Penn High School

I am a parent of two alums. They were exceedingly well prepared for college. One has now graduated from law school and received a fellowship to Cambridge. The other was accepted into the best music universities in the US. What I appreciated most was the district's commitment to preparing the "whole" child for responsible adulthood. I am also confident that kids who chose to enter the military or delay college have had many opportunities to prepare them as well. Unfortunately, not all students and families take advantage of the many opportunities. Choir, for example sings regularly at Carnegie Hall. High school students have opportunities to travel, participate in state and local academic as well as athletic events because of a commitment to excellence in all endeavors. Whatever decline may have occurred recently is due to a necessary reduction in staff brought on by budget cuts year after year at the state level. Yet, Penn still is recognized as one of the "best buys" by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
--Submitted by a parent

I just graduated in May, and I believe that Penn is one of the best schools in Indiana. I am now a music education major, and during my time at Penn, I learned so much, and they prepared me so well for what I am doing now. From an academic standpoint, I was challenged greatly. I was involved in numerous honors and AP classes that most people don't even have the chance to take. Penn provides people with some of the best resources to learn. I was also involved in many extra curricular activities that would not be available at most other school. I was in marching band, concert band, Salt and Light (a Christian group), SADD, and many others. It was a great experience, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
--Submitted by a student

I have had four children go through Penn. Sadly, I think that it has changed a great deal in the last ten years and what used to be one of the most progressive academic schools in the area has become one of the worst schools in the area. It used to be a place that was known as a 'community of caring learners.' Now they have placed two security towers in the front door and have hired rent-a-cops to 'improve' safety. They used to have an advisory system that helped to reduce annonymity and increased learning opportunities. Now they have large study halls of 80 to 100 in which they just 'warehouse' kids. Learning does not seem to be the focus. The curriculum is now a joke created out of a philosophical mindset stuck in the 1980's. Penn is riding on its past laurels. Don't be fooled. Send your kids elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

I transfered to Penn last year and wasnt really happy with the activty I saw. Sports are the main thing they care about. Penns not for a student that wants to interact with the whole school. three thousand kids are way too much for one school...there are local colleges that are not even that big. Im transferring to Jimtown this year because of the nonsense penn is.
--Submitted by a student

I love penn so much! i was so scared at first because the school was so big to me, but know i don't even relize it. All the teachers i've had so far are really wonderful and truly care about each students. The guidance conselers are so easy to talk to and they well do every thing it takes for you to feel confortable and happy! as i said before i love penn high school
--Submitted by a student

I think that penn is one of the best school in the state, if not the country. Their academic and extra-curricular programs far surpass the quality of other schools in the area. This is the school to go if you are looking for opportunities and college-prep. While its true that some kids may not like it there because of its size, i loved it there- and i transferred there from a tiny school with only 9 kids in my class. There is so much to do there, and making friends is easy as long as you get involved with something- which isn't hard to do at all. Most of the teachers are great and will do what they can to help you out. It's not a perfect school for everyone, but i'd sure send my kids there.
--Submitted by a student

I'm a current student at Penn and I think it's the best school ever. The teachers are great, and there are so many opportunties available for people to enjoy. We have great academic and athletic programs that can open the door for so many people. Lot's of people think we are a party school because a bunch of kids from here get caught drinking and whatnot but that's just a few out of all the 3,200 kids that attend. As a school in general, Penn is the best. Compared to other schools around here, I'd rather go here than anywhere else. They have so much to offer; and I don't know why people are saything that Penn is so strict about ID's.. because they're not. It's a safe school too. If i have the chance when I get older I want to send my kids to Penn.
--Submitted by a student

I feel I had an excellent education at Penn, especially now that I have seen other parts of the country and the low standards at many schools. I felt I was challenged at Penn and was able to succeed because of it. Penn prepared me for college and was the reason the transition was so smooth. I was not there for the ID issues, but I never felt unsafe. The extra curricular activities were unbelievable. Anything you wanted to do you could do, practically. I just wish I could convince my husband to move back into the area so that my children could attend.
--Submitted by a student

I am extremely pleased with the quality of education my daughter is receiving at Penn. The counselors and teachers have helped my daughter make good choices about the courses she needs to take to make it into the college of her choice. There are many opportunities for students to be involved in school activities.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student at Penn. It seems hard to fit in without getting involved in the party scene.
--Submitted by a student