Daniel Hand High School

Having sent my oldest here for one year, I was not impressed with the school. The average student gets lost in the cracks, with no assistance or follow through from the guidance dept. Sports are ultra competitive with many students quitting after years of playing due to the coaches. The student body as a whole has an air of superiority because they have always been told Madison is better than everyone else. Not so. The trimester class schedule is not conducive to strong learning and 60 min. classes are too long for 14-15 year olds.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, an excellent public school that is probably the best in its geographic area. The school is able to cater to all types of student interests in terms of clubs, sports and after school activity. The academic competition can be very strong verging on intense. If there is a 'weak link' in the chain it's the math department. In my opinion the trimester system does not lend itself well to only teaching math 2/3 of the school year. Advanced subject material must be rushed through at a breakneck pace, which leaves one wondering how much learning will be retained?
--Submitted by a parent

This school is not all so great. I went there for all four years and the admin only cares about their ratings and very little about the students.
--Submitted by a student

Great facility, curriculum, and food. Terrible student body, and there's too much pressure put on the kids. Also, the 'mester' schedule makes it nearly impossible to fully learn anything. The administration is getting better, but, to their credit, they only get kids escorted off their property for refusing to take off a hat Occassionally.
--Submitted by a student

I've had 2 children go through schools in Madison. Ghastly experience. Children must perform busy work in lockstep for the most part. Creativity and humor are treated as threatening behaviors. Bad attitude hits you the minute you walk into DHHS. The teachers are not supported by the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. The teachers walk the students hand by hand and lead them to success. The test scores and prep are fantastic at this school! I would highly suggest this school over other schools, such as Cheshire or Hamden.
--Submitted by a student

As a recent graduate of DHHS, I would rate it high in college preparation. Now that I have left Hand, I can see in my college courses exactly how well I have been prepared for college work. It is not uncommon among DHHS graduates who have recently entered college to be heard saying, College has been EASIER than the work at Hand. I do feel a great amount of stress and pressure has been put on the students at hand, and there is tension between different social groups in the school, but nothing that goes above or beyond other area high schools. The athletic program is enthusiastically supported as well as the arts program. I was a student athlete and performer and leader and felt that there was insufficient yet adequate funding for each. CT is well known for it's schools, and DHHS is one of CT's finest.
--Submitted by a former student

I would have to disagree with the person below me. I am a recent graduate of DHHS and I cannot remember one time where I felt that the school cared more about its statistics than its students. DHHS is an excellent school, I didn't realize while I was there, but once I entered my first class at college, I finally understood what people were talking about. DHHS prepared me for college, and now I have a great advantage.
--Submitted by a former student

Contrary to popular belief, Daniel Hand is actually not as great as previsouly thought. The school cares more about their statistics as the highest ranked school system in CT than its students. I spent the majority of my life in the Madison School System (Pre-K - 11th Grade), and moved at the end of my Junior year to finish school elsewhere. Now I can compare the schools. Madison is the most depressing place I have ever been, and is a terrible place for those children who don't fit the Abercrombie&Fitch model with their perfect bodies and perfect blonde hair. In conclusion, DHHS may say '#1 School in CT,' but they care more about that statistic than the students they're teaching.
--Submitted by a student

DHHS is a wondrfull school because it is brand new. Kids have 4 minutes to switch classes and the teachers are very good about making sure kids behave in their classrooms. The teachers, for the most part, are extremely fair and do their best to provide a positive learning atmosphere for their students. Teachers are very good with not playing any favorites and they try to so their best to make sure that if a child is behind in any way, they are caught up with the rest of the class. Safety is high priority with all of the teachers and if a child is being bullied by another, teahcers are quick to intervene. Overall, I would recommend to you and your children if you are moving here.
--Submitted by a student