James W. Mitchell High School

is the perfect school if your child isn't a trouble maker then the school wont end up as a bad school
--Submitted by a student

All three of my kids have gone through this high school. The last one will be a senior in 2011-12. The oldest attended UCF and now works as an engineer for a very successful company. The second one is completing his engineering degree at USF. All three have received a superior education to the private school they were in previously. The best investment I could have asked for in my kids was supporting this school and its faculty. GO MUSTANGS!
--Submitted by a parent

JW Mitchell is now an "A" school. I am the parent of two students at this school. One graduated in 2009 & is now thriving at UF and one is currently a junior at Mitchell. I could not be happier with the education & quality of teachers here. Both my students have been in the honors & AP classes, and if possible, I'd say this is the route to take. Teachers have been caring, attentive and always answer my emails when I have a question. Mr. Michaels started as principal back in 2009 and he's done a great job so far. In addition, the school population is smaller & no longer overpopulated now that Anclote has opened.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a teenager at J.W. Mitchell, and I find it very difficult to reach some of the teachers. Many of the teachers will respond in a timely fashion to an email or a phone call, but it is the teachers that there are problems with that can never be reached. I have even experienced this with the principal, assistant principal and counselors. It is difficult to follow progress of your child when you can not reach the sources. I have tried to contact the school board and was passed from person to person, and event the school board didn't respond to me in a timely fashion. I am very disappointed, since I try to be an involved parent, but find only closed doors.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent of a J.W. Mitchell HS student. I moved into this area specifically for her to attend the elementary, middle and high schools. I agree that last year it was over-populated, however, with Anclote opening, that has brought the student count down, and also reduced many problems. Yes, some teachers do go there for just a paycheck, but then again - I don't think teachers are paid enough to begin with. Education is something that parents need to be involved with. Whenever I've had a problem, I have always been able to email, call or meet with a teacher with no problem. Keep in mind.......there's a NEW principal and I TRULY believe he WILL make a difference.
--Submitted by a parent

I pulled my child out of J.W. Mitchell after 2 years. There appears to be some gang activity and other criminal elements. I had the feeling my son was just going through a big diploma machine rather than getting a quality education. The majority of teachers seemed to be not motivated at all and a couple didn't even know the students names. The school is over-populated.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a former student of J.W. Mitchell High School. I graduated in 2008 and I cannot say enough about this excellent institution. I've read several reviews by parents on this website and do agree that the former principal wasn't fond of speaking to parents however, everyday I would seen him in the halls of the school available to students. The administrative staff is fabulous they we're always able to help me w/ whatever issues I threw @ them. This school is preparing students for a future in our community. They do an excellent job of helping students with their education and preparing them for the workforce. This school has managed to keep a high overall rating. Mitchell is a very neat&clean school with a better group of students attending with its location in Trinity. I'm so glad I attended JWMHS. I will always consider myself a Mustang.
--Submitted by a student

the school rules are strict and the other students break the rules because they are too strict.
--Submitted by a student

The overall lack of communication from the administration is the biggest frustration. The fact that a parent can contact the guidance office for advice about the student and get no response is a huge disappointment. I am hoping to move my child to a better enviroment.
--Submitted by a parent

I think the school is really good,the Navy ROTC program is excellent,but I must say the school is over crowded.The cafeteria is too small for the amount of students and now, they dont allow the students to eat their lunches outside.The principal is 'MIA' I have see him only once and it was at my daughters graduation ceremony,doesnt look too friendly.Some teachers are excellent, but there are others that get defensive when asked about a students progress.
--Submitted by a parent