Ernest W. Seaholm High School

As a parent, I want my child to have the best education possible that can allow them to be themselves. It is the exact opposite at seaholm. My son told me that it is almost impossible to be creative and yourself at seaholm because of the way you will be judged by the students and staff. He seemed to only get bad grades because of the teachers not liking who he was and not because of his intelligence. He would cry some nights because he wouldn't fit in. Please do not allow your children to go to seaholm.
--Submitted by a parent

Please don't let your child go to this school it is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I am constantly watched and judged by the staff just by the way my friends and I look.
--Submitted by a student

First, let me start out with the positive. Coming from a private middle school, I wasn't sure if Seaholm would be a great fit, especially since I'm rather shy. Luckily, I assimilated pretty well into the school, but I actually had to do most of the work of meeting new people...many students here are stuck in their "Birmingham Bubble" and really don't care about anything or anyone outside of the city limits. I'd say half the body is rather naive, while the other half is accepting and friendly. Most of the students strive to achieve and the atmosphere is competitive. There are plenty of clubs, the building is beautiful, and the classes are challenging, but the English program could use some strengthening. Let me also say that trimesters are the worst! No one likes them and it is horrible to have a class 1st and 3rd trimester, since you forget all the material in second tri. There are amazing teachers and horrible teachers, it really depends on the subject area (Most of the math teachers are bad) . Seaholm expects that every student is going to be an engineer or doctor, and there is little creativity. Looking back, I would have chosen a more diverse, accepting school like Groves.
--Submitted by a student

As an educator in a different school district, I can honestly say that my two children have recieved and exemplary education in Birmingham MI schools. Seaholm is the third Birmingham school they've attended, and we are completely satisfied, happy really, with the school. The teachers and counselors are engaged, and the principals are all involved in various school activities-it's obvious they truly care about Seaholm students and families. My daughter has 4 AP classes under her belt, and has been accepted at UM and MSU. My son is above average now as a sophomore- thanks to his great teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I was astonished at what a terrible school this was. I am so glad that I was fortunate to be able to leave! The whole idea of the Trimesters was completely ridiculous, I went from an A's and B's student at my previous private school to a C and D student at Seaholm because of these 'Trimesters.' It sounds ideal until the horrific teachers start their lesson plans that are compacted to fit so much in because of the trimesters. If you were like my family and moved to Birmingham for the good education and or were thinking about moving for the good education I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere.
--Submitted by a student

Excellent school with overall excellent teachers, extra curricular activities both athletic and non-athletic.
--Submitted by a parent

One of few schools that offers chinese language classes. Many AP classes.
--Submitted by a parent

I go to Seaholm. Im happy there, but I know I could be happier somewhere else. There's barely any diversity. It has a feeling of old money and white dominance. I have learned to fit in here and find friends, but I enjoy getting out and meeting people form other schools. Students are given many educational opportunities there but are reraly acted upon, yet it would be unfair to say that they are not. Some of the staff is exceptional, and some I don't know how they obtained a teaching degree. The school could be so much more but attitude gets in the way, with education and athletics. Overall, it is a cold, snoody, atmosphere.
--Submitted by a student

Both of my children graduated from Seaholm. Many teachers and several staff offered friendly, professional encouragement to both in both academic and social realms. Seaholm has an interdisciplinary program called 'FLEX' led by teachers who exemplified this spirit. Unfortunately, many administrators and teachers who have not participated have a negative opinion of the program, not (in my opinion) based on reality. Student alumni, including my children, overwhelmingly credit FLEX with preparing them very well for college, by encouraging them to approach their studies critically and seriously.
--Submitted by a parent