Great Mills High School

Great Mills isn't an overly "amazing" school, nor an atrocious pit, if any description were to be appropriate, average would be fitting. For moving students, the experience could be jarring, especially if the student was previously in higher classes, if so it should be TOP priority to enroll them in the AP and "Honors" courses, their "standard" is really for delinquents, and their "college prep" (referred to as CM) is hardly preporatory for college as essays are minimal, students aren't being taught to critically analyze any specific topic beyond basic comprehension, and the worklord(ie homework & classowrk) for most CM classes is almost laughably non-existent much of it easily do-able within 10 minutes, as a student taking a mix of CM, Honors, and AP the workload difference is staggering. . The advanced courses are where the school shines academically as several programs are offered for a hard-working students to further their future. On the downside, stereotypes are prevalent, and students seem undisciplined, likely perpetuated by the noticably bad parents, often teachers would hint at dreading parent conference, however the school can hardly be blamed for this.
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at Great Mills going into my senior year. I don't really associate with people much but I hope parents are secure about their children and "drama". As many high schools have drama this one has plenty. Mostly because everyone knows the names of others and there's not much to do in this country but start rumors. Other than the student body the teachers are GREAT! Since I can't say names my psychology and world history teachers are the best
—Submitted by a student

I am very fortunate to have a child that is very involved with the music program, which means majority of his friends are band geeks. However, it's very unfortunate that during the football games you're either leaving early or waiting in the band room until all the riftraft is gone. It is a little scary to pick your child up at night. As you notice with the 5 stars, they're either in STEM, AP and or Honors. My child is in mixture of Honors and regular classes... there is a difference in behavior in those classes. Majority of the staff are great, but they do have an issue of being afraid of certain races, so they to tend to get away with more. All this said, if your child is i STEM, AP and or Hornors this school would be great! If your child is an average student as majority of the students are, I hope you taught them to keep their mouth shut and look straight ahead. Good luck!
—Submitted by a parent

GMHS lays claim to some of the best that education today has to offer IF, and I mean IF, the student is willing to pursue such a path. The key ingredient is the school's highly educated, good-humoured and extremely hard working staff -- especially the teachers. To throw some names out there, Mr. Charles Skinner, Mr. Brian Weisner, Mrs. Jean Illingworth, and Ms. Rhonda McCarthy have all made PROFOUND impacts on my life. They are the kind of people who show up at 6:30 AM to help figure out a particular concept, who organize "Star Parties" at 3 AM, and who provide 'brain food' (home baked) on AP Test days. The 'multi-cultured' population of GMHS is at times a challenge, but the diversity only opens an early opportunity to synergize with people foreign to you. Mrs. Heibel was an AWESOME principal, Mr. Heibel has shoes to fill. GMHS was a radical change for me, coming in as a transfer student from another school. Despite early credit mishaps, and an additional year, I was able to graduate in the first STEM Academy Class, top 2% of my class, Captain of Swim team, and act as High Ranking Officers of several clubs. Also, I am a student, yet I I desired to vote (hence, parent). <3
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children actively use the school's programs and extracurricular programs. They have been involved in athletics - outstanding department, NJROTC, wonderful leadership program. Science, student government including SMASC. Academics are rigorous and fair. All led by a highly involved and competent principal and staff. I suggest you talk to parents of, or current students of Great Mills as opposed to listening to the drumbeat of outdated rumors and self serving gossipers.
—Submitted by a parent

My family moved here a few years ago from one of the top school systems in the country. I was a little afraid after reading the some of the reviews. I am happy to say that both of my teenagers are thriving, getting really involved in profound activities and getting excellent grades. To me a high school is an important tool for grooming our teenagers to become responsible leaders. So far I like what I see. The STEM academy is especially challenging and rewarding for both of them. They have both taken unusual chance of a lifetime field trips. The coaches treat team members like family. The Physics dept. is especially awesome-thanks to Mr. Skinner! I would recommend Great Mills High School to any family. No apprehension anymore from me!
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. A lot different than what is reported or gossiped about. Teacher a re hard workers they call if there is a problem. Discipline is on par with any school I've been in.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the most compalint I have had at Great Mills is lac of communication, but, we all have had conferences together, and had better understanding of where we all can improve this sill. Other than that I had one son that graduated in 2009, and another due to graduate in 2010. Once you let the school and teachers now that you are a concerned parent, and want to be there not only for you child's well being and to help them out also, things get easier. One thing I suggest to parents, is to mae sure that they have all of your numbers as well as your email addresses, so that there and will be no excuse for any problems.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Mills is not a bad school! I am a student there and can say that there not a lack of discipline in any of my classes. People like to make this school sound bad. Most of them are associated with our rival school. I am in the STEM Academy there and I am a witness to all the opprotunities of that program. Due to the enormous budget of the program, it not only offers practically endless resources to those students, but also to other the students of Great Mills. Great Mills is indeed great! Go Hornets!
—Submitted by a student

