Blair High School

This place is insane. Im currently in 7th grade on the middle school side and it was worse than last year. There are WAY more random fights, more assemblies on how we need to act, and...there have been 3 teacher assults. My math teacher got punched in the face, the PE teacher got "jumped" by three high school girls, and another one i choose not to say on here... The teachers here are amazing though and im always hearing about new ways to get into great colleges and im only in the 7th grade. They have an IB program and it has already made me realize what im going to do with my life. Its pretty unsafe here and i could explain more on why but im running out out characters to type with. Basically the teachers dont deserve the place and the students on the middle school side dont deserve the undivided attention and sacrafices that the teachers here make. If you want your kid going here for high school though, i highly recimend it!

While the former principal referenced certainly helped put Blair on the right road, Blair continues to focus on the important goals we all share. Having just received a six year WASC accredidation with no restrictions, we feel confident that the learning experience that was observed and investigated is what we DO offer all students enrolled.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter was in the first sixth grade class at Blair. It was a wonderful transition experience for her. Blair Middle School has a wonderful group of teachers. Very caring and supportive. My daughter is in 8th grade now. The new Blair Middle School is open and they've hired all new eight grade teachers. I sat in on their classes and I am impressed. They have high standards and expectations for the kids. I know my daughter will step up to the challenge. The new IB Spanish teacher is outstanding. I am very excited about what this year will bring. So is my daughter!
--Submitted by a parent

It's a public school with a private school attitude.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is new to Blair Middle School and this year so far has been the worst experience as of so far. It is the end of the 2nd week and the students still don't have their books, class sizes are 50+ students, I have received 4 electronic phone messages on 4 seperate days saying, "your child has been recorded as absent in one or more classes" by mistake, and the teacher do not communicate, and the whole school is understaffed! I'm taking my son out and finding a school where he will actually receive an education!
--Submitted by a parent

Blair has been a great school for both my boys. I have one in 8th and one in 11th grade. My children are very different when it comes to school one has learning difficulties and the other is in honors/AP, but at Blair both have received incredible amount of support from the top down to be the best they can be. Both are very involved in athletics and community service throught the school. Blair has excellent communication with parents and most teachers are very responsive and open to communication. It is a true partnership. Though Blair is under new leadership now and budget cuts have meant the loss of some very dedicated and innovative teachers and counselors, Blair will only improve. Though it is only rated a 5 there are other aspects that make it an 8 or above rather than API scores.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Blair, one a Junior in the IB Diploma Program the other in seventh grade. I chose Blair IB for the IB Program and the school size. I like that the Middle and High School are under the same direction yet seperated by the different campuses, I have no concerns for my childrens safety. I can not sing enough praises about the prinicipal. He is a visible presence in the mornings greeting the kids, reminding/enforcing the uniform policy and getting them to their classes. The teachers I would rate as good to great. I have visited many classrooms and have always felt welcomed and as a partner in my childrens education. The sports programs have room for improvement, good news is they are. Go Vikings.... The parents are encouraged to be involved and there are many areas and opportunites to do so from Hospitality to School Design..
--Submitted by a parent

We've been coming here since my daughter was in 7th grade. She's in 10th now. Excellent principal, great teachers, a parent/volunteer coordinator par excellence to keep parents switched in, and a student body of supportive kids. It has been frustrating over the last few years to fight off rear actions from the district, but the worst seems to be behind us. These state-wide budget cuts are a stain on the state and the city, but the team at Blair (or what's left of them) will persevere. We're drawn by the IB program, the drama department, and the swimming pool. Although there's no money for a coach, kids are getting up at 5:30 am on their own initiative and getting laps in, with the principal's support and encouragement. They never did that at my high school. Look for the new middle school, being built now!
--Submitted by a parent

Some distinguishing programs at Blair IB Magnet (6th-12th grade) are the IB Diploma and Middle Years Programme, the Health Careers Academy and JROTC. Both the Culinary Arts and the Drama/Choir Departments offer very enriching experiences and the Instrumental Music and Athletic Departments are improving. This school is growing stronger year by year despite a lack of consistent district support. The Blair IB Magnet community is extremely committed to the vision of building a world class education for all students and that goal keeps them focused and moving in the right direction despite these difficult financial times. The recent passage of a district facilities bond means that Blair's Middle School Campus is scheduled to be rebuilt starting fall of '09 and promises to provide amazing facilities for the 6th-8th grade students. The bond money will then be applied to improvements on the high school campus including a new 9th wing.
--Submitted by a parent

The IB staff at Blair IB Magnet prepared me for the challenging and rigorous classes that I have come to encounter while attending college for the past two years. Both the staff and the students involved in the IB program put all their time and effort into making the program a great success. And, my experience with extra curricular activites, such as ASB, choir, and swim team, have helped me develop good leadership and social skills.
--Submitted by mariel moreno, a student