Alexander Hamilton Senior High School

Hami has a great combination of the closeness of small schools set into the resources of a larger school. The Humanties Magnet has about 400 students and the Music Academey Magnet has about 750 students. The remaining 1,600 students get attention through several Small Learning Communities. This allowed my son, who graduated in 2012, to take 12 AP classes while he was at Hami, and to start in the University of California system with sophmore standing due to all of the AP credits! Clearly the teachers must know what they're doing because they taught the material successfully. The teachers & administration are trully special at Hami- some were students there and now teach there; several chose Hami as the high school they wanted their own children to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended "Back to School Night" last week, and got to meet all of my son's teachers. Overall, my impression was that they are concerned about the students and their performance. They seemed passionate about what they teach. My son is in the Academy of Music, and is making new friends faster than when he was in middle school. He got a great 1st report card, and he is enthusiastic about all of his classes. I am hopeful that this trend will continue to progress.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, my daughter is a senior. We have no complains, teachers are great and the Music Academy is one of the best in the nation.
—Submitted by a parent

I do not recommend this school at all !!! Worst School and principal, too many students
—Submitted by a parent

the worst school in the area , Principal is a night mare,, so are most of the teachers, parent teacher communication is a no no...
—Submitted by a parent

I Currently have my child in the school. We have gone from charter to private, and then to Magnet thinking it would had been the best choice when high school years came around. It was the worst mistake ever, you email the teachers only one or two will respond. You email the counselor, if your lucky she will return the email. The children are treated like they are just want of many. Children get told if they will get kicked out because all they are doing is lowering their API. Some of the teachers are tired of dealing with the children. Others are truly passionate with what they do but there are very few...
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Hamilton from September 2007 to June 2008. I had tried to get in to the Humanities Magnet, but unfortunately I did not. As a result, I had to go into the regular school community and join one of the SLCs. My choice, sadly, was not the greatest. I left middle school with all honors classes, and the only honors class I had at Hamilton was English, where half the students were labeled Honors and the other half were labeled regular and we got the exact same amount of easy homework. I tried seeing my counselor about changing my schedule and having more honors classes. However, my counselor did no effort to attempt and fix my class schedule, so I had to stay in what I was in for one semester. I decided I couldn't stay here another year, so I began looking for a private school. As soon as Hamilton got word of this, I was finally paid attention to and they tried to convince me to stay. I was promised many things, but it was too late. I had found a better school, and I do not regret leaving Hamilton. I became so much well prepared where I went. It's true you have to find the classes and teachers yourself, but if they won't cooperate with you, how can you?

As a parent of a student in the humanities program, the programs as a whole is best suited for students who are from a middle school that truly prepares them for Hamilton Humanities.(the majority of the students in the program attended Palms or a private school, prior to Hamilton-most other middle schools are not preparing the students for a rigorous program as such!) My child was an honor student and up until this year was taught well, and challenged! The administration and some teachers choose to only help those students who they believe are the expected successful norm!
—Submitted by a parent

I hate this school. I feel that it is not giving me a proper education, the teachers are unreasonable and are never helpful. The principal does not even respond to complaints by students and parents.
—Submitted by a student

The school Principal, Mr. Gary Garcia, is an involved administrator committed to the best interests of the students. I recently had an issue with a school incident and Mr. Garcia was actively involved in resolving the issue and handled the problem fairly and professionally.
—Submitted by a parent

The education is terrific!
—Submitted by a parent

It has a great music academy
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is a wonderful learning environment. It is a truly diverse school with learning programs tailored to the specific needs and interests of it's students. We are fortunate to have very dedicated teachers and a strong parent support community.
—Submitted by a parent

commited faculty, staff and parents
—Submitted by a parent

Challenging academics and a first rate music program taught but extremely talented teachers. Principal Gary Garcia and the adiministrative staff are dedicated and energetic. The parent body is engaged and enthusiastic!
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the most remarkable teachers anywhere anytime work there. Inspiring, smart, creative, amazing people.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing Musical Theatre Program and excellent Honors and AP teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Hamilton! Go Yankees!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic education, wonderful, dedicated teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

THe creativity flows in the Music Academy. The kids are great, welcoming and friendly. There are some really amazing teachers who really care what the kids learn and do and their energy is unending.
—Submitted by a parent