these bad reviews are false, Ive went 2 Ben Davis and have nephews there. its an excellent school for academics. Also this behavior that is described carry's on in all schools. Ben Davis Is pretty large but not over populated. strict rules have always took affect at this school, which prevent students from breaking rules. A very nice school to attend and is one of the best schools in indy...I would recommend this school to any parent, the graduation rate is high unlike any ips school. After basically flunking all my classes both freshman & Sophomore year in IPS. I started this school was as a junior with 10 credits, and went on to graduate on time my senior year. There is no racial issues at this school at all, smh on some of the comments. If A child is willing to learn or succeed this school is a wise choice. Although its a bigger school, kids tend to show off and get in trouble trying to impress their fellow class mates which in the end would lead to expulsion. The school doesnt tolerate out of order behavior. Athletic program and Academic, and Career programs at this school are the best in INDPLS

Not the best school around. I am a transfer student so i only attend the school in the career center. But there is overcrowding. the school does not feel safe, i hear about fights almost everyday. there are gang related issues. The teachers can't control the class and everyone cusses out the teacher. They don't allow you to wear backpacks because of the fear of hiding weapons. You can't wear anything larger than a hoodie or you have to put it in your locker.
—Submitted by a student

I would not suggest this school to anyone, I have had horrible experiences with every aspect of this school with 2 of my 3 children. With the experience of this school I am now looking for a private school for my last child. I am scared to send my child here everyday. I am looking forward to my childs last day at this school in 2 weeks. Nothing is positive from my personal experiences here. Sports, leadership, positive role modeling, communication, and safety of my child have been a huge terrible personal experience for me. These are my personal experiences not the same for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

BDHS is not a scary place. I have never felt scared that I will be injured or anything like that because the administration is SUPER strict (which can get annoying). Because it is so big it can afford to provide the students with better learning opportunities, like BDTV/WBDG(student TV & radio) and the career center. Excellent school, but the administration is so strict it becomes so annoying to do almost anything.
—Submitted by a student

Ben Davis is a scary high school. The teachers can't teach because the kids don't allow them to get it done. There is racial tension, gang issues, and just too many people to provide a safe environment. If you can afford to send your child elsewhere, please do so.
—Submitted by a student

The school is unfortunately just too big. The classes for the average student are too large and the teachers are unable to maintain discipline. But it doesn't matter, if you show up, you can pass without any effort. There is an air of dangerousness about the whole building, there is not much the adults can do to provide a safe school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a recent graduate (2009) the previous comments all hold some truth as well as misapprehensions.. Having transferred in 9th gr from a school of 150, the social scene was a change. However, as long as a student has a personal drive, there is no reason to not succeed. Sadly, there are 2 groups of students that receive the attention from staff: the good students and those not interested in their education. The average students tend to get lost in the crowd. This is a school that relies heavily on personal ambition. While many teachers are willing to be more personal with struggling students, the majority of the staff expect students to be ambitious and help themselves. At least 7 students have been admitted into Ivy League schools in the past 2 years, and I expect there to be many more. This a clear representation of the opportunities offered at BD.
—Submitted by a student

I am a graduate of ben davis high school (2008) and i am very satisfied of the education they have giving me. This is a very good school!
—Submitted by a student

I am a former student(2006) and Ben Davis is a great school for students that are trying to do something positive for themselves. Ben Davis is a school filled with opportunity and teachers willing to help you succeed. Yes, there can be drama, fights and other negative things that go on there, but its all a matter of choice. All of that can be avoided by the choice students make.

