Wauconda High School

This school has an awful special eduction program. They prefer to send them off site so they don't have to deal with them. Parents don't have a say in the education plan. It's their way or no way.
—Submitted by a parent

Most kids go to college from this school, with a handful going into the military and trades. The school is the center of the community and it's small semi-rural/semi-suburban setting has effectively insulated it from a lot of problems seen in other area schools. There is a good demographic mix and there does not seem to be economic pressure on the kids. It is socially a great, safe place for students to learn and make friends. Most teachers are excellent - a few need to go, but this is the case in every school. They have strong athletic and arts programming, and contrary to older reviews, they a new performing arts wing. Arts programs are well funded. My only complaints are that the English writing curriculum is very weak. I've taught my son to write at home as he was earning A grades for what I considered to be C papers. The deans suspend many kids when a simple "knock it off" or detention would do. They are strong in supporting kids in special ed, but mainstreamed kids with ADHD, dyslexia or other less serious learning issues are neglected - 504s and IEPs are not implemented unless parents are on their backs 24/7 about it. They lack insight into these disorders.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Wauconda Highschool - both taking honors classes, and involved with sports. The Science department has been wonderful - the labs and experiments they do, weren't available to me back in the 80s in district 214. There are ample opportunities for the students to get involved in academic groups as well as sports. The district has a sound curiculm, and state test scores continue to rise. The leadership in the highschool needs improvement - having experienced wonderful administrators at the elementry and middle schools, the High School administration should become more client focused...this isn't the "old wauconda" anymore. Parents are involved, and expect the same level of service from the administrators that they received at the lower level schools. All being said, the school / district does a great job under the current financial hardships brought on by the state.
—Submitted by a parent

Having moved around a lot and experiencing other school districts around the country, I have to say I am very pleased with Wauconda High School, and the school district in general. My daughter is ending her Junior year and she has had a positive experience for the last 3 years. Since it is not a huge school, there are many opportunities to get involved and not have to compete against 1000 kids for everything you try out for. The teachers and administrators really get involved with the students, knowing them by name.
—Submitted by a parent

I fell this school dose not really care for the need of the kids. My child has been very ill off and on. This school has not meet her need at all. They just want to close the books on the last semester so it will be easier on the teachers. All they have done is left her in the leach. I wish i could get her in to another school she is failing at this point and they just don't care. So much for no child left behind. I am so disappointed and hurt that i can't even begin to express. I feel i really have noone to turn to. I hope to god this dose not happen to any other child.
—Submitted by a parent

Although Wauconda High School has yet to raise to technological standards (such as all teachers using online homework system (which is 'required' but few teachers comply) and lack of online grades/attendance), I feel my child has been getting a quality education. Any school experience and results are the product of educators and parents and the time and care invested.
—Submitted by a parent

Beleive what you have read from most of these reviews. You can't imagine the disappointment our family had from the Wauconda school district. Long overdue are the improvements made from the referendum, now they need to continue to improve the teachers/staff in their school--almost impossible.
—Submitted by a parent

It's not the best school but it has made many great improvements. However, there are changes that the school could've done without.
—Submitted by a student

WOW, great improvements to the High School. It's wonderful to see the community putting forth the effort to increase the education and the grounds. I look forward to seeing the results this year.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is changing! New classrooms and upgrades in computers should help the school move forward. Like any school going through a change in leadership it will take time, but the changes are the right changes. Teachers, students and parents are being asked to perform at higher levels. I look forward to watching Wauconda grow.
—Submitted by a parent

i am only going to be a sophomore at wauconda highschool this year but i have already noticed many things about this school. For one if you dont play football do not expect to get alot of support from the staff at WHS. The football team just recieved state of the art uniforms when their old ones were not more then 5 or so years old. the band has been wearing the same uniforms since the 70's. many other sports and organizations are the same way. The resources at WHS are not up to par. Books are out dated, computers are old and slow, and from my experience the teachers are not what i consider quality. with the exception of one or two teachers i got the feeling that they didnt really care about the students. however with the new referendum WHS is looking up to a brighter future!
—Submitted by a student

Both of my sons graduated from this school. I watched as they struggled for advice and recognition from teachers and conselors. The fine art, and 'award winning' band programs are only helped if parents provide the money and materials for anything worth while to happen, and yet the football program is supplied tons of money to a team that has won 1 game in 3 years. College and after life have been a struggle as the boys have found out that the basics of reading, writing, and math were not up to par. We pay a credible amount of taxes to the district and the education is starving for attention
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from this school a few years ago and found that upon entering the 'real' world, my knowledge of the basics were lacking considerably. The books that we used then were not up dated and most of the staff didn't care to up date us. Not everyone has the parent involvment needed to supply children with the knowedge that is lacking and the teachers don't get paid enough to care to take the time ot fill the children in on the current events. The money that is used to paint the walls should be used to educate what's within the walls.
—Submitted by a former student

I go to this school, and unfortunatly I have to say that it could be so much better. This year it was obvious to the student body that the school recieved a large amount of money becasue when we came back for the 2003-2004 school year most of the classrooms were repainted and retiled, hallways were made over, and a camera system was installed in the hallways and other large student areas. What we could have used was new textbooks that arent falling apart and from the 80's, new computers that students can read and turn on (ours are very old and from about the early 90's)and maybe an air conditing system. We are the only building in the district without it but we have the largest student body and on hot days many students dont even bother to come because its unbearably hot. The administration needs to realize that making the appearance of the school better isnt going to help students when they are taking the I.S.A.T's, new materials will.