Hiram W. Johnson High School

Dr.OZ has visited Hiram Johnson because of Mr. Vidovich and his third period English class.

I'm a sophmore at HJHS. Many people say that Hiram Johnson Highschool is a bad school just because of the reputation of many bad kids, fights, and many other things and issues. This is FALSE. If you actually take a chance and come to this school, its a very good school. They teach you the same thing like any other highschools around us. Every teacher has their own way of teaching. The only thing that is backing Hiram Johnson Highschool down is the different administration. Last year when i was a freshman, the school was good. I knew many different teachers who supported me and welcomed me. On top of that, the administration was very different. Its not because of the student's reputation or the teachers. The only reason why teachers are teaching like this is because of the administarion and because they DO NOT want to loose their jobs. This year, half the teachers i knew were fired, BECAUSE OF THE STUDENT'S STATE TEST. The only reason why our school is in the top 10 of the WORST SCHOOLS is because of the state tests, grades, and the administration. If you have never went to HJHS, then you wouldn't know the difference between now and 10 years ago.
--Submitted by a student

I am SO happy with the curriculum and programs at HJHS. I have two children there and they're very happy and excited about school! When we first moved to Sacramento, my daughter was just finishing middle school. Upon entering high school, she fed into HJHS however she wanted to go to another school so we transferred and her grades went down horribly. Now that she's back at HJHS, I can't tell you how much she's excelling in all her classes! She's involved in so many activities. My son just started high school. He also goes to HJHS. They are doing so well and are so engaged in clubs, athletics and their classes! I truly believe that with the sense of caring they're receiving from the teachers and program sponsors, they've become exceptional students. If I knew what I know now, we would've never left!
--Submitted by a parent

We had tried to get my son in to McClatchy through a transfer, but they were so behind in paperwork that they let us know he got in during the middle of the second week of school. By that time, my son was enjoying Johnson! Comparing the staff at the two schools is like apples to oranges. Johnson has been caring, involved and motivated. I even got a call from one of his teachers last night just saying how glad she is that he's in his class and what a good kid he is. I'm so glad he chose Johnson!
--Submitted by a parent

HJHS has a bad reputation from it's past, but in recent years, has really made huge strides in progress. The teachers and administrators are constantly seeking ways to better the school and improve the community there.
--Submitted by a teacher

I am an incoming senior at Hiram Johnson High School and i have no regrets about coming here. When i started out my freshmen year, i had the opportunity to go to CKM or Christian Brothers, however, i ended up coming to Hiram Johnson. At first, i was like man i dont want to go there. However, after settling in for a couple of weeks, i realized that it wasnt such a bad school over all.. The Staff are really inspring and motivating role models. There are man unique teachers here. However, one bad thing about this school is the lack of desire students have to succeed. They were born raised in struggling conditions. What i dont like is how Hiram Johnson is criticized for being such a bad school when we are the ones that have to deal with the most adversities.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter is a senior at HJHS. There are many teachers that are horrible, and a few really good teachers. I am very active in her life, and try to interact regularly with staff/admin. Many welcome this, but a few resent my participation. There should be better standards for the school administration, including teachers. There should be ongoing training and screening not just for current teachers, but substitutes as well. Just because you received your teaching credentials 20 years ago doesn't necessarily mean you are up to date and capable of interacting with the youth of today.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently a junior at HJHS. Although the administration clearly has good intentions, some of the most academically challenged kids are still falling through the cracks. There is virtually no parent communication and absolutely no parent participation. Some of the staff have a complete and total disregard for underachievers. If you are located in this school's boundaries, I would think long and hard before I decided to send my child to HJHS.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Johnson high 2 years ago. The school was undergoing alot of changes my last two years there, but overall I had a good experience, and I am currently going to a university. I will be honest, the school can definately use some improvement,in both the curriculum and the individuals they staf, but people are not perfect. The one thing I can say is that I do not regret my decision to stay at Johnson insteat of transferring when we moved out of the district
--Submitted by A. Douglas, a former student

I am a student at Hiram Johnson Hugh School and I dont think that the school is very bad. I think that there can be better staff but the school builds alot of character for students.
--Submitted by Frankikera Jones, a former student