Belding High School

I believe the teachers do truely care about the students. Belding is small enough to allow the teachers to have time for students and parents. There have been strides to increase the number of kids moving on to college after high school and that is much appreciated. However, I feel there could be more done to prepare our children for life after high school, whether they choose college or not. I would like to see more testing of kids to determine what might be natural apptitudes and strenghts and weaknesses that they will use or need to overcome as they move into college or the real world. I believe Belding Area Schools has the least amount of instructional days on the calendar as compared to other schools in the area. I would like to see this increased and believe we could shave off some breaks and days off to achieve this.
--Submitted by a parent

Belding high school centers in on dress code more than the students academic.
--Submitted by a parent

All I have to say is that I went to Belding, and I have to tell you, I miss it. Since it was a small school, it was so much more personal, regardless of tests or statistics, the teachers care, and they help students more in life.
--Submitted by Just Me, a former student

I am a 2005 graduate, and having spent all four years in the school and its organizations, I can honestly say that it is a disappointment. During my schooling I partook in many of the arts programs and can tell through first hand knowledge that they are neglected. The band, drama, forensics, and art clubs combined never received more funds than a single sport, no matter how many students were involved. At one point in drama we had a cast of over 100 students and received less than what was needed to build the sets. Furthermore, having been in all of the advanced classes and having one of the highest GPA's, I can also say that the classes rarely were challenging and also inadequately prepared the students for college life.
--Submitted by James, a former student

I graduated from BHS in 2001. There were very few teachers that i thought actually cared for the students and pushed them to succeed. There were far too many teachers who seemed as though they were stuck in their own high school mentality. There was not enough focus on academics and too much focus on a sports department which was lacking in discipline. Their lack of many honors classes and a variety in their art classes, academics and foreign language classes produced few intelligent graduates. And those who have gone on to college were helped in part by good parenting and not so much by staff at the high school. I felt like the school had priorities mixed up. More focused on being a conservative school and controlling the students than giving them a sense of individuality and promoting hard work.
--Submitted by j j, a former student

I am a former student of Belding Schools and I would not send my children due to the lack of programs for gifted children. I felt I was not challenged and was overlooked for scholarships and by top-rated colleges because of its lackluster performance and size. My parents were going to send me to a private high school and I do regret not following that path because I believe I would have had more academic opportunities.
--Submitted by S Rose, a former student

Belding is a nice school to vist small town big hearts the sure the test scores arnt too hot but thats not the teachers fault...
--Submitted by Ron Conley, a former student

I like the small town atmosphere that Belding and the schools provide. I don't like how my kid always comes home talking about 'how poor our school is'. I can only imagine this comes from the staff. I think the teachers and counselors care about the kids but I think they let things (like absences) get out of hand without ever involving the parents. Overall I am fairly happy with the school district.
--Submitted by a parent

I had an excellent experience at BHS which laid the foundation for my completion of both a BS and MS degree. I have a successful career in New York City. The clubs, athletics, and academics were all accessible and rewarding.
--Submitted by a former student

They have scored the worst on the MEAP in the Ionia/Montcalm area the last few years. Regardless of your opinion of the test, it is standardized for all the schools. Would never send my child to this school!
--Submitted by a parent