Smithsburg Senior High School

I was very pleased with this school. The teachers I had were great. The administration, including the current principal and guidance counselors need to be done away with. They are absent and seems disinterested. I was struggling in a class and asked a counselor to help, she flat out refused, telling me to 'deal with it.' I was offended, complained to the principal, who did nothing, and left that school shortly thereafter.

I love it! everyone is so close
--Submitted by a student

It is a great school. Nothing bad happens there and there is enough extra curricular activities to keep kids busy and out of trouble. The only thing i have to complain about is that you never hardly see the principal. The students and teachers are great. I really love it there.
--Submitted by a student

The principal is never there. At first there was only air conditioning in the offices. They are always in the office. Children get picked on a lot during lunch. We have some cool teachers. The counselors aren't so great.
--Submitted by a student

The true merit of a school can be determined not by parents, but by the students that actually attend. As a current student, I would not highly recommend it. The current administration is very weak, there are few reinforced rules and a principal that is rarely seen. As for extracurricular activities, sports are highly stressed but the arts, namely the drama program, get little recognition. Smithsburg s plays are outstanding, thanks to the passion of the actors and their director, not because of anything the administration does. In the beginning of the year (05-06) Smithsburg didn t have a stage to perform on, and at the end of the year their performance of Little Shop of Horrors had to be censored because of very mild language. All around it is a satisfactory school, however, it is only made so because of the actual attending students.
--Submitted by a student

As a graduate of the Class of 2003, I have witnessed first hand the recent changes the school has made with regard to the administration. To go from a principal that came to EVERY extracurricular activity, to one that rarely comes, is a disgrace to the school spirit, we, as students, try to build. I agree with the previous statements that while the teaching staff is extraordinary, the administration is lax in it's capabilities. There were numerous accounts of students feeling as though they were being held by the hand and treated like mere elementary school students rather than mature young adults. The Maryland school system, itself, needs a severe overhaul in comparison to other state systems. Perhaps if we had REAL teaching professionals on the board, the school system would improve...just something to think about in the future.
--Submitted by Stephanie Crunkleton, a former student

I am currently a Senior at Smithsburg High School and I overall enjoy it here. However, there are many things that I dislike. I hate the fact that AP classes are so strongly pushed. If students want to take a college level class that is fine, but the administration does not have to make, let's use this example, English 12 AP. Why cut out Honors? It looks bad if a student has all Honors courses and then has to take a B level course their Senior year. It appears that they are slacking off. Also, if they take the plunge into an AP course and they fail that looks terrible! Why do that to a student? Also, if a student wanted to take a college level course, then why don't they go to a local college to get credit? Parents, band together to fight the Board on AP Classes. Thank You!
--Submitted by a student

Smithsburg High School is the biggest joke of a high school. The principal is weak and unfair. 3 members of the class of 2004 were all not aloud to walk for filling water balloons up in the bathroom. I would not recomend going there or sending your kids there unless new management was present. Being a graduate of the class of 2003 i went through 2 principals and the new one who is in her third year is doing nothing for the school.
--Submitted by a former student

Smithsburg is a great high school! Our daughter is having a great time and being pushed to learn and do well at the same time. She is involed in 3 sports, marching band and drama. They offer enough to keep the kids busy and out of trouble! We highly recommend it!
--Submitted by a parent

I believe that we make sure kids are number one in our school. We relate to their needs and we make sure they are all treated with respect and in return they respect us. Our administrators are there for support for kids, parents and staff. I am glad to be part of this team and we want anyone who is looking for a great school. Come visit us and you will be glad to have your child enrolled here.
--Submitted by a parent