Boise Senior High School

The worst nightmare of my life. I graduated two years ago in spite of being at BHS. The kids there are walking clones of their parents: Snobbish, better than anyone else, invulnerable to the truths of the city's working class. My parents actually had to apply to get me in this horrible school since I am in a [better] school district. They were duped into thinking BHS was better than other high schools. IT IS NOT. Don't believe only what you hear about test scores. The reality of the school is a horror for kids who are not upper crust, cute, popular, in clubs and sports, or quirky. I would NEVER go there again, knowing the experiences many kids and I had.
—Submitted by a parent

This review will anger the "liberal north end" radicals because they believe their neighborhood high school is untouchable, the best, the brightest. They haughtily speak down to students & parents who are unfortunate enough to be associated with the other schools in the area. I am not using my real name to protect my son. But I AM SPEAKING THE TRUTH and those who are truthful know this. Like everyone, my son and I came into Boise high two years ago with great expectations. We heard this school was "top tier," wonderful teachers, inviting students, no social castes. In fact, many but not all of the teachers are very good. While they aren't generous with their time unless the student is a prodigy, they are good teachers. My son learned what he needed to learn while there, and took AP and accelerated courses. However, I have never--ever--seen such arrogant students, and parents, in my life. Ever. And we are from an eastern state known for rudeness. Social castes? They are a reality here. Inviting? Absolutely not. Shunning? Yep. No outsiders welcome. Swim team, for example, may be competent but actually push other students aside when walking. I would NEVER recommend BHS.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here specifically so that our child could attend a school that would challenge her more and truly prepare her for college. Boise High is doing just that, with the AP courses they offer, required classes to assist with improving testing, and an emphasis on academics. While they have wonderful extracurricular activities, it is known to be a school that focuses on academics, with over 80 percent of its grads going on to two or four year schools. Like any public school, it has a mix of great teachers and some that are not as great, but overall, the general quality and expectaion is high. It does serve a somewhat higher economic group, but also pulls from a mix of neighborhoods. As for the question of diversity, I work in an elementary school that feeds Boise High, and we have 15 languages spoken in our school. I feel confident having my daughter in a school that expects more so that she can learn how to achieve and become a successful member of our society and community. And Boise is one AWESOME place to live and raise children.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have a child attending Boise High. In my experience the teachers are great and really care about the students and their learning process. There are many activities to support the students' interests and learning opportunities. The student body is generally well-behaved and respectful and there is very strong parent participation and support. My only complaint is with the inept, unprofessional and rude administration, from the front office staff to the principal- with the exception of the college counselor and one student counselor, who are a pleasure to work with. I have been a parent in the Boise School district beginning in elementary school and have nothing but praise for the admin staff at North Jr. High and Highlands Elementary where my child attended. Unfortunately, I cannot give Boise High's administrative staff much credit. I do want to stress, again, that the teachers at Boise are exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a very old school school. It is true if you are pregnant or struggling they want you to go to another school. They will call you in the office and tell you to look somewhere else. Its a lot of upper class, because of location I think, Downtown. If you dont get good grades and want to go to a good collage, dont waste your time here. They will make you feel worthless.
—Submitted by a student

I find it odd that others are saying there aren't enough ethnic groups at Boise high. That's not a matter of Boise high's turning away of ethnic groups, simply the fact that there aren't much racial diversity in many places in Boise city anyways. Look at any High school in Boise. They are all about the same. People are wired differently at Boise high, creating talented, educated, fun place for students to go to school.

Promoting active thinking and indiviality in students. High graduation rate too,
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers,students and administrators
—Submitted by a parent

Boise High is an excellent school and preps students for the real world in addition to transitioning successfully into the university environment. I have 2 daughters who graduated from BHS and both are excellent college students. Both got into their top choice university. I am also an alum!
—Submitted by a parent

Boise High is an outstanding school, and i would recommend this school out of all the other schools in Boise. My son went to Timberline, and he had to switch because to boise because Timberline was clicky, and not very academic. Boise High is an amazing schools. Its a school for ' acceptance ' and great acadmemics along with team spirit!
—Submitted by a parent

I love all the excellent exta curricular choices but am very concerned in how this school deals with students with academic and social problems. This school is considered in the top 5% in the nation but suggests that students who have problems passing their credits attend alternative settings. There never used to be an alternatie setting and Boise High earned its top 5% working with all kids including those who struggled. I wish this school worked harder to include struggling students in their clientelle.
—Submitted by a parent

I what to respond to the diversity issue. Boise High has more diversity then any other school in Idaho. Idaho as a whole lacks ethnic and racial diversity. Boise High has political, faith and ecanomic diversity. And there is a good balance between sports, arts and academicts.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Boise High is the best school in all the Northwest region. If you are look for a very high quality education, this is the place to be. All this talk of 'lack of diversity', yeah its true it is in IDAHO, you don't find diversity wherever you do go. It does not carry with it that typical high school aura you see in movies, with clicks and groups of people every which way every mingles with everybody and it is just a fantastic time. There are so many incredible teachers in this school, the amount of AP classes and tests offered is astronomical, not to mention the kind of scores posted by the students, especially when compared to other school in the area. It is a nationally ranked high school, number 371 out of the 10's of 1000's of high school in the nation.
—Submitted by Mark Stoffels, a former student

My three children graduated from BHS they experienced enthusiastic staff and administration. These are the factors that motivate students, caring adults. Idaho does not have the most diverse population but BHS does offer students acceptance and proximity to a downtown environment where learning can be enhanced through our surroundings not just inside four walls of isolation.
—Submitted by a parent

BHS lacks diversity, teacher competence, and humility. Test scores are all it can honestly boast. Then again, I've spent all my life in private school and I know what quality education is. This is not.
—Submitted by a student

I'll be a senior at BHS this year. Thought I'd let you know a little about it: BHS has fewer segregated social groups than other highschools in Boise, and most people are pretty open and friendly. We have a great orchestra program, and history classes are good. Most of our sports a good too(except for football). There's been a lot of community involvement about drug use at the school. We also have really good AP classes. Teachers are generaly good but not great. A plus: the YMCA is right across the street. BHS is right downtown, and we have open campus at lunch so there's plenty of good food around. I think it's a pretty good school. Hope this helped.
—Submitted by a student

Although Boise High posts high test scores, it is the diversity and quality of the extra-curricular activities afforded by the school that makes it truely great. A dedicated staff and administration have Boise High tops!
—Submitted by a parent

this school is great. It has great test scores, but lacks diversity. That should be underlined boise high has no diversity what so ever. It's other ethnic groups don't even total up to 10%.
—Submitted by a former student