not so stellar ones. That is the nature of any school. They have all loved going there and made good friends, been involved in sports, clubs, and leadership groups. I made the effort to get to know their teachers and the administration there so I could better understand the school and support my kids. My greatest compliments go to the counseling department. Each of my kids' counselors has given them solid guidance and support throughout all four years in planning for their next year, and future college (they keep the same counselor all 4 yrs.). I have been pleased with the upper level honors and AP classes available and each of my kids took several. GHS has delivered what I wanted from high school for my kids - 4 years of good memories and good friends, a diverse population, adult mentoring, and academic preparation for college.
—Submitted by a parent

Had a horrible experience sending my son to Grossmont. I could not believe all the teen moms bringing their children to school. When I needed to pick my son up for a dr appt, I called for over an hour and could not get anyone to answer. I drove to the school and was ignored in the office till I asked for help. The lady behind the desk chewed me out for not calling before picking him up. When i explained i had called for over an hour and couldnt get a human, she began ranting about budget cuts and that they don't have a secretary. She did not know where my son was and couldn't tell me what class he had. She sent a student to look for him and it was 40min before they located his class. told her then that my son would not be returning next year. Also, the school was so overcrowded that my son couldn't eat lunch because lunch was over before he got to the front of the line.
—Submitted by a parent

Why is Grossmont on the Great Schools website? It is a terrible school. The academics are poor at best. The class size went up again this year. My son's math class does not have enough desks, so some of the kids are sitting on the floor. You can't complain to the principal because she won't call you back. You just get a counselor who just says, "We're trying to give the best education...." The obnoxious ASB kids rule the school. Basically, no one cares at Grossmont. It's worth it to go to a charter or private school. That's what we are doing. I'm pulling my kid out.
—Submitted by a parent

Grossmont is an awesome school. I'm in all ap and honors classes and the teachers explain all the curriculum very well. Grossmont was the school chosen by the district to maintain a child care service where studens from all over San Diego can go to help them graduate from high school an plan for their future. There are many clubs and the every sport the district offers, except field hockey. The ASB makes a huge difference in making school fun and including everyone.
—Submitted by a student

This is a terrible school. The academics are mediocre at best, there are gang and drug problems, and the administration turns a blind eye to all these issues. The class sizes keep growing. Grossmont offers only a few AP classes compared to schools in other districts. For example, Grossmont has only 2 AP classes in sophomore year, compared to La Jolla High which offers 8. You can't complain or else the teachers will take it out on your student. (We know this first hand). We had to pull our kids out of the school, both for their safety and their academic future. The administration added a few programs to help Grossmont qualify as a "Distinguished School," and once they got that label, they cut all those programs (ones that helped kids at risk). I don't know why Grossmont would be on a website for "great schools" because it clearly isn't one.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed in this school. My daughter has had a difficult time since we started there. Too much diversity and innapropriate activity. I feel the staff turns a blind eye to alot of the mischief that goes on in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the parent that posted on Tue. Sept. 29th. But, I always think parents have to be pro active when it comes to education. Although this is only the second year my student has attended a public school. My student is in Honors & AP Classes which does seem to make a difference as what from I can see the non-Honors classes seem to be nothing more than glorified babysitting classes....Speaking of babysitting....The teen mom's can bring the babies to school...And has anyone else notice the the huge Military ROTC on campus lately??
—Submitted by a parent

This is my 4 child going through Grossmont an up until now the school has been very wonderful with helping kids to achive and move on. But, the last two years I have seen a decline in teacher and counciling help. I encourage every parent to know what their child will need to go on and what classes are required to go on to the college or university of your chose. This high school is not keeping up on what is required, and I have found that my kids are needing to take extra classes in college that they could of taken in high school. Do not rely on the school. Be pro active.
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated from Grossmont High School and went to an elite university. He had a wonderful high school education and experience. School leadership under principal Theresa Kemper is wonderful. The staff is friendly, and teachers are great. It is a fun school for students--lots of energy and school spirit. I highly recommend the school to other families.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter finished her Freshman year with much success. I was concerned about the out dated school but there have been such great improvements already and this summer they are building more. The school has a number of clubs for students to join and the athletics are open to everyone. There is so much to keep your teen busy and active. Of course - too much homework for a very involved student. Sports, associations, clubs, extracurricular and homework.....doesn't leave much time for family. The only other issue I have is the lunch area. There is limited space for students to have lunch. Other than that - I'm really happy with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

GHS keeps growing and improving to help students achieve their goals and be able to go to college. It has improved its' services to help students succeed academically, socially and emotionally. In 2009 they are being recognized as a Distinguished School by the State of California, meaning that they are improving and supplying student's necessities. They are getting students ready for college and helping students create a career path. Their interventions programs are a key to the student's improvements and success! I highly recommend this school.

Very old school. Good teachers and support from the principals however ther are issues with drugs and peer pressure here
—Submitted by a parent

grossmont high school is the best. the teachers are knowledgeable and caring. i love this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a college student, I graduated Grossmont with know concept of college. The extremely conservative school district poorly affects the student's learning and final outcome in attempts to adhere students to their moral standards. Poor fund management, convoluted local government, a sports superiority complex and a curriculum with no variation. Let the teachers teach what they want, not what the state wants. These may be state funded school system's failings, but with no attempts to lead the way in this area, Grossmont merely becomes just another public school basking in mediocrity.
—Submitted by J B, a former student

GHS is a real
—Submitted by a parent

The overall quality of the academic programs is excellent, however you'll be stuck with textbooks dating as far back as 1986. There are a wide variety of exctracurriculars, including Cross Country and a surf team. The parent involvement is about average.
—Submitted by a student

This school has a very positive, upbeat feeling. The personnel are welcoming and interested in their students. The programs are varied to appeal to a wide range of student interests.
—Submitted by a parent

Grossmont seems to be a good school, but I find the administrative staff difficult to work with. I have also left messages with my son's teachers and very rarely receive return calls.
—Submitted by a parent