Bentley Senior High School

Bentley Jr/Sr High School has many faults. First and foremost, they're way behind the times. Some courses are still using curriculum from 15 years ago, when state guidelines have changed a number of times since then. In addition, the access students and teachers have to technological resources (computers, projectors, etc.) and other resources (textbooks) is abysmal. Lastly, there is a significant and noticeable lack of student discipline, with administration to blame. The teachers try to maintain behavioral (and academic) guidelines, but adminstration fails to stand behind them at every turn. The teachers at Bentley are caring, hard-working individuals, but overall this school lacks the resources and leadership it needs to help students to be successful, responsible people.
--Submitted by a teacher

As a teacher here for 10 years now, I see the district as one that has drastically declined in average household income level. This has created a downhill effect on funding for the schools. Low parental involvement stemms mostly from the fact that there are several single parent housholds that are just trying to keep a roof over their heads. The teaching staff and administration have many hats to wear, as there has been a drastic decline in funding to pay teacher's wages. I resent greatly the comments that teachers are not qualified, as I am one of many who have 2 Masters degrees. We do the best we can with what we have... and that's not much! I give this district a 3 star rating only because other surrounding districts have funding, parental involvement and community backing that we lack, giving them the avenues to give their students the best.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter is a freshman, who has been attending Bentley for three years, now. I love the community. The staff is down to earth and there seems to be a lot of parental involvment w/the kids, at least my daughter's little clique of friends. I love Bentley.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been a Bentley parent ever since our oldest son entered kingdergarten, and he'll be graduating from the high school next year(!). We could afford to move into a 'better' (or more specifically, a better funded) school district, but our kids want to stay at Bentley and we're more than satisfied with that. They've had some excellent teachers in all of the buildings, and especially at the high school. Our kids know that their teachers care about them, because they take the time to really get to know them- and they have the time because of smaller class sizes. We're also very happy with our principal, athletic director, skeet coaches and drama teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't think it'd be a horrible experiance to go to this school. It has its ups and downs, but overall the people are friendly, I'd say there are a very, very, few people who are not so open to 'new ideas' I.E.:Art programs,non-athletic based clubs, homosexuality, liberal views. It's a small town school that is stuck in the middle of somewhere and nowhere. It's very important that the students try to talk with their teachers in order to really learn what the real world is like outside classrooms. New people are often loved when they come to this school.
--Submitted by a former student

Well obviously you went to a wonderful high school,seeing as you can spell cherish. I think Bentley is a warm school where the kids all know each other and work together.
--Submitted by a former student

Yes, this school is a class C school. For years the community wouldn't pass a bond or milleage, leaving the board of ed. no choice but to start cutting things (ie Busses which are now back in use) The school doesn't offer AP classes, but as stated before it is a small school without alot of money to work with. Yes there are parents on here saying how horrible of a school it is, but those parents could very well be the ones who voted no on bond issues, merging of schools, anything to help give the students more. If you are looking into this school, go take a look for yourself. See it first hand, before you decide to bash the school too.
--Submitted by a former student

This school is a great school. My daughter goes to bentley and absolutely loves it. I'm very satisfied with the improvements bentley has had.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Bentley Senior High is a very improving school, im looking forward to seeing our scholl exel in our atletics programs, the school is a very good choice for your sdudents to be attending in a couple of years.
--Submitted by a parent

Quite possibly the ONLY thing that this school has focused on is it's athletic programs, the teachers are very low quality and the school's budget is pathetically low. We don't even have busses. VERY few staff members are good at what they do, and some of them are too disorganized and distracted to even keep track of what assignments people turn in. If you are looking for high school, please, look elsewhere.
--Submitted by a student