Watkins Mill High School

I have been in this school for 3 years. At first I felt satisfied but now I dislike getting up to come here. Counselors don't help and don't even pay attention to what the student wants. I ask for SSL hours and they don't give any info. I asked a teacher if I could be his AID and he said no and just gave me an ugly attitude. Every time I come here I don't feel the encouragement from teachers to learn.. The academic programs are good but if a student don't feel good about themselves in their school then it's a burden to have to get up everyday to go somewhere where you feel left out. that is just my experience...
—Submitted by a student

Watkins Mill High School is on the upside. The principal, new for the 2010-2011 school year is a breath of fresh air. It's telling when the students are happy to see him at after school events. The sports teams are rallying this year with some exciting finishes. The offering of an IB program and AP classes is also a draw. Very active booster club and PTSA. High marks for parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Initially thought this is an average school. Later changed my opinion on my continued interaction with teachers and school. There is a lot of improvement over by years. Teacher student ratio is good. Excellent teaching resources and facilities this school is having should build reputation for Engineering, Science and Maths subjects. Experienced and friendly teachers are real assets. This is a hidden gem where hard working students can reap benefits out of personal attention and utilization of unexploited potential.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school it has many activites and a very high level with great teacher i love this school i think this school is the best high school of mOntgomery County
—Submitted by a parent

My son is studying in this School. This School is average when compared to best Schools around. Maths and English are not good. Some Math teachers and some English Teachers are good and can be rated as 10. But some are poor and can be rated as 5. I do not know how the management could not see this.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated last year. The best 4 years of my life (so far) were spent here. The teachers are phenominal, courses offered are rigourous and exciting, there is a tremendous feeling of spirit and it is a great place for a student to be more than a student. Its size and diversity discourage the formining of Cliques and there are few problems between students. If you (parents) are afraid to send your children here it is because you don't have faith in their ability to make the right decisions, every school has its problems and I can guarantee you that the Mill has alot less than most others. This school offers unique opportunities in a truly unique enviroment.
—Submitted by a student

I think they have fantastic programs and opportunities at Watkins Mill!
—Submitted by a parent

I totally agree with you! There is no middle ground at watkins mill. You are either in an AP/ IB student, excelling, or you're on level student, struggling to pass an easy class.
—Submitted by a student

i love this school. it is a great envirement.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has made a significant turn for the worst this year. Many of the most motivated students have been moved to a new high school. The new principal rarely comes out of the office. I have one senior who is graduating (While the school has great teachers - it also has a very high drop out rate and a very high % of seniors who don't really want to go to college.) While it is true there are a high % of students in AP, most should not be in AP, and it has dramatically changed the level of instruction. After this year, I'm moving my sophomore to a new school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has the potential of being one of the top schools in the county. The students in the AP program are certainly above average and the students I know in IB program are the hardest working and most intelligent people you will ever meet. If these the students in these two programs made up the entire school it could be the best in the nation. However the students in the on level classes stuggle with major behavior problems and an overall unwillingness to learn. There is not much middle ground among the students. There is also little middle ground among teachers as some truely care about the students and many do not care if they pass or fail so long as they get their paycheck.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently in my senior year at Watkins Mill. I agree that Watkins Mill could be better if more students there actually cared about their education. However, Watkins Mill is not a bad school. The staff here is outstanding; all of my teachers truly care about me and my education. The AP courses I take are challenging, and my friends in the IB program say that is challenging as well. The students are very diverse and accepting which makes it a nice community though we do have cliques and high school drama, it is not as severe as in some of the other public high schools in Montgomery County. The students and staff have a lot of spirit, although we do not have any amazing sports teams. Overall, I get a good education at Watkins Mill but it could be better if there were less ineligible students that required much of the teachers attention.
—Submitted by a student

Watkins Mill has the potential of being a top rated school. Unfortunately, too much time is spent on discipline due to a large portion of the student population attend school because they have to and aren't there to learn. On the other hand, the honor and AP programs are very good and those students that want to excel have the opportunity. Overall, there has been too much violence at the school to really make it top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is truly in an elite group when compared on a national (PUBLIC) level. The kids are pushed hard, education is appreciated, and yes, a FEW of the enrolled struggle to be motivated. That's due mostly to the fact that they don't know how good they have it. TOP OF THE LINE, great architecture. Great location. Amazing leadership, and a graduation ratio that's above its competitors.
—Submitted by a former student

There is alot of drama in the school. The school is not as secure as you wish for it to be. The teachers and other administrative staff are not freindly. Your results show not so hot and administrators attitude is a big cause of that.
—Submitted by a former student

There is a lot of drama throughout the school, but coming from a private high school to a public high school this year, it isnt as bad as I thought it would be. The principal is very nice, and all of the teachers are concerned witht the well-being of everyone.
—Submitted by a student

This school is full of drama among the students. The principle is very friendly and concerned with the well-being of the school. Most of the teachers are very nice and concerned with the students.
—Submitted by a former student