Granite City High School

I am very excited about this school. The teachers are excellent and attentive to the needs of the students. My kids love high school and look forward to going to school every day. This school as an excellent college focused curriculum. They also have excellent sports programs. Two of my kids are honor students and soon two more will be joining this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from GCHS in 2009 and am proud to say that. I understand people's frustrations with the district and will also admit that sports play a huge role in the school system, which isn't necessarily a good thing if it hinders the educational process. That being said, I recieved a quality education from k-12 with the exception of having a few teachers who were pathetic. You can find that anywhere though. I now attend St. Louis University, one of the most prestigous Jesuit institutions in the country...and I would add that I was fully prepared for it with the education I recieved from GCSD9. Yes, there are some bad politics in the district, but I blame mostly the students and parents for our lackluster academic standings. The best teachers in the world can't make a student learn if they don't want to or if their parents haven't instilled a sense of importance about education. Let's look at the where the real problems lie.
--Submitted by a student

I have attended this school for two years, my freshman and sophomore years. I had a lot of fun in this school. The teachers in this school are fantastic. I have move to California now and I attend Castro valley High School, which is rated 9 out of 10; But Granite City High School is better. There is a lot of stupid people in this school, who do not want to learn, but the teachers are really doing their jobs. I have been in all the accelerated classes and I have learned way more than what I'm learning in my AP classes. I wish that granite City High School has Advanced Placement classes, that would count as if you have taken them in college.
--Submitted by a student

I hate this school! THey care nothing for the kids but to push them through and get them out!! There are a few good teachers but the rest just treat you like your a problem when you are trying to help with their child!!
--Submitted by a parent

I used to attend GCHS but unfortunatly have moved to another school district. While attending GCHS I did not understand some of the rules such as dress code and banning some hairstyles, and piercings. At my new school those things are allowed and i now understand the poind of those rules. Those a GCHS are lucky, and are getting a fair and great education. At granite education IS fair and doesnt dwell on being a jock or prep.

How terribly sad that so many people are dissatisfied with this school district and no one has made any attempts to change it. Parents who complain and do nothing to help matters have no right to continue voicing their opinions. Four of my children have attended school in Granite City. I have not been the most involved parent, but I am certainly not one to pay no attention to what is happening there. My children are represent every type of student there is, from straight As to barely passing and they have all had equal opportunity to do well. Blaming the school or teachers is the easy way to explain failure. I choose not to do so.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm currently attending GCHS and I believe I am attending one of the best academically challenged schools in the area. SOME students tend to blow school off and don't realize how much education would be if it wasn't provided publically. For the students that do care, like myself, we take advantage of the hands-on classes, industrial classes, and friendly teachers. The only students that have problems with teachers are those that misbehave, sleep in class every day, and don't ask questions when teachers give them plenty of time to. Most teachers are even willing to help students before and after school, which proves that they DO care about us. Also, I'd like to point out that parents do get involved. For students that are in plays, do sports, or school related activities, without parents or family there would be no audience. Some students don't have families, period.
--Submitted by a student

As an educator and former student at GCHS, I believe that any motivated student can earn a top notch education at this high school. Discipline is enforced to allow those who want to learn to have the opportunity for a good learning environment. In a school of this size, students who need special counseling seem to feel comfortable asking for help. Teachers who are aware of a student who needs individual help provide it. There are many recent grads of GCHS who have been quite successful after graduation.
--Submitted by a former student

Pretty stict discipline in place. I like that. Teachers vary in their requirements of the students, some requiring very little in terms of participation, quality of work turned in, and neatness. Web site for the school is very good and most information can be attained there. The size of the school makes for less personal attention and students who are not outgoing tend to get left in the dust. Lots of extracurricular activities for about any interest a student might have. Parental involvement is encouraged but feedback seems to be less than thorough.
--Submitted by a parent

This district is a nightmare. I have children with special needs in the special education program, as well as children who receive a regular education in this district. The special education program is unorganized, inadequate and stone age. Educators in this district may blame lack of parental involvement on the quality of our children's education, and to those who do, I sentence them to an IEP or a day of parent/teacher conferences on the middle school/high school level. I attent the meetings, but the people I sit across from sure aren't on fire about my child's education. Strikes, lack of interest in my children's success, little to no guidance from counselors, and I'm expected to trust their judgement and opinion of what's best for my child? Stop blaming the parents for lack of parental involvement and take a look at the district employees genuine interest (or lack of) in our children.
--Submitted by a parent