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

My son graduated from this school. Many of the teachers are great but there are some that hold FL students to NY standards, for example, because that is where they previously taught. A Sr. is not able to change his study habits at that part of the game. For the most part, the teachers are great. They have a 'NO HANDS ON' policy, which means that if you child gets hit, he/she is not allowed to hit back without getting suspended. This is the DUMBEST rule of the school. There is no PTA so parent involement is almost non-existent. The principal and teacher rule and then there is a Disciplinary Committee whose hands are tied because they have to follow the principals ordrers. Overall for the four years my son was there, he had a good high school experience with a few quirks along the way.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child currently enrolled in this school and I don not feel comfortable letting my child attend there she is not learning well and it is to over crowded
—Submitted by a teacher

I have a son at Mitchell and a daughter at Seven Springs Middle School. The difference between the schools is like night and day. The principal at Mitchell is a hands off administrator. The teachers at Mitchell seem to care about the education of the kids and are eager to help out in any way.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at this school and it is a very low class school. I do not recomend it to anyone looking for a good school for their children. Same with the middle school. There is not enough room at lunch, even though it is split into three lunches, kids still have to sit on the floor. So many kids skip classes and the rules are really bad guidelines. Ive been to many other schools and this is the worst of them all. The education is very far behind and the sports as well are not good. A few teachers are good, but I still do not recomentd it. No kids are really involved in the school and neither are parents. It isnt safe, people get in fights non stop and people are so rude. Dont send your child to this school, please. Nicole
—Submitted by a student

The principal's leadership is very poor and he is always 'away from campus at this time' or on vacation. There are many great, wonderful teachers, a few bad ones. The sports programs are a little off, giving most, if not all, the sports money to football, cheerleading, and volleyball. It was an exceptional school until last year.
—Submitted by a student

The Navy ROTC Program is the best in the county. There health and clinic services are excellent.The staff is slow in returning phone calls. The principal is not a student friendly person. He is not involved with the students. That what he has his 'people' do. He does not return parent phone calls promptly. He is quick to become defensive when a parent involves district superintendents.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. The teachers mostly care about student sucess.
—Submitted by a student

Good school. The teachers mostly care about student success.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is currently a student at Mitchell. The school reminds me of a college campus. I feel that the teachers overall are pretty good but there are a few that are exceptional! The teachers really take an interest in the kids and are more than willing to help them with any problems they may have. I think Mitchell is a great school!
—Submitted by Kris, a parent

JW Mitchell has many fights among its students. Not to mention an employee there that says all is ok with your child and nothing to worry about, only to come home to a child you have to rush to a doctor because of injuries that needed your attention hours ago. Many parents have had problems with this school and no backup from the people that work there. I am not the only one that has had problems with this school.
—Submitted by a parent