Atlantic High School

I was in IB freshman year at Atlantic High, and it was honestly one of the BEST experiences of my life. Even though it is a rigorous program IB honestly shaped me to be organized and open-minded. Besides that in the program, other students took it as a joke, not really appreciating the opportunity. Overall as a school, Atlantic IS a WONDERFUL school, of school spirit, everyone is friendly and kind even if you come from a different background. The school is VERY involved with the students progress, which is one thing I loved the most, it makes you feel as if someone genuinely cared about your education. Yes it might be located in the heart of Delray, but that is the beauty of it, you get students from everywhere with their own story and their goals in life differ from one another, tat was one things i valued most.
—Submitted by a student

This school is the epitome of life. I am a white Freshman at this school and enrolled in the Honors program, it is a complete joke. I have learned NOTHING this year; the only thing ive learned is how to watch my back. I am primarily singled out due to my skin color and referred to by many slang racist terms. Since I have gone to this school I have been depressed, angry, and mentally distraught. The staff and teachers are racist too. Teachers curve grades my insane amounts to cover their jobs, I feel since I go here I have no future. The choice programs are not what they seem to be either. IB is your only hope if you want to get into college coming from this school. If you have any consideration for your son or daughter don t send them here. This has been the worst year of my life..
—Submitted by a student

As a white freshman in the regular program at this school, it's absolutely horrible. The teachers don't teach anything and the classes are out of control. The students are even worse. There's fights weekly and students getting kicked out of class every period. It's also a very poor school that charges way to much money for school things. $25-$35 for a homecoming ticket? $80 for a black and white yearbook? This is a terrible school and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking into going into the regular or honors program. The IB side of the school is great, it's where all the normal, non-ghetto people are. But the IB also has lots of notes, tests, and is very stressful I've heard. I'm switching to Boca High in a few months. The students are racist here and will bully you if you're white, have glasses, or braces. Pathetic. The principle is great though! PS. -Some of the teachers are good. Most just sit in their desk and let the class socialize with each other for the entire period -The lunch lines are outrageously long -Many of the bus drivers barley speak a word of English -Most of the students try to be "cool" by sagging their pants, not doing work, talking back, and swearing.
—Submitted by a student

My grand daughter is in the ROTC program at Atlantic and it has a team building atmosphere - As far as interaction with teachers and guidance staff, they have been quick to respond and great to work with. Very disappointed that the Glee Club has been disbanded, as that was a positive experience for many, again, creating a team building spirit. Let's get the Glee Club back on track.

this school is the best school ever. It has a positive impact on me as a student because the students are so encouraging and they always want the best for me. The teachers are educated in their field and they always want the best for their students.

I am a student in the IB program at Atlantic High School. I love this high school and feel perfectly safe. I know the teachers and staff in the IB program are fantastic. The regular school is pretty good too, if you are in the honors classes. The principal is AWESOME. He is very enthusiastic and involved, he talks with the students and wants the best for them. The cafeteria is brand new and resembles a food court. The food is pretty good and has alarge variety of different choices. This school is a good one.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter graduated from the IB program in 2010. She is now a student at FSU. She was well prepared for college. We didn't have any problems that we would not have had at any other school. Of course, once in a while there might have been a teacher I did not like etc. But overall she got a great education. To the parents saying there are gangs and this is the worst thing you ever did blah blah blah. That's not true. There are no gangs at this school and if there were the Delray Police would be all over it. And the way kids dress here is the same way they dress every where unless they wear a uniform. Kids need some freedom of expression. While I may not always agree how they dress or the music they listed to, as long as it's harmless who cares? Some of the parents on here complain about schools and use incorrect grammar, spelling etc. Hey, maybe the problem is you. Go back and educate yourself so you can help your child through his own education!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter graduated in 2011 and is off to college having made a great group of friends at Atlantic. She benefited from the rigor of the IB program but made friends throughout this multicultural school. The experience is whatever you make of it. Yes, it's a hard environment to navigate at times, but she came out well equipped to deal in the world and with friendships that will last a lifetime. Like all Florida publics, this one should be better funded.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the worst schools I have ever experienced. My son finished his freshman year in the "honors" program. Every morning when dropping off, I witnessed many students with their pants buckled around their mid thighs and one hand holding their pants to keep them from falling off. The attitudes of students and most teachers was apalling. I personally heard teachers mispronouncing words such as "maf" instead of "math" and "earf" instead of "earth". Sickening. Other than paying tuition at a private school, we are forced to stay at Atlantic because we live in this school district. The IB program is our next step to get our son of the Atlantic mainstream school. The online access to grades or lesson plans/homework is a joke. They are rarely accurate or updated. The communication with teachers is horrible and when teachers respond, they generally have a terrible attitude. (and my son is NOT a problem student) Drop off and pick up is extremely difficult. For the school to be so new, its a big disappointment and a very depressing atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

