Newsome High School

I'll admit that it has many clubs,but you HAVE to pay at least $16 for every club you sign up for. Also the guidance is frustrating. I was still changing my schedule three weeks into the school year and had to change it seven times. It was my senior year so I needed my classes for graduating and for college applications. Half of the teachers do not know what they are teaching so you have to teach yourself and most are too stubborn to admit they were wrong or put a curve on the test. I have been to TEN school and this has been by far the WORST.
--Submitted by a student

At first I thought this school was going to a OK, I was wrong. Teachers are poor, students are stuck up. Also it is an outdoor school. Then they changed my favorite class and when I asked to switch back they came up with all of these fake excuses. It is all just so unorganized, I'm just going to switch highschools.
--Submitted by a student

Last year I was a freshman, (sophomore next year). I believed the rumors that Newsome was a preppy/"Sweet Valley High School". But they're wrong. There are some stuck up people but that is expected. People are nice. I came from a small school and I only knew maybe 4 people. I leave Freshman year with tons of new friends. I have met people I want to spent the rest of my life with. There's no drama, as long as you don't make any. Classes are great. Teachers actually want you to pass and they care about you. Many of my friends get straight A's or close to it! You get to be independent, while the school provides many opprtunities.
--Submitted by a student

I graduated from Newsome in 2008, and I absolutely loved my experience there, even as someone who wasn't a part of the "in crowd". Academically, Newsome is great, but I think there is too much emphasis on AP classes, even for those who can't keep up. I'm graduating from a good college now with honors, and AP classes didn't really do too much for me. If someone is worried about the social aspects of the school, I would be aware that there seems to be an increased amount of students feeling entitled to do what they want and are spoiled, but that's just what I think as someone who stays connected to the school. My word of advice would be to pick an extracurricular and stick with it. Activities at Newsome are great and there are a lot to choose from.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter is currently a senior and loves Newsome's academics and athletics, which she participates in. The AP classes offered are excellent and there is a wide variety of elective classes to choose from. The teachers are wonderful, only one or two over the past 4 years that weren't very good. The only downfall I've seen is the lack of tolerance by the student body. They need to learn not to judge and harass people who aren't part of the "in crowd". I've met so many wonderful students (who aren't popular) and are happy with who they are rather than concern themselves with popularity. That's the sign of a well rounded student.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended Newsome High School from 2006 to 2010. It has an expansive course catalog, including numerous Advanced Placement and Honors classes. Many of my Advanced Placement teachers were outstanding and very experienced with teaching the content and engaging the students. The administration often took the "path of least resistance." They made decisions based on whatever allowed them to do the least work. Several advisors were very helpful; however, some were unable to handle the responsibilities of being a guidance counselor. Many of my friends found it difficult to meet with advisors and receive the help necessary for success. If you are a parent, I would send your student to Newsome over other schools in the area. However, if your student needs something from the guidance office you may need to contact them in order to get things done. Also, the harder your student works and the better grades that he or she earns will mean more attention from advisors. If your son or daughter thinks that they could excel in Honors or Advanced Placement courses then do not let administration force them into Regular classes. I heard of this happening to some of my most intelligent friends.
--Submitted by a student

My Grandson attends Newsome and is in his Senior Year and in his time at Nerwsome I have seen him develop acadamically and socially. He is in the JROTC and Wolves Football Team and his' stats' are excellent. To those who complain your children will be rewarded for their efforts and as parents you will reap those rewards by supporting the school and your kids, seeing them develop their potential and mature into adulthood.

I have two children at this school and as a military family, we have seen many schools. Most of the school is decent, with a few really good teachers. Yet the bullying and harrassment that I have witnessed first hand, with no help from administration has left me feeling that this school is the worst my children have attended. Everytime we move, I try to find the best school, at least on paper, to send my children to, but Newsome has failed miserably. The administration and counselors are never around and always to busy to deal with the problems. The kids run the school and the bullies are allowed to hurt kids and harass kids without worrying that the school will interfere. No leadership from the top has left this school in chaos. If I had to choose a school again, it would not be Newsome. There are plenty of other wonderful schools in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to and graduated from newsome High School. The school, its teachers, and the community which it servers (FishHawk/RiverHills) is top notch. It has excellent academics are well as a varied and successful sports opoortunities, including an excellent swimming team and Hockey Program as well as football, baseball, golf and all the sports you'd expect. my wife and I moved to this area for this school. It was well worth it.
--Submitted by a parent

I have nothing great to say about Newsome High School. I have two children who attend this school. This is their second year here and I would seriously recommend another high school. Although this high school is ranked as one of the top 500 in the country, unless your child is in honors classes, the classes are not challenging enough. One of the reasons we moved to our neighborhood was the ranking we read on this website. My daughter is a senior this year even with honors classes she hates this school. She has no friends, only acquaintances, she doesn't want a yearbook, class ring, senior pictures, etc. She just wants to finish the year. Since we moved her in November, 2009, my children were not placed in honors classes until this year. The guidance department here is very unprofessional. I cringe every time I have go in there.
--Submitted by a parent