Harrison High School

Harrison has great programs. If you're not already involved in them, don't expect much sympathy from them. Despite what many teachers and students have cited as poor leadership from the principal, it has several of the best teachers in the state, but they mostly only teach AP classes. The special ed department looks very active and supportive and has great student support, but maybe (from other reviews) is not as inclusive as it should be or not as effective as it looks from the outside. Has a history of shedding great administrators and budget cuts that somehow don't seem to touch athletics, including the subpar football program. It has been suggested that this, along with the Superior Plumbing ads throughout the building and draconian attendance policies, is related to gaining money and reputation on paper. If you're a student and not in any of the programs, I'd suggest joining at least one or, if you have a good-on-paper reason, letting counseling know why you can't (they're not mean when they start to recognize your face; it's worth introducing yourself) so they can use you as another example of how great the school is.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school to go to! It has a ton of opportunities for extracurricular activities and clubs. It has a nation- wide recognized marching band and has an awesome football team. The students here are always encouraging and fun to be around. After all this is ranked the 3rd best high school in Georgia and has been recognized by George W. Bush. If you are debating between Harrison and another Cobb COunty high school, this one wins by far!
—Submitted by a student

All you have to do to find out what kind of school we're dealing with is to walk into the office. There you will be graced with some of the rudest woman on the planet. If they trouble to even look your way then you're doing well. This is not just an experience I alone have had. Most every parent I speak to feels the same way. It makes you wonder Who's in charge. Surely this has been brought to the principals attention. Truly a shame as the feeder schools of Bullard and Mcclure have wonderful staff.
—Submitted by a parent

A big disappointment. Our child had to repeat freshman year and still doesn't know multiplication tables. There was an IEP in place, and it did nothing. Our child WAS left behind, and gossiped about in the office by ADULTS that should have been more professional. Ridiculous games played here. If you are not one of the HAVES with a straight A student, there will be little options for your child. This is a very snobby, 'money' area and the kids are incredibly rude, and bully others constantly - my child was constantly belittled, teased and threatened. NOT MY CHOICE for a school, and that's why I moved. Bad communication. Apathetic teachers. Backbiting attitudes. No effort for special needs kids that I could see. Only a handful of teachers here really CARE what happens to my child, and possibly yours.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent opportunities for AP classes. Typical problems for a large suburban affluent community.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are wonderful, very knowledgeable. The Performing Arts program is outstanding. The ROTC unit is always helping and doing something for the school/community. The principle, however, is terrible, rude, and biased he only helps the athletic department. If you are not an athlete or a person with patience then this school is not a school for you. The people are always rude and unruly. Athletes are constantly getting treated better than most should.
—Submitted by a student

We moved our student from a private school to Harrison HS starting their freshman year. No regrets whatsoever. Academically, there are plenty of challenging courses available. It may be somewhat more difficult for students who struggle academically to deal with HHS. Our student is well prepared for college as they will start their senior year in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Harrison High, like everything, else has it's good and bad points. Good: AP classes/music dept/sports/student spirit and involvement/security/some teachers....Bad: cafe food/principal is rude/phony kids (ie the movie 'Mean Girls'-you could literally get lost in a sea of straight blonde hair! ) some teachers/racism still exists (the Good Old South raises it's ugly head-Oh! except at football games when the black football stars take the field.) But, in general, if your child takes the opportunities afforded him, an above average education obtainable.
—Submitted by a parent

As always, a school can always look very good while under the watchful eyes of a investigator, but when it boils down to it, HHS is just another school. There is no real exceptional challange, or lack of challage. Some classes are much easier than others, and some are harder. The school uses block scheduling, which is nice for getting credits, and the amount of classes available is nice. However, drugs are a mild problem (with all high schools), and gangs are NOT a problem. Overall, i would say that being a student at harrison high is nice if one looks forward to AP classes, or likes block scheduling. But it is pretty much just... AVERAGE
—Submitted by a student

A great school if your child fits 'into the box' of thier idea of a student. If your child has any issues such as learning mental or phyical disabilities this is not the place for you. The administration and teachers do not take the time needed to educate the kids that need it most. I was very diappointed with my childs progress or lack there of, so I pulled her out and decided to school school. It was the best decision for us.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student at Harrison and could not ask for a better school. Harrison was recognized by President George W. Bush as a school which excelled above National standards. It also has a nationally recognized marching band and a great performance arts program. The school is most defiantly the best in West Cobb, no doubt!
—Submitted by a student

Harrison is a great school! At HHS they challenge the students to do their best and achieve their goals in life.
—Submitted by a parent

All three of our daughters attend Harrison High.g. Harrisons Teachers are second to none and the Vice Principal Lori Aarons is fantastic. She truly cares what the kids are going through.
—Submitted by a parent

All three children in my family graduated from this school. As far as quality of education and college preparation, you couldn't ask for better. However, my youngest sibling (a very well-behaved kid) struggled with health problems and a learning disability, and my mom had to be constantly on top of the guidance department and administration regarding their oversights of his needs. The school has incredible spirit on the part of both students and community. Overall, I would send my child to this school, but I would definitely keep and eye on his/her peer group and their activities.
—Submitted by a student

Our child completed 2.5 years of his education at Harrison and graduated with the class of 2007. While at Harrison he took AP classes and was a member of the marching and symphonic band. The music program is excellent. The Director & assistants are professional & extremely knowledgeable of the requirements in the making of an excellent music program. The band is very competitive and has won national and international awards for their performances. Overall Harrison is a very good school if you stay on top of what is going on with your child.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school stay until all hours of the night preparing lessons and grading papers. They really care about the students. The sports teams are very competitive, the band program is highly rated, and there are a lot of AP offerings.
—Submitted by a parent

'Nobodies' at this school are made to feel inferior and like outsiders. This extends from academics to the sports programs. If you're not the child of well-connnected parents, forget it!
—Submitted by a parent

Good Principal but a real let-down in how the students are treated. Where is the wonderful, upstanding faculty I have heard so much about?
—Submitted by a parent

Obviously overall I am very pleased with Harrison High School. It has a great location and I believe that it ranks one of the best schools my daughters have ever attended.
—Submitted by a parent

Having 2 children that are currently attending Harrison, I am completely satisfied with all aspects of this school. They stress character, honesty, leadership, and individualism, and try to help our children make the right decisions in life. President George W. Bush thought enough of Harrison to make a formal visit there during his first term in office. Every year they have 100% participation in the PTSA, which contributes thousands of dollars per year to the school. Their many students clubs are encouraged to help those less fortunate by donating their time at inner city soup kitchens and other area 'help ministries'. Their intrumental music program consist of a nationally rated orchestra, concert and marching band, creating many college scholorship opportunities for their students. Their football team consistantly wins their division, and competed in the state championship game several years ago. I would definately move into this area just for this school.
—Submitted by Jim, a parent