The IB principal does her best to keep the ciriculum challenging and the children are well behaved and very well educated. There are many classes that are not offered in other schools like Yoga and Pilates as well as after school clubs.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a junior in the IB program and a member of the SAC Committee, I can confidently say that my child is getting a great education at Atlantic. The staff, starting at the top with Dr. Weigel and Mr. Youngman, is totally dedicated to each student. They are passionate, caring role models. The only limitations are those caused by the lack of funds. Science labs, afterschool activities, electronic equipment and other things that most schools consider necessities, sometimes are hard to come by. Atlantic's graduation rate continues to set records and a very high percentage of its students go on to college. More money and more parent involvement would make Atlantic go from great to greatest.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from Atlantic IB program 2 years ago and my son is in the program. We are really happy , we love the school , the IB teachers,the IB administrative and the kids. The education they received it's comparable with any high level private school. The IB program was definitely the best High school program of Palm Beach county. Thanks, Atlantic High!
—Submitted by a parent

My two sons graduated from Atlantic IB program a few years ago. It is difficult for me to judge on a current state of the school, but then the IB program was definitely the best what Palm Beach county had to offer. It was not perfect, but nothing is. I am glad that my children went there. Thanks, Atlantic High!
—Submitted by a parent

The administration and staff simply assume the worst of the student right off the bat. In an attempt of disipline and crowd control, they eliminate trust and personal student acceleration and create fear and unhealthy control.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student of AHS its still a debate whether its a good school or not. I have a some really horrible teachers who had taught me nothing, but i have also had some wonderful teachers who want to help and understand the students. There are no gangs there might be rivalry between students here and there, but its nothing are administrators can't handle. I have made some good friends there. And some made some nice memories.
—Submitted by a student

This is a fun and good school. The teachers teach you in ways that could keep you intrested and entertained. I think that this is a good school and has a good learning environment also.
—Submitted by a student

I have a son who spent a year in Atlantic High and believe me that was a year too long. The quality of some of the teachers in advanced classes was terrible, and thier 'maturity' level did not seem to much higher than the teens they were teaching. There is a very high percentage of 'gang' members and 'gang related' occurances within the school and no one - up to and including the local police force - is willing to take on the problem. When a parent brings problems to the staff/admin they are ignored or rudely told there is no problem that they are aware of. Sending my son there was most likely the worst mistake I have ever made in his life and I freely share our experiences with other parents who are considering subjecting thier child to this environment. My advice is always...don't do it...find another alternative please.
—Submitted by a parent

As a substitute in the county I was extremely turned off to Atlantic. I've worked at a lot of schools in the county and nowhere have I found more overcrowded classrooms and more poorly behaved kids. I've heard nothing but positive things about the school's IB program, but as far as the regular classrooms go Atlantic is not a school I ever want to work at again.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have a senior, his four years in the ib program have been great.
—Submitted by a parent

The jury is still out on Atlantic High for our family. We have children in the IB program and the teaching and communication appears to be sub-standard. Try and find contact emails on the school website. This makes communication more difficult than they need to be. Response from teachers to e.g. requests for lesson plans etc. is non existent. Sports is a joke. Drop off and pick-up is a nightmare (and this is a new school!).
—Submitted by a parent