Ponderosa High School

I went to another school for my first three years of high school and honestly I regret the move... The staff is good and the education is alright to me, but the extra curricular activities suck quite miserably, and to me those moments are what makes kids remember the good ol' days of high school . My old school has powder puff and the spirit days are ten billion times better and students get way more into it. There are two separate rallies which, for me, makes no sense since my old school had about 1,000 more kids and had only one, by the way the rallys are also much more entertaining and people don't regret going to them. The school spirit sucks and there isn't enough parking. I believe that Ponderosa needs to think about adding a little more entertainment. Powder puff was probably one of the most fun things I have ever done and it's not offered. I was told by a fellow student of mine who has gone there all four years and is in leadership that someone has talked to the activities director and they didn't do anything. I paid for my own jersey and got to keep it and they charged at the gate so they have no need to worry about finances. I just want my senior year to be fun.
—Submitted by a student

Ponderosa High School is a great school. We lost the best principal, Mr Moore last year, but the school is still good. The new principal is never seen. The teachers care about the students and help them to progress. Great sports programs too,
—Submitted by a parent

ponderosa is a pretty good school :) i wish they would offer more activities such as lacross or dancing... but the teachers are AMAZING! they really make you WANT to come to school :)
—Submitted by a student

Ponderosa High School laid the foundation for my children to succeed when they attended Ponderosa and now that they are in college.
—Submitted by a parent

Two children through and on to university, one attending now. Great school for students who are high achievers.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is terrible! They do absolutely nothing to help the students, nor parents! I use to love Ponderosa until I started having bullying/harassment issues at school... and Still ( A year and 2 months later) I am still having those same issues. The school does nothing! Its pathetic! However, the teachers at Ponderosa are the best! They are so nice and thier ways of teaching are amazing. They truely care about the students.
—Submitted by a student

I have a daughter who just graduated from Ponderosa, and a son who is going to be a sophomore this year and they are enjoying high school to the fullest. Best group of kids around! Wonderful parent participation!!
—Submitted by a parent

Ponderosa is an excellent high school. I've had two sons attend and the academic offerings are fabulous. I found the staff overall to be fabulous, especially in the advanced classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't expect to get any help from the principals. This school is not safe. a lot of gang kids go here watch out.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a lot of parent participation. The students are good kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from the bay area about 2 years ago. My child attends Ponderosa, and I have never been happier. This was the best move! The school is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

My twin sons are graduating this year and they are very different people. Both have found what they needed at Ponderosa. One is in FFA which is only offered at Ponderosa, the other was in the Academic Decathlon which has won County 15 years in a row. The coaches they had were inspirational and they both got into good colleges. I hope it is as good for my Daughter and youngest son. 8 more years at Pondo for us!
—Submitted by Mrs. Enright, a parent

Generally a good school all around.
—Submitted by a parent

I was actually a student at Ponderosa, but I must say it is easily the best academic high school in El Dorado County. If my words are not enough, consider the fact that the Academic Decathlon team from Ponderosa has won, as of 2006, for fourteen straight years. The music programs were extremely good during my attendance, however, this may change since the old music teacher is retiring. Sports, and other extra-curricular activities, are also both plentiful and high-quality. I truly recommend this school to any parent who wishes for his or her children to do well in life.
—Submitted by Nathan Todd, a former student

What a great year! my daughter was in the ninth grade earlier this year and couldn't beleive what a great school it is, great teachers, staff, and the students are awesome. Very organized, highly recommended to us from others in the area. I can see why.
—Submitted by a parent

My child's teachers have always shown great interest in him. I have no complaints with the teachers. I'm very disappointed with the choices available at this school. I was stunned to discover that a school in this area would have such a bare bones curriculum. The textbooks are beat up, as are the buildings, furnishings, etc. We paid a fortune for participating in basketball and football. I don't personally know how the finances work for music, art, or other activities. There is no orchestra. My child has many friends here, but he has always been disappointed when signing up for classes at the lack of choices. Again, I really like the teachers, but if I had it to do again, I would have moved to an area with better high schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't expect to get any special ed help for your child at this school. The IEP process was very painful for us. We had no such problems at the school from which we moved. We were ultimately unsuccessful and feel some of the staff were very unresponsive, perhaps even snobbish.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Ponderosa, and went on to complete a BA in Liberal Studies. It wasn't until my senior year of college that I encountered classes as difficult and rewarding as those I took at Pondo. I am now working on a Master's degree, and looking at PhD programs. I feel that my years at Ponderosa played a hugh role in my later studies, and that I am better prepared than those fellow college students who attended private schools. The teachers at Pondo (especially Schuler, VanWinkle, Perpall and Harnden) were dedicated, enthusiastic, gifted teachers, who made a huge impact on my life. I would strongly urge parents to send their children to Ponderosa.
—Submitted by a former student

I have a son in his second year at Ponderosa and another son that will be attending next year. I find that Ponderosa has a great staff of teachers and athletic programs. I have found that many of the teachers and coaches also graduated from Ponderosa and have returned to keep the tradition going. I think that says a lot for a school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not a parent, rather a former student, graduated in early 90s. It was a good school, I didn't do perfectly, but valued what I took from PHS. I'm now finishing a Master's degree, and I know that more than a few from my class went on to distinguish themselves as well. Ponderosa is as good as it gets in El Dorado County.