Gibbs High School

gibbs is an amazing school...i love it sooo much my friends love it also we have soo many laugh s in this school...my grades are very good and i will always be a gladiator!!!!
—Submitted by a student

Gibbs High School's Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) program is the best in the county. Top-notch teachers, facilities and AP/Honors course offerings give students an excellent head start. Gibbs has a proven track record that has opened many doors for students leading them to a successful career in the arts. PCCA offers focused comprehensive concentrations in Visual Art, Technical Theatre, Theatre, Dance and Music.
—Submitted by a parent

it's definitely an interactive school whatever type of person you are there's always a plce where you can fit in
—Submitted by a student

I am a Senior this year (Class of 2010) i am in travel and Tourism. since 10th Grade (sophomore) year because all freshman not in Beta or PCCA are in the renaissance program. And i have to say even though Gibbs is now a F school (one point from a D) and now declared the worst school in Pinellas county. Gibbs High School is still a great school. I've been here since my freshman year. they have a lot of great programs. One of them is the JROTC program. There are a lot of fights at this school and other bad things. Some of the activities are bad. they barely give us the chance of Pep-Rallies. we need more of them. We really don't do anything activites outside of school corresponding with Gibbs. But i guess its alright because i have great friends and some of the teachers are amazing. IfYouPickTheRightClassesThenYouWillHave A great time.
—Submitted by a student

Yes I can agree with some of the comments of Gibbs. I am in the PCCA Program, and I would actually say I am impressed even though we are treated like we are in jail. It is unfair to me that what the general population does, they think every one else will do. I love the program, and the kids at Gibbs and I do plan on staying for my whole high school experience. I would say the teaching is a lot better than my old high school (Osceola High).
—Submitted by a student

Gibbs High School is a D school for good reason. Speaking honestly, as helpful and understanding as the staff can be, many hate being there as much as several students. If you are a smart indidvidual don't plan on learning anything Freshman or Sophomore year. You have to wait until you can start taking all AP classes Junior and Senior year. The school struggles so much, and students pay so little attention that I have actually been provided answers on exams just so the school keeps good records. The only salvation the school has are its magnet programs, the PCCA and BETA programs. Unfortunately, because the facultycan't trust the students at all, in fear that there will be an uprising of some sort, there is little, if any student freedom outside of these Magnet Departments.
—Submitted by a student

'Top notch' arts education at the PCCA program at Gibbs High School comes at a significant price to students due to parent frustrations. For example a parent cannot plan from week to week for transportation. The schedules that are sent home state start times for rehearsals, recitals, etc not end times. They never end at a consistently. When you call the school to find out, they say they don't know... it depends on how many kids are performing that day. Our lives as parents are basically on hold pending the next loosely scheduled event. The traffic circle there is second to none in ineptitude. We have cross US 19 without any help from faculty or the SRO who stand up on the grass and watch the traffic-- no one directs it.
—Submitted by a parent

As a recent graduate of the BETA program at Gibbs I can say that while it sounds excellent in theory, in practice it has many glaring flaws. The organization of the staff is non-existent; if an assembly is scheduled for today, not one of your teachers will know about it until 5 minutes beforehand, when the announcement is made. The BETA classes were across the street at PTEC when I attended and was something of a blessing and a curse. However our separation from the Gibbs 'society' at large was a benefit as we we're therefore able to actually try to learn, rather than given passing grades so the school could improve it's dismal score. I would not recommend this school to anyone serious about learning.
—Submitted by a former student

I'm a student at this school and it's ok, alot of people from my neighborhood go to this school.I have a rough neighborhood so there,s gonna be some bad language here and there, but other than that it,s a stand-up school.
—Submitted by a student

Not so hot with following the IEP special instructions. Be sure to add a goal to provide teachers with education based on your childs disability. Then follow up every step of the way.
—Submitted by a parent

Gibbs High School is a wonderful school with ,many extra programs and activities. It has PCCA, BETA, and many more inside programs your child can attend. It must be the only school that allows children to have all the possibilities with music, art, sports and the most technology in the county. Parents are readily involved in the school with volunteering. There are also many clubs here at Gibbs. There is something for everybody at this safe diverse school. I hope all parents can give it a chance because it is truly a wonderful school with many opportunities.
—Submitted by Cassie Collins, a student

For students who enter the school with direction there is actually much to offer.
—Submitted by Nick O., a former student

I attended Gibbs and it was a great school. I just felt the Doc Allen messed up my senior year. He had no activities for the seniors. It could of been handeled WAY better.
—Submitted by Leah Anderson, a former student

The academic programs at Gibbs High school is amazimg. The teachers there really care. Many of them have been voted best teacher of the year, and many have been in the top twenty and even ten. The availability of music and art is astounding. Being that Gibbs is host to not only the BETA program but the Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) program as well, students expierience many kinds of music, art, and performance within the same school. The school just welcomed a new principal for the '06-'07 school year and she is, so far, wonderful for the school. It is for the most part believed that she will be a great person for Gibbs High school. There is a great level of parent involvement as well. I see parents all over the place whether they be voulenteers in the cafeteria or otherwise around Gibbs' campus.
—Submitted by a student

The academic program has alot to be desired. Poor guidance and administration is definately a problem
—Submitted by a parent

With Doc Allen as Principal of Gibbs High School, something almost magic and wonderful has occurred. Gibbs used to have a reputation of being a place that brought to mind the worst about public schools. There were stories about all types of negative issues and not many parents had any desire for their children to attend classes there. Safety, academics and technology were all issues that had been marginal at best. The transformation including the building of a new facility has been truly miraculous. Gibbs has reached new highs in student development and academic achievement under the current administration. Now parents are proud to say, My child attends Gibbs High School .
—Submitted by Russell Hill, a parent

Some teachers are just collecting paychecks.They don't really care about helping your reach their fullest potenial.Some teacher's just don't have the training to recognize and deal with certain learning disiablities that our children may struggle with.Maybe it is not the school maybe it is just the teachers style of teaching.
—Submitted by Teresa Brickhouse, a parent

This school has an excellent JROTC program. The teachers in charge really care about the kids and have a great impact on shaping them into mature, responsible young people.
—Submitted by a parent

Gibbs High School is a wonderful school. It offers great opportunities in technology. The technology at the school is the most advanced i have seen. Gibbs offers two magnet programs that are great for kids who are interested in business and arts. Both programs keep the students focused on their area of study of choice. I would highly reccomend the academic programs at this school.
—Submitted by a student

This is possible the worst school year I've had to deal with. My Son's English teacher left school and lost all of the classes paper work. Now he has an F in this class and will be unable to graduate this Senior year. He is unable to resolve this matter and no one is returning phone calls.
—Submitted by John Walker, a parent