Heritage High School

Looks like we will be moving just to send our child to a good school district, such a shame when my daughter know the reputation it has and does not want to go there.
--Submitted by a parent

Completely unapproachable Principal who openly favors certain programs over others. Most students could not even point her out if asked. As a volunteer for the last four years, it's been my firsthand observation that the administration treats parents and students with condescension and contempt, and leaders within the Perris Union High School District are unresponsive to complaints and concerns. The Principal at HHS was clearly hand-picked and groomed for this position, so the PUHSD is doing everything in its power to keep from having to remove her elsewhere. It's very frustrating to watch her take credit for the achievements of teachers, students and volunteers - especially when their achievements happen in SPITE of her rather than with any assistance from her. She allows her personal feelings to cloud her professionalism and treats HHS like her personal monarchy. The person who is allowed to control all money (fundraising) going into HHS is not even a CPA and has made numerous errors in collecting, documenting and accounting for money - including money my family has donated to the school. When this is brought to the school and PUHSD's attention, TEACHERS ARE BLAMED.
--Submitted by a parent

Agree with the previous parent about the counselors treating parents, especially ones that only have part-time custody with less than the proper respect. I know a parent who fits that description and while not treated "badly" was treated like the "lesser" parent who was only on a "need to know" basis. Excuse me? We are talking about a PARENT here. The relationship between the ex and that parent should not matter and the other parent shouldn't have been "Advised" of the visit beforehand as if giving consent. I guess volunteer hours go a LONG way in this school. Oh by the way, the kid ran out of school and had his other parent pick him up. Great security guys!

I have had my children attend Heritage since it opened. Although some things have improved over the years (more electives and AP courses have been added to the curriculum), there is one critical issue that keeps Heritage from being an outstanding school for kids. Heritage is still an adult-centered institution rather than a student- centered environment. There continues to be a feeling of "we" (teachers, some counselors, and principal) versus "them" (parents). When parents try to get involved in their children's progress at school, they are treated as problem parents. Students have to fail first before they are offered opportunities to enroll in support classes. For the most part, parents have expressed their disappointment in math instruction at the school. Instead of teachers learning to use more current teaching methods, they still teach math like it was taught in the old days. Unfortunately, they blame the students and former teachers instead of looking in the mirror. Sure, Heritage won a Title 1 award, but they need to thank their feeder middle schools for teaching the 6th and 7th grade standards better to improve pass rates on the CAHSEE and to parents for hiring tutors.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is a freshman and my daughter is a Senior. To me it has been a great school for them, the teachers are great!! The band teacher takes more of his time than what he should with the students. As an active Volunteer Heritage has more 3.5 gap than I have ever seen before in high schools. As a military family and being stationed in different states for the past 21 years, we are very proud to have this school in our neighborhood. The discipline may not be as strong, but that's our jobs as parents to check up on our children, and be sure they are being responsible. Love this school !!!!! I will say to any parent, put your child in Band or FFA they are a great resource to the students staying out of trouble.
--Submitted by a parent

Poor administration with selective discipline measures. The teachers work hard but have litlte or no support from Principal.
--Submitted by a parent

THANK YOU to all of the dedicated teachers & staff members who have helped my child have a fantastic HS experience! The coaches' commitment to CHARACTER- amazing! PLEASE don't ever think your efforts go unnoticed. Admin- please hold ALL teachers accountable. Even just 2 or 3 "bad one's" can distort the perception of what this school is all about. SOMEBODY PLEASE GIVE US MORE THAN ONE PAVED LANE TO ENTER AND EXIT THE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The community should be in an uproar over this traffic deathtrap. Aside from that, HHS is a cut above!
--Submitted by a parent

My student has attended Heritage High School since the day it opened its doors in August 2007. She is near the top of her class academically, and is rated in the top tier of students nationwide. I credit the excellent teaching staff and her wonderful Music Director, Mr. Dwight Asberry. I encourage any parent of an incoming freshman to enroll their student in the Band & Pageantry program at HHS. Music is an important component to a well-rounded education, and my daughter's involvement with the "Mighty Patriot Regiment" is one of the reasons I am proud to recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

its difficult to read reviews from parents & know where the accountability problem lies...with the parent, the school, or both. my son attends this school. overall, we are happy with the product. we've encountered many hard-working, efficient & effective people. it appears there are a few bad apples. we are thankful to the many who have made a difference for our son, & frustrated with the few who are obviously burnt out & not being held accountable. i can't imagine attempting to teach some of the kids who are the product of today's parents as a whole. we are truly thankful to those who take the time & energy to see each child as an individual & push them to their potential. our biggest concern is the arrival & dismissal. parents speeding, dropping kids off in the middle of the street, illegal u-turns, etc. it is horrible & beyond dangerous.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents, run don't walk away from this school. Teachers and administration are useless.Principle is not equipped to handle this school. My son learned nothing in the 2 years he was there. I just wish I would of got him out sooner. Don't waste your time here, look into other options for your student, you will be glad you did!
--Submitted by a parent