Kenwood High School

Kenwood has recently added a new wing, including new classrooms and a satelittle caffeteria. There are parts of the school that may be less than perfect, but i think that is the case in many schools. The principal is new and nevertheless doing a fairly good job. Most of the teachers seem dedicated as well, but a students education is what he makes it. There are always opportunities for higher level classes if the student has motivation for it. There are a huge range of extracurriculars. You will get a regular high school experience here.
--Submitted by a student

My child is new to Kenwood this year. This is her home school, but she could have applied anywhere and gotten in. After viewing all the other High Schools, we chose Kenwood. I have not made up my mind whether it is a good school or not. I have seen both good and bad at the school. There are problems at any school you attend. How it is handled makes all the difference in the world. The principal seems to genuinely care, but I haven t yet figured out if he s doing a good job or not. He seems to reiterate the same thing over and over again. The school is run down and dirty. I haven t yet determined if I like the academics and the teachers. The parental involvement is lacking. One of the first 9th grade parent meetings of the year had less than 10 parents in attendance. Parents definitely need to get involved in their children s education.
--Submitted by a parent

As a recent grad of Kenwood's IB program, I have to say that I had an above average high school experience, but that was not because of anything other than my own drive and determination. I wanted to get a higher level education, so I did IB. Even for students who don't get into IB, there are still AP and Honors classes. There is no reason that any student should get a bad education other than he or she not trying. Most of the teachers I encountered were dedicated to their jobs, and Kenwood provides more than adequate after-school activities. The school may have a drug problem, and some parts of the school may be in disrepair, but I can almost promise you that you will find that in 95% of public high schools around the nation. Kenwood is not a bad school, it just has a lot of underachievers.
--Submitted by a former student

I am a parent of a student in the Sports Science program. She attended a private grade school and only achieved average marks. When it came time to choose a high school she wanted to attend a public school and I must say this has proven to be a great school. My child now takes honors classes and absolutely loves this school The teachers are genuinely concerned about each and every child and this has caused my child to thrive. As far as the previous writer says concerning the lack of caring teachers and the filth of the school I think they need to go and visit Kenwood as great strides are being made every day. Just to let you know my child was not zoned for this school, but we chose this school over the more highly rated Eastern Tech.
--Submitted by a parent

I would like to comment that the previous post about Kenwood unfortunately reflects the lack of attention being placed on even fundamental writing skills. As a graduate from the IB program, I'd like to clarify that as a magnet program, IB proves to be comparable to others in the county. However, quality is often sacrificed in the standard classes due to an overwhelming need to control behavior issues and a culture of underachievement in general. Kenwood offers great music opportunity for instrumental students. In the area of sports, students can enjoy a variety and even intramurals. As a parents, you should note that standard classes are a way for students to fall through the cracks. Please urge your students to participate in AP and Honors classes.
--Submitted by a former student

I actually attended Kenwood High School and graduated as a member of the IB program. I don't particularly give any credence to those who would diminish Kenwood. I received an education that I would put on par with that of local private schools as I embark on my first year of pharmacy school. And I am not an anomaly- 3 of my fellow grads are in Med school, 1 in Law school, one has his Master's in PT, and another is in grad school for Historical Preservation. We all came from the same Essex neighborhoods, and come from similar economic status. Kenwood proves that anyone can succeed- even those from the seemingly 'lower end' of the socio-economic spectrum. It is just like anything else- it is yours to make what you wish of it. We have proven that it can be turned into the most prolific careers out there.
--Submitted by Shannon Stancliff, a former student

I have had two children attend this school. The new principal there has improved the quality of the school so much that I would recommend it to anyone. My youngest is in Sports Science and many extracurricular sports and is doing great. She made the national honor society. I have no complaints.
--Submitted by a parent