Byron Center High School

I graduated from BCHS and went off to the University of Michigan (UM), and I did not feel prepared at all compared to my peers at UM. Looking back, BCHS put far too much emphasis on sports and not nearly enough on science, math, and worthwhile literature. News flash, BCHS: none of your students are going to go off into the world and be professional athletes. They might go off and become scientists, doctors, and business people, however. Put the emphasis where it belongs in your curriculum.
—Submitted by a student

I DO NOT agree with the person who posted on september 22, 2009. That is a horrable review of Byron Center High School. It is a wonderful place. I know because I transferred in, and was the "new kid". All the other schools that I had attended isolated me in this position. At Byron, I found that many poeple approached me and said hello. I found lifelong friends there. Yes, there is alot of "cliques" in Byron Center High School, but Kentwood High and Wyoming High are ALOT WORSE. Also, Byron Center is NOT "conservative". I didn't feel pressured with religion or unreasonable rules and regulations. I currently go to a school in Sugar Land, Texas, and it has much more conservative/strict rules in place. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a student

BC High School offers excellent academics and opportunities for students to take college credit in high School. Staff is top notch and willing to go above and beyond to help students! I am a teacher and have worked in other districts and would only choose Byron Center Public for my own children.
—Submitted by a parent

Worst place I've ever been. When I got to college I was not prepared at all. The kids arent nice and its super cliquey. Super conservative and in a strange community. If I was a parent in Byron Center I would try very hard to send my child to another school nearby. Its worth it, they will have a much better experience in High School.
—Submitted by a student

The kids here were not very open here at all! My child was never comfortable here at all. He attended here his sophmore year and everyday would complain about how cliquey it was. He's a very social kid and usually always finds ways to get new friends, here he had some friends but they were in there cliques so he wasn't meeting a lot of kids. We're very thankful that our child is out and done with the school, he is now attending a school where he felt comfortable right away. This place is great if you have young kids, but not good for a new kid entering in High School.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student of the Byron Center Public schools since kindergarden. Throughout all four years of my schooling all the teachers were friendly and considerate, and more than willing to go the extra mile to help a student whether its schooling related or personal. It is because of this faculty that I am now in college, and flourishing in the classes that my peers complain about. The environment is very warm, and although it can be cliquey at times, if you open yourself up to the kids there, you will end up making life-long friendships.
—Submitted by a student

I was a new student to this school and I did not enjoy my experience here at all. It's very cliquey and just not that full of very nice kids. Sure there are nice kids, but not enough to make this a fun place. The teachers a pretty great, but if you have a kid who's social and new its not a great place for them. I am very social and love to have fun and talk, but there I was very quite. I tried, trust me I tried very hard to make friends. But they weren't very open to new friends at all.
—Submitted by a student

I would rate the teachers highly, but the leadership poorly. In fact, I have never had one email or phone call returned by either the principal or Mr. Gallop. I find the emphasis on sports of achedemics to be typical and disappointing. Byron Center has high parental involvement and strong family values. This is what makes the school system so strong and is why we chose the Byron Schools.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student, I can't say enough of good things about BCHS. The teachers really strive to lay the ground work for further study.
—Submitted by a student

large school with a variety of sub-cultures that will either prove to be magnets for your children or deterrents. Hopefully, you're being the parent and your well-grounded children will flourish in this community of good teachers, a great facility and hard working staff. First class.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with great oppotunities. The school is full of inspiring and wonderful staff members.
—Submitted by a student

What a blessing to have our children attend Byron Center. The teachers and staff have a plan of success for each student. We found teachers are willing to put out extra time to help students and parents with concerns. The academic programs as well as the extra curricular activities have high standards; and expect those involved to do their very best. Improvement comes with effecient teaching skills, diligence and practice. This brings in the parents involvement. There is a constant influx of communication and availability to plug in where you have skills and time. We are pleased with our move to the Byron Center School district.
—Submitted by Vicki Tasman, a parent

It's an alright school. There are many people who don't like how the school is run or who the principal is. Great classes and mostly wonderful teachers. But it needs new people in command.
—Submitted by a student

Good school, the disilplinarian is a very strict and has power issues, but all around not to bad of a school, ... Mrs. Lolea is very cool though, so is Mr. Sanger and Mrs. Villar, very nice people!
—Submitted by Scott Post, a former student