My son graduated from Great Mills in 2007 and attends a good school in Virginia now (JMU). He was able to participate in sports all 4 years, and took numerous AP and honors classes, all of which helped him gain acceptance to a good, out-of-state school. My daughter is a freshman there this year and so far is really enjoying her experience. She is in the chorus, which is under the leadership of a new and very enthusiastic teacher. She also participates in sports. Whenever I have contacted a teacher regarding concerns about my children, he or she has been very quick to respond. My youngest son is a 7th grader and I look forward to sending him there as well. I, like many parents, feel that most of the complaints about the school are from people who have no personal experience with it.
—Submitted by a parent

. . .The teachers are amazing at what they do and not only do they put in a full days work in the classroom some even double as coaches. For the parents who believe that the teachers are lacking discipline, I'm sorry to inform you that you are highly mistaken. Every classroom I've been in the teachers are able to keep the students under control and if things do get out of hand they are sure to bring the distracting tangent to an abrupt end. And can you honestly say as a parent that you have never lost control of your child?Well imagine trying to control thirty children at once. GM is an outstanding school and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a school in the St. Mary's County area. I now wear maroom and orange but my heart will always be green and gold. GM U KNOW!

GMHS Coach for several years. This is a good school just look at the number of teachers, council persons, business leaders and community leaders graduated from GMHS, a Senator, Olympian, pro athletes, college athletes, college/high school Athletic Directors etc., we can't be all bad. Son graduates in December 07 with BS, GMHS Grad 2003. GMHS Athlete, College Athlete! GMHS is a good school!
—Submitted by R2, a staff

my name is Damisha Corbin i am a student a Great Mills. I have only been hear for just 1 year. Great Mills is a Alright school. Its not as bad as the media makes it look. Great Mills has just the about the same number of fights and everything else as other schools. So only reason everyone thinks its a bad school is becouse of the media. if the media didnt blow the school up and make it look so bad others wouldn't think that ethier.
—Submitted by Damisha Corbin, a student

My child is a freshman at GMHS. Overall, she has had a negative experience and is asking to be transferred out of the school. Everyone told us that if your child was in honors classes, that your child would be fine. Well, this is not true. She has honors classes that have so many disrespectful kids that the teacher cannot teach. And because my child has Algebra 2 and 2nd year of Spanish, she has seniors in her classes who are just finally getting around to taking those classes! The violence that has broken out in the classrooms and cafeteria are frightening and just because your child is a good kid, doesn't mean they couldn't get caught in the middle of these outbreaks. The theater department is weak, poorly run, and not supported. We are very disappointed; we tried to give GM a chance and it really let us down.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current student in great mills and I have been here since the tah grade. I have not been teased or harassed, of course you will run into the occasional problem but that's life. to all the parents who say that the school lacks leadership that is unbelievably untrue. I have seen Vast improvements this year in student behavior Mrs. heibel has done great things for this school and we are all grateful for the work she has done for us. there are fights but you can't always prevent these from occurring. I do not feel that parents know how it really is in the halls of great mills. I have fun everyday I'm there and would not want to go anywhere else and once again I would like to thanks our principle and teachers for the improvements made this year
—Submitted by Jake Manich, a student

Moving from Florida, Great Mills offers a wide array of AP courses with small class sizes and individual attention. Student who want to learn, learn, students who don't care will be left behind, it is the student's choice. The new pricipal is working wonders in this short amount of time. Parents need to be involved with their child's education. For those students interested in their education and their future, Great Mills High School and their teachers prepare and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school! My daughter is in the 9th grade and so far we've experienced administration who lack leadership skills, very little structure, no discipline, limited parental concern/involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is severley lacking in Leadership and discipline and the overall quality of teachers.
—Submitted by erica brown, a parent

Being a former student that attended two separate years (9 & 12) I was not pleased being taught within the school. The lack of discipline seeing how students did not care what teachers thought and was just another place to socialize instead of learn. Some teachers were great, I can admit I enjoyed being in that class but some teachers were just trampled over by their students (one being a new bilingual teacher). If I had my choice, I would have gone to another school to finish my senior year.
—Submitted by 01/04 Student, a former student

Great Mills High school has given my child a happier life. He now understands what it means to live, he feels safe in the learning environment, and he has been established in who he is as a person...This helped not only him but his grades...I think that going to Great Mills will be part of him and his decisions for the rest of his life...I would like to thank the kind people who helped show my son to be proud of who he is and that he can achieve greatness any where in life.
—Submitted by a parent