Mandarin High School

I am currently a Junior attending MHS, and I honestly wish I had taken up my parents on their offer to put me in a private school my freshman year. I am in the Gifted Program, but have had to drop all of my AP courses to due work overload and overall class failure to pass the AP exams. I have found that it has become worthless to get A's and B's all year in my classes, but then somehow magically be in an entire class that does not pass the exam determining whether you receive your college credit. Teachers who care about my education and well being are far and few between. Administration favors burnt out teachers who have gained tenure and ignore failing classes and the rising amounts of drop outs coming from our school. I am being shoved out of this overcrowded school with basic expectations from my teachers. I will NEVER allow my kids to attend this school.
--Submitted by a student

I went to Mandarin almost 10 years ago and at that time, the teachers would not go beyond normal call of duty and certainly never maintained discipline. Officials were quick to overreact in situations that required little to no involvement on their behalf and slow to react when true need arose. The thought of my kids going to this school fills me with dread. My worst years were at that school. Sure, there are a few teachers that outshone others like Mr. Waters or Mrs. Marks but most were jaded and angry.
--Submitted by a parent

As a current sopohomore at Mandarin High, I'm somewhat ashamed to attend this school. Mandarin used to be one of the best schools in Duval besides Stanton and Paxon. Now, fires are being set left and right, drugs are being consumed by minors constantly, teachers don't care whethere you pass or fail, the kids don't care about anyone else except for who is inside the clique..thi school has major issues along with all of the kids who attend it. Like they just don't care if they hurt someones feeling and the administration...HORRIBLE! Bad school altogether, hopefully I will get into Douglas Anderson and can attend that school next year.
--Submitted by a student

I am a parent who has seen 3 of my children attend Mandarin HS during the past 6 years , and several things have become more and more clear about the Leadership and staff-- they are being asked to do more than they are payed to if overcrowding is still happening at the school . But just as the favorite restaurant in a community struggles to serve the line of customers that extend out the front door and into the parking lot, I think this might say something good about Mandarin. With budget cuts looming and a lot of negative "waves" being transmitted by those who are genuinely concerned about their children and their future, it will do a lot more good to help than to criticize in this schools day of need. "A brother is born for the day of adversity" -- Volunteer or give or do both. Don't just complain-- anyone can do that.
--Submitted by a parent

Mandarin High School is great! The classes are challenging (mostly in AICE though) and okay teachers. I mean, sure there are fights all the time, but it is the same at any other public, and sometimes even private school. I have had a great time so far and I still have a few years left there. Plus, the school is the 96th or 97th best high school in the country. I recommend it to everyone. P.S. ALWAYS stay away from people you don't know or trust, because you may very well end up in a fight.
--Submitted by a student

Contrary to the recent Newsweek article that ranked Mandarin in the top 100 schools in the nation, this school is anything but. Fights and drug deals occur regularly. There is a solid social system comprised of cliques in place. Poor administration and faculty. If you're not in AP or AICE you're bascially discarded and put into daycare classes after they try every route to get you to pass the FCAT and graduate with the minimum requirements. The school forces students that aren't qualified into AP. Even if you're in AP the passing rate is still attrocious, though they do have a very large selection of AP courses to choose from. Don't bother with AICE, it's extra work for nothing, despite what the teachers and counselors tell you. It's not even widely recognized by most universities. IB is better.
--Submitted by a student

Mandarin High was definitely one of the best four years of my life. i was so excited to finally be in high school and i dont regret anything about it.the kids are nice and it is easy to have a lot of friends there. the teachers are great and actually involved in my studies and homework and i got good grades. i graduated in 09 and now am planning to go to UF. Go Mandarin Mustangs!!!!!!

If one's child is so inclined, the academics to enter an excellent private university are certainly available, plenty of clubs, sports and activities. You should know also that multiple fights on any given day are the norm - in fact every day my child tells of fights - every single day. It is a very large campus that is most definitely very open and available for any weirdo to come onto for nefarious purposes. There are over 3000 students - yes - I did write 3000. You must be in contact with your child's teachers and counselors on a regular basis to make sure your child is on academically on track. We only recommend this school if your child is able to handle very many distractions and if your home structure is such that you are able to constantly advocate for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

Ok many of the parents are saying things on here that truly could be debateable from someone who attends the school which i do. Im in the AICE progam at Mandarin and im a sophmore. The things that parents are saying, for instance ,'someone shouldnt be on a sports team just because their parents a coach', it obviously shows that your just made that your child didnt make a sports team and some coaches child did. You actually have to be good at the sport you are doing and most of the coaches children, for oobvious reasons, would be very good at whatever sport their parent is coaching. Mandarin is a very good school, but like in any other school there are fights and there are going to be some teachers who arent that amazing but overall the school is great. besides the classical music being played in our hallways.
--Submitted by a student

My school has just undercome new management and it is amazing!! We now have classical music between classes and a very encouraging personal message from our new principal everyday. I love going to school now it feels safer, more productive, and all around a better place to learn.
--Submitted by a student