F. W. Buchholz High School

Not too impressed with this school. We never spoke to our child's guidance counselor 1 time in the 4 yrs that our child attended Buchholz. They seemed disinterested in him as he was not a 'top' student, nor was he in the bottom, nor was he a discipline problem. So he was just shuffled through the system. This school is horribly overcrowded. The quality of the finance and entrepreneurship magnet programs there has gone way down hill over the years. It used to be selective. A lot of kids, uninterested in finance, apply for the program so they can attend Buchholz because some of their sports teams are quite good. So pretending to be interested in entrepreneurship and finance is a way to get into the school. BHS has the reputation of being the 'rich kid' school but it also draws from some impoverished areas as well. We are zoned for Buchholz but our other kids chose to attend academic magnet programs at the other high schools, and they had much better experiences at the other schools than our 1 son had at Buchholz.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Buchholz and is challenged by the honor and AP courses available. Most of the teachers are pretty good..a few however have been lazy and shown to be illequipped to handle the level of knowlege required of an ap teacher..especically the AP.Biology teacher!!!! My staight A student had to go outside the school for help in order to understand the material enough to pass the test. (over half the class received extra tutoring). Buchholz, assess your teachers!!!! If only 40% of the class passes the AP test, there is a big problem!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended BHS for two years and it has been a wonderful experience. Mr. Welker teaches Honors English and I could not be happier with the amazing job he did with the kids. A great mentor who challenges the intellect with creative, engaging assignments. Honestly, all the teachers are very good. And the principle is authoritative without being overbearing. It took a long time for me to be able to say this, but "I love high school!"
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters graduated from Buchholz, and, although completely different in their interests, extra-curricular and academic focus, both excelled the BHS environment. Considered the "AP School" in our county, the AP test pass of students committing to loading up with AP classes is extraordinary. The teachers are engaged, smart, witty and driven to see every student be the best (s)he can be. My youngest daughter just graduated in June, and was involved with BHS' nationally recognized band all four years. The memories, friendships and team-building skills she learned in this program will stay with her forever. Regarding the administration, well, let's just say that Mr. Perez is AMAZING. His team of assistant principals and guidance counselors assured that both of my girls received all of the support and advice they needed to commence the journey beyond high school. Finally, the parent organizations at Buchholz are the strongest I've ever encountered!
—Submitted by a parent

My freshman daughter was new to Gainesville but managed to make friends relatively easy at Buchholz. They have a great athletic program and varied extracurriclar activites. There is some student 'snobbiness' but there always is! The teachers seem to respond with enthusiasm and dedication when their students show a desire to learn. My only complaint is the lack of communication between parents and school. They need to get with 2009 and send out an electronic newsletter at least monthly!
—Submitted by a parent

I used to attend this school and I love it. The school offer many extra curricular activites and was a very family enviroment. Now I attend a school in DC and its nothing like Buchholz. I can truly say that this is the best school ever.
—Submitted by a student

Great school! The teachers are very engaging and awesome!
—Submitted by a student

Administration makes decisions without considering the input from parents and kids.
—Submitted by a parent

this is a great school. I love coming here
—Submitted by a student

its a good school most teachers are nice but its the best in gainsville but I am from up north and most of the schools I went to there were better but this is a nicer school than the others here
—Submitted by a student

i love it. the teachers are so nice and rel with the kids. they treat them like adults now baby kids.
—Submitted by a student

This school is absolutley amazing in every way. The teachers are amazing.The academics is amazing.The clubs are amazing as well as the football,basketball,lacrosse ect. Team. We have great programs and clubs. I am part of the bhs photography club which is really fun. The teachers really have a way with teaching us, although im a freshman, i get along with a majority of people at this school, because everyone is very friendly(:
—Submitted by a student

BHS is a great school. We transferred to Gainesville at the start of my sons Junior year and purposely choose the Buchholz district. The AP teachers all take a lot of their own time to prepare their students for the AP exams. Lots of clubs, sports and band activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Buchholz is a great school. It is the highest level academic school in Gainesville. I looked at every school in the city and I am extremely happy with my choice. I'm involved in student government, athletics, and clubs. This is one of best schools you will find and I would strongly suggest it. I also think it is important to see the school from the point of view of a student rather than a parent as well.
—Submitted by a student

I think it is a great school. I have found the teachers to be eager and willing to communicate with involved parents. My daughter has made many good friends and she is busy after school with clubs. I have found that I was really worried about what public school is doing for SAT prep so I sent her to Huntington. I have a son in elementary school and found it was good for him too. They communicate with the teachers and the teachers have been willing to communicate back. Guidance department is very helpful!
—Submitted by a parent

Buchholz is a great school. The school has many great teachers and is a safe environment. Besides academics, Buchholz has great clubs, extra curricular activities, and athletics. I would strongly suggest this school over any others in the area or state.
—Submitted by a student

Buchholz has been a great school to be a part of, they have one of the top bands in the nation, placed 2nd place in the National Mu Alpha Theta competition last year (planning to be the champions this year), have great sport programs, but along with that the academic programs are top notch. While Gainesville does have Eastside, the IB school, Buchholz compares well with them as far as Ap exams and FCAT, and SAT scores. But the student population at BHS is more diverse and it does have good programs such as the Finance and Entrepreneurship programs, 'math competition track,' and performing arts programs.. Overall it's a good school.
—Submitted by a former student

The JROTC program is one of the best around.They teache leadership skills and many other usefuls skills throughout life.I would recomened it just for the JROTC program.
—Submitted by a student

Both my children have gone to Buchholz and it is a school where each of them is encouraged to do their personal best. The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. Extracurricular activities are varied and plentiful.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School, with a great academic reputation.
—Submitted by a parent