Patuxent High School

Patuxent High School is a good school, but I several complaints. I know a few of the teachers and they are dedicated to their students, however, it bothers me that no matter how dedicated and caring the teacher is, too many students simply do not care what their grades are. One teacher in particular has an open door policy (during her lunch time), to have students come in if they need extra help. During the course of the whole school year, she has not had one student take advantage of this opportunity. Students are prodded into taking AP courses and then they don't want to do the work. Over half of this class is failing, despite the teachers calls and emails to the parents. The teachers are required to "engage the class" and make lessons entertaining! This is rubbish - stop blaming the teachers and start putting responsibility on the students. Parents, inform your darling child to be prepared to spend a lot of time studying if you want them to take AP classes. This is not kindergarten anymore. Pay attention to their grades, which are so conveniently placed online, instead of blaming the teachers for doing a poor job. Despite all teachers efforts, still no raise.
—Submitted by a parent

I disliked this school. While most of the teachers were fine, if not a bit unconventional, they were fine as far as teaching was expected. I had more of an issue with the student population. Much (although not all) is involved in drugs or alcohol. Many of the students I met did not seem remotely interested in their academics. While this certainly does not stand for the entire student population (as many were fantastic students interested in their education) it was a great deal. I was unimpressed with how the teachers and administration handled the students' lack of motivation. I was not impressed and am glad to be transferring to a private school.
—Submitted by a student

Mrs. Crosby is awsome! She doesn't take crap from other students who are lazy and disrespectful. She is fair and a lot of fun. She helps the students with projects and we love her!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has attended two years and was excited about this school when finishing up her middle school year. They had an awesome orientation meeting for 8th graders were coming and she came home excited about attending this school. From its curriculum and its strong push to participate in its AP program and the benefits of same, had her well prepared for what types of classes she was going to request. She absolutely enjoyed her first year and loves all the atmosphere of her school. No fighting and bad behavior is not tolerated there, strong leadership skills and opportunities and electives are well thought out and planned toward career choices. Its rating has been well deserved and I have been impressed and pleased from A-Z. Ms. Clark, Parent 2008-Present
—Submitted by a parent

PHS is one of the top high schools in the country. The opportunities and challenges offered there are wonderful. All students are encouraged to take AP classes and to challenge their own abilities. As a parent, I have always been able to contact the school staff at any time with regards to our children. The teachers are quick to return calls or emails and have alwasy been accessible to us. The ROTC program is another positive attribute to the school. It encourages growth and development in a multitude of areas. The respect these young people show when on outings is amazing(whether on a field trip or volunteering within the community). They reflect well on the Panther nation as well as the ROTC unit. As a student, whatever you put into the experience at PHS, you will get out three fold.
—Submitted by a parent

I like this school and a lot of the teachers are no less that incredible, but some of them aren't so great. And some of the students are a royal pain in the rear end. It is very difficult to walk in the hallways sometimes. Overall though this school is pretty cool.
—Submitted by a student

I have my 3rd and 4th highschoolers attending Patuxent High at this time and over the past 7 years we have been thrilled with the faculty, curriculum, and sports and arts programs. This school is a very student oriented school, and has a high persentage of college scholarship awards each year. My Teens have been very happy here and we have 0 problems with racial or cultural differences, unlike other nearby schools.
—Submitted by a parent

School Administration takes a strong interest in students. HIghly motivated staff. Great place to learn...
—Submitted by a parent

So I Go To Patuxent, and will be a junior this year. and it is utterly amazing. One lunch is our newest addition here and its great too. The student body and the teachers are very connected, and i would not want to go to any other school.
—Submitted by a student

I look forward to teaching at PHS... EVERDAY!...it is the BEST school in the NATION!...the students, the parents, the teachers/principal/staff are all truely connected...so many great people and so many great memories...it's HOME!
—Submitted by a teacher

Since I moved here to md I have heard only great things about phs. As a fellow student the school is a great place to attend. Many activites to do the school created the one hour lunch. Throughout the school during lunch the teachers offer tutoring,activities, and friendly interaction. The rotc program is one of the best in the state, the band is one of the best on the east coast. The programs at the school offer diversity. I am very proud to be a phs freshmen and can not wait to spend the next three years at one of the best schools in md,va,dc.
—Submitted by a student

I attended PHS for 4 years and loved it. I would not like to have spent those 4 years at any other school. I was strongly encouraged to take AP classes which has given me room to bend a little with my schedule in college at UMD, and has given me enormous benefit, especially in English. Mrs. Poteet and Mrs. Dredger are excellent English teachers and role models. All of the calculus teachers are very skilled and supportive. Mr. Deahl is the counsellor who got me through high school. He was there for me academically and personally and never got tired of me knocking on his door. Patuxent is an outstanding institution that surpasses the expectations and standards of our country's educational system. I absolutely loved it.
—Submitted by a student

We have had few problems involving PHS. My daughter graduates this year in the top 1% of her class and took advantage of the multiple opportunities in which to get involved in a variety of school programs. The extra curricular activities are awesome and there is something for everyone. The theater dept is wonderful. My daughter is more than ready for college with the variety of AP classes the school offers. She leaves high school having taking 10 AP classes. She has just about enough credit to be a sophomore entering college. The school system also offers mentorship programs and opportunities with governmental agencies for experience in those fields. My daughter took full advantage of these opportunities and is much better for it. We have two sons that are looking forward to their upcoming high school years and that gives us a real sense of relief.
—Submitted by a parent

Patuxent High School (PHS)is an excellent choice when selecting the education of your children. The academic curriculem, superior teaching staff and wide array of sports and activities provide a wonderful experience for your children. We have 2 sons who've attended PHS. Our eldest graduated in the Top 10 of his class with over 40 AP credits and a full scholarship to UMD Gems Honors Program. The younger is in 10th grade and is also an honor student. Both sons were/are involved in Wresting with Coach McCall who is outstanding. Our youngest is in band, directed by Darrell Keech who is also outstanding in both his teaching and mentoring of students and his musical talent. They also were members of several clubs and have truly excelled. I would give the school and staff a superior rating and highly recommend them to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

This school consistently ranks as one of the top schools in the MD/DC area. They offer over 25 AP courses and are extremely innovative in their approach to education. The faculty is hard-working, motivated, and show a genuine caring for the students. The athletic program is always on the top of SMAC standings. The coaching staff is very dedicated and willing to spend the extra time necessary to promote athletics. The music department is one of the best on the east coast. Simply amazing! If you want your son or daughter to have a truly holistic educational experience - Patuxent High School should be your choice. The opportunites for a student are endless.
—Submitted by a teacher

My children have attended patuxent for 4 years. It is an excellent school. I favor the music program, my children are in all of the band programs offered and the Director Mr. Darrell Keech is an outstanding teacher and role model.
—Submitted by a parent