Helen Cox High School

I was a teacher at Helen Hox for a month, and social clicks and popularity contests are more important to the principal than actually ensuring that the students do well. The discipline is a joke--students can be suspended upward of 12 times in one semester and remain at school, while teachers are struggling to control classrooms because difficult students always know there are no real consequences to their actions. Teachers are told that student behavior is our problem, and not the fault of the student. In some way, this may be true--if we don't have high expectation for student behavior, then students will behave badly. Clearly, the current principle cares more about the SPS score than expelling students that need to be removed from the school. Behavior problems are interfering with the education of other students, constantly causing class disruptions and a loss of class time. The teachers who are unprofessional and curse at students are praised for their "good class management," but in reality they are mentally and emotionally abusing the students. I have faith in the students of HC, but I don't think anything will get better until this administration leaves.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is my second year at Helen Cox and I love the school. Most of the teachers really do put forth effort to make sure the students understand what the teacher is trying to teach. There are many activities to get into at the school. I am in JROTC at the school and I like it. Some of the students act like animals and do not know when to act right. Also, the school could use more funding because I think the school is being cheap. Plus it needs to be bigger because more students are coming here. The school tries to reward the good students and punish the bad, though. So if you or a child of yours does not go to this school, you have no right to say anything negative about it.
—Submitted by a student

The school is horrible, The teachers and staff are impersonal with their student. The school system is not balanced. Every class has at the least 30 students in it, as there is not enough teachers. I would recomend moving to a differnet district rather than go to this school. Dont allow or let your child come here. It will be the first step towards a life full of failure.
—Submitted by a student

This is my second year teaching at Helen Cox High School and I have had all positive experiences. The administration is wonderful. Mrs. Edwards, the principal, is extremely accessible, student and teacher friendly, and has an amazing vision for the school. All teachers are working towards the success of our students. Most of the teachers have a genuine love and concern for the students and have a vested interest in their success. If this is your district, or you are considering moving into this school district, you need not worry about where your child will attend school. Helen Cox, although a relatively new high school, is growing in academics, athletics and overall student achievement. I am proud to be a part of Helen Cox and to have Mrs. Edwards as our Principal.
—Submitted by a teacher

I think Helen Cox should be your last choice when attending school. There is never enough teachers. We don't learn much of anything and some of the teachers act like they haven no common sense. Other schools take the time to get to know there students this school doesnt.
—Submitted by a student

I love the school. My granddaughter has excelled to honors since being there. She was in some honor classes in middle school but she has taken it to a higher level with the help of very good teachers at cox.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Helen Cox through the transition from Middle(7th grade) to High School. I'm very pleased with the teachers, they do take the time to ensure their kids accelerate to the next level.My daughter enjoys being in the band and on the student counsel. The honors classes are large in size but present necessary challenges. I don't like the idea that functions are held in the hall way an auditorium and more activities are needed. The counselor need to spend more time helping the kids with college planning. My daughter is in the 11th grade and one of her teachers are informing her about SAT/ACT testing, this is the counselor's job. Why isn't the principal ensuring her students get what they need. It appears the counselor need to be counseled. Overall it's a pretty good school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a student of this school and has been so for the past three years. Currently Ms Edwards is the principle. Being a professional myself, I cannot understand why she was given the responsibility over our students. Each and every time I have appempted to meet with her, she is not available and has either Ms Alcindor or Ms Meggs do 'her job'. I feel that she is not interested in the well being of the students because she is always too busy. I do understand that my child is one in 500?, but a minute to discuss my childs well being in not too much to ask for. She needs to go. Maybe she can persue another career? perhaps she would be better fitted for star gazing, that doesn't require any social interaction.
—Submitted by a parent

If you have not attended helen cox yourself i think you should not look down on it. I have been at helen cox for 3 years and have not yet to complain. The teahers try their hardest to help us out and they do what they can to keep us from failing. Go cougars!
—Submitted by a student

This will be my daughter's second year, at first she did not like it, for she and I both thought that some of the teachers was not capable to teach the subject they was assigned to teach. The counselor is never available to talk to the parent,one on one,and if your child forgets to bring home notices in a timely matter, you miss half the events going on, they do not make sure parents are aware of what's going on enough for me...especially single parents in which they are trying to work to provide for the child. Hopefully this year, the system will be better, get me right I am sure there are some very hard and dedicated teachers...we just need more.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child first and last year. The principal is inaccessible. Every time a parent needs to see her, she is behind closed doors and cannot be disturbed. She is not that busy. She is not interested in the middle school students. She should not have taken this position if her heart lies in high school. There is not any teaching/learning at that school. The good students will abandon this sinking ship. The principal needs to do some classroom visits, then she will see that no real teaching is happening.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's first year at Helen Cox. It was rocky for him at first but the teaching staff worked with hime to help acclamate him into the school system. Since we have formed a teaher/parent bond, he has improved in not only his grades but his attitude as well. I am proud to say the staff of Helen Cox not only care about the academics but the student's whole well-being.
—Submitted by a parent