coming from a smaller school district it was very hard to adjust and yes, it is crowded and you can get very easily be overlooked. My solution was to take all AP classes and what a difference it made. Classes all of sudden were small and the teachers had time to teach and not had to quiet down other students. For the last year I simply concentrated on studying hard taking hard classes ( ohh btw the teachers always have time to help there) and getting into a good college. I suppose you get out of high school what you put in it. Agreed BD is not an easy school but you can succeed and teachers are wonderful and if you have a chance take Honors and AP classes, much much better overall environment, but be prepared to study hard, it is not easy.
—Submitted by a student

i'm currently a junior at ben davis, and honestly, i am miserable there. i am, and i know too many other students that are as well. it's a nice building, but poor quality education. i feel like a walking ID number, and it's hard to get help in your classes. most of the time in class isn't being spent learning, but instead is being spent listening to the teacher try to calm down the rowdy students in class. there are fights almost daily, you can walk about two feet a minute because the hallways are so packed. ben davis is also a hard school to go to if you aren't a 'typical' teenager. it's a very cliquey environment, and it can be hard to make friends.
—Submitted by a student

I just moved to Mooresville High School from Ben Davis High School because of the violent, innapropriate, just horribly awful environment. I realize all high schools get this way, but Ben Davis was like a jail because of the way the staff treats the students. I felt more like a number than a valued student. It's also difficult to get extra help with such large class size. The teachers were great, but the students there are rough kids that make it hard for everyone else to learn. On top of that, all Ben Davis High School cares about is top-athletes and top-students. This school is just too into disipline and too over the top crowded. I couldn't even walk to my locker and back to my classes or walk to the bathroom without being late. On the plus side, making friends is very easy to do. Don't send your kids here.
—Submitted by a student

i am a current student at ben davis i will agree that it is a nice facility but as far as everything ele i hate going here the administrators only take intrest in certain students and their is alot of favoritism. As far as the students its nothing but a bunch of drama and i cant wait to leave!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

Ben Davis is just too big. If you aren't a top athlete or top student, well, you aren't that important. BD is all about winning the trophy or banner, but as far as your average student, well, we just aren't that important.
—Submitted by a student

Ben Davis High School is a very awesome school. I was a student there last semester and I had everything going for me. There are great teachers and people there. I had a ton of friends. Many people would look at Ben Davis and say, ' Wow thats a big school. I will get lost.' Well the truth is you probably will get lost but sfter a couple of days you'll be able to find your way to any class room in the school. My personal favorite place in the whole school is the Le Gallery. Mr. Bishop or 'B' is a very awesome teacher and he makes a great friend. The Le Gallery has really good food prepared and served to you by the students of Ben Davis and a couple other schools. Thanks CJ
—Submitted by Clarissa Moorefield, a former student

This school provides an almost unending supply of vocational courses and extracurricular activities, as well as excellent basic and advanced placement courses. The teachers are knowlegable and fun to work with.
—Submitted by a former student

I'm a 2005 graduate of Ben Davis High School home of the Giants and I recieved the best education other schools can offer. Ben DAvis has the oppertunity to take college classes to go towards college classes. In fact I've taken some when I was there. If you live in the Wayne Township district I suggest you send your son or daughter there. I guantee you won't regret. In ending GO GIANTS
—Submitted by Jennifer Bowser, a former student

I'm a 2004 Graduate of Ben Davis High School. I absolutely loved my experience at Ben Davis. With the school's focus on academic excellence and promotion of extra-curricular activities, it promotes all those aspects available to produce well rounded individuals. There's never a dull moment here...theres always activities to keep the students busy both in and out of the class room. And with over 2,000 students attending this school is a culturally diverse 'Giant'. I give it two thumbs up!
—Submitted by BD Alumni, a former student

Ben Davis High School is the best to attend I went there last year and I had a fun year. Even though I'm back in South Carolina going to a 1A school, I will never forget the times I had BDHS. GO GIANTS.
—Submitted by Eccence Rogers, a former student

Ben Davis High School is nationally recognized for excellence in education. My husband and I, along with one child have already graduated from Ben Davis High School. Currently I have one child there and one that will be there in a couple of years. Indiana has one of the toughest grading scales and graduating guidlines in the nation. And still Ben Davis' grading scale is yet higher! Don't just take my word for it see for yourself at www.wayne.k12.in.us/bdhhome
—Submitted by a parent