Fred C. Beyer High School

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As a former student of Beyer, I think this is one of the best high schools in Modesto. Trying to talk to a counsler is pretty hard and it is a bit crowed, but overall it was the best 4 years of my life. And I also felt really safe during school hours.
—Submitted by a student

As a former student, it's hard for me to criticize my high school, but I will. I graduated in 2004 after four long years. I loved the high school experience, don't get me wrong. What I hated was the lack of instruction. Teachers were there to get their pay checks, not ensure student success. Of course there were a few that did care about their students...Thanks Fredeking, Gunther, Clark...The administration would help only if it gave them a good image. The attendance women viewed students as scum, and to be honest I didn't take anything I learned there with me to college. I am graduating magna cum laude in May and by no means do I owe any gratitude to Beyer or their staff.
—Submitted by a student

As a former student of Beyer, for all four years I went there, I had the best time of my life. From teachers, to students, to saftey, its nothing but great! I love Beyer and would really recommend it to anyone want the best time in high school...

Here's a true story from an '06 graduate, now attending a UC in SoCal. There wasn't anything fancy about Beyer, but I suppose the academics were a lot better than other Modesto high schools, lots of AP courses to take. AP students tend to form a bond since most of them all take the same classes. However, a lot of students tend to cheat (at both CP and AP levels) which was pretty bad. Certain teachers would favor certain students (typically 'preps') over others, and it sickened me and fellow students, but nothing could be helped. As far as I know, it was tough to contact counselors usually in the beginning of the year due to new students/messed up schedules/hellish first month or towards the end of the year because of graduation. PS I knew James! Good times in Drama (awesome program).
—Submitted by a former student

As a former student of Beyer I can say for a fact that this school was one of the worst I have ever been to... The only upside for me was the drama program. ~James
—Submitted by James, a former student

Although extremely overcrowded, Beyer has great teachers and academics. Not to mention the extra curricular activities. I used to hate English, and now it's my favorite subject. Beyer is overall one of the best schools.
—Submitted by Andrea, a student

Excellent school - my son did very well there. The administration is wise enough to bring the freshmen in slowly so they can adjust. Only deficiency is orchestra - better orchestra at Modesto High School. Beyer is a 'marching band school', not an orchestra school. Also, the school is presently overcrowded, but that will change when the new high school to the east opens in september 2006
—Submitted by a parent

Good academics, but like most California schools too big and impersonal. Lot of available courses, good sports. Parents can be involved as much as they want
—Submitted by a parent

Good school, one of the best in Modesto.
—Submitted by a parent

Reading the other reviews i am surprised about the fact that students were unable to contact counselors. I have a son who will be a junior and all during his school year last year, he was able to stay in contact with his teachers and counselors through emails, which were always returned promptly. Yes, the school is overcrowded, yet the staff is helpful and tries their best at keeping the school safe and secure. My advise is parent involvement! Awesome principal, my son is very happy, other than problems with one math teacher, but again his counselor stepped in and took over the problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Beyer High School is a great school. The academic program is flexible enough to fit everyone on both sides of the scale. The band program is incredible, they practice nonstop and are high rated in California. We have several sports, all of which are coached by great coaches, and everyone learns a lot each season. I believe Beyer is one of the very few high schools in Modesto in which I can feel completely safe.
—Submitted by Andrea, a student

Pretty good school- however the math department was very weak. There was one teacher in particular that parents complain about every year but nothing is done. The counseling department is weak as well- you can not get in and they do not return parent phone calls. My daughter's counsler made a mistake her senior year and told she didn't need anymore math. But the second semester they 'caught' the mistake and gave her a much too easy class just to remedy the situation. Her counsler had been there for years- she should know how to advise for graduation by now! The campus is much safer than the media would have you believe. Parent involement is great, and so is the new principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Beyer, a senior and a sophomore. I have never had any problems getting ahold of my childrens teachers or their councelor. Beyer is overcrowded but that should all change when Enochs High School opens in 2006. I live across the street from the school and see the campus supervisors constantly. I belive the staff does all they can to keep the students safe.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Beyer High School, they are over croweded, sometimes she does not have time to meet with her counsolers, she will be a junior next school year, my son will be attending next school year, hope my son will not experience this kind of situation. The open door policy should strongly be enforced, so students don't have to wait a week to see a counselor.
—Submitted by a parent

Beyer has become 'over populated' at best. There are not enough counselors to go around. My daughter, a senior, has had to struggle to get time with her counselor for college info. The safety issues are frightening. A recent 'bomb threat' resulted in the asst. vice principle announcing overhead that the kids were being allowed to go home early one friday. My daughter tried to go to her locker but was told to leave now without explanantion. The next tuesday we received a letter regarding the bomb threat. Not an ideal way to deal with safety on a campus with 2500+ students.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from Beyer and succeed in college. From the skills and knowledge acquired at Beyer, she graduated from California State University, Stanislaus magna cum laude. Great school.
—Submitted by Gordon, a parent

I am a former student and mainly had problems with gettin any help from counselors and other administration, which is very important to someone trying to get into a college!
—Submitted by a former student

'I have had some problem with teachers returning my phone calls also, last years my son attended The last half of the school year.My sons progress report would come and he had bad marks and I would leave messages . I finly started moving up the chain of command. When I started reciving calls from his teachers things went better. Other then that my son loves attending Beyer high school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had some problem with teachers returning my phone calls, in the last four years that my son has attended. All I want to know is how his grades are doing by the time I get the progress report it is not up to date. and of course he thinks he is always right, but besides that I have seen good work brought home but does not reflect on the final grade, I think its all very confusing, One teacher had a problem finding the students work and gave out horrible grades because of it, and I saw the work after it was turned in, how is that? That was the one I couldn't reach, I think he was a math teacher a couple of years ago. It is not any easier being a parent to a teenager as it is being the teacher.