Burnsville Senior High School

If you child is an excellent student they may succeed here.The biggest concern is safety.Extremely large school building 10-12.My son said there was not a day that went by he did not see a violent fight.Never seems to be reported- teachers look the other way and students fearing retaliation do not report.If you can overlook safety concerns-and who can?Perhaps the gifted student will thrive otherwise give alternatives (private,online, open enrolling out of district)a try.
--Submitted by a parent

I only had to attend this school for a couple of weeks before I realized just how bad this school is. First off, their public transport is more dangerous than riding in the bed of a pickup truck. Not only do they fill every seat on the bus, in the afternoon they have the isles and entries of their buses completely filled with students. Secondly, the teachers and staff don't care about the well-being of the students that are struggling in any area except for academics. But to be fair, I did have a photography teacher who would actually take the time to listen and truly care about any student that's going through a rough patch in their lives. But when it comes to the peers, a lot of them are very cruel. The violence is unacceptable. I have been physically threatened on a daily basis and many people have spread unthinkable rumors about me throughout the school. From October until November, I have been literally terrified to go to that awful place. I even had a teacher verbally harass me and when I struggled in that class, the teacher posted my grades to quite a few students that they know. I would highly advise to stay away if possible. I'm glad to now be a MNVA-HS student ever since.
--Submitted by a student

Though it's not the worst school in the district, BHS is not the ideal school for a teenager to go into. While there are some nice, helpful teachers, the problems with the office staff is enough to want to leave the school. They don't care about the students at all. No one takes the time to actually listen to the students. All the school cares about is the rating in the eyes of the parents and other school districts. A select few teachers actually care about the students personally rather than academics. I did not have a good experience and would not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a student

It is the only High School in the district, but it still feels as if your child is the most important. The school is very good about helping the student succeed to the best of their ability
--Submitted by a parent

It's multicultural, the teachers are wonderful and it's a great chance to explore every option before college.
--Submitted by a student

I would just like to say that I can't imagine my high school experience being any better elsewhere. I had so many great opportunities. When I graduate this spring, I will have 34 college credits from BHS's College-In-the-Schools program, where I can take college level classes on the BHS campus. Burnsville has a very strong program base with many great extracurricular activities, as well as fantastic teachers and staff members.
--Submitted by a student

Ultimately your high school experience is determined by what you put into it. I found my time at Burnsville High School to be very enjoyable, and feel that it prepared me well for college at UW-Madison. Many College in the Schools classes were offered and as a result many students are able to enter college with a sophomore credit standing. Although this school gets ripped on and is often seen as inferior to district 196 high schools, I feel as though the education I received was just as good, if not better. Burnsville had some great coaches, teachers, and fans. I really think that the new athletic director is doing a fantastic job. Don't be afraid to send your child here, this school is just as good as neighboring ones. The test scores are lower as a result of a high percentage of ESL students, not a lack of quality teachers.
--Submitted by a student

Amazing, friendly people, great school, smart teachers! my kids love it
--Submitted by a parent

Our two sons have attended BHS. If you have kids that love music and want to participate in a good band program, do not send them to BHS. Unfortunately, we have consistently experienced and observed dismal status quo for the band department and all it's realted activities.experienced a less than acceptable band program.
--Submitted by a parent

Burnsville High is attempting to serve one of the most diverse student populations in the Twin Cities suburbs. There are many administrators and teachers who go above and beyond their job descriptions to try to help willing students succeed, and the guidance staff is top-notch. It's a very large school trying to tackle complex problems that go along with a multicultural and varied student population. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes not. The opportunities ARE there for students who want them!
--Submitted by a parent