Laurel High School

It used to be a great school until teachers stopped caring. I'm a 2010 Top 25 graduate, and I have to say that my experience was bittersweet. The first 2 years were great but the last 2 were not so good because no one puts in enough effort to help the students out. Although it is a mostly black school, it has been a good school. The teachers just need to step up and stop waiting on a paycheck. Teachers are supposed to be passionate about their jobs. Also, the strict uniform enforcement is a major distraction and a major reason why the school is not excelling. Too much attention is being drawn to what a student has on than on the lesson that needs to be taught. LHS just needs to get their priorities straight. This alone will solve most of their problems.

I graduated from LHS Class 00; I was an all A & B student. I see there aren't any current posts to stand up for the school, so I will take the initiative. Yes the school has changed with the change in society and the changing of time. Now the students are required to wear uniforms, there is more security, there has been a major administration change; but this is still a great school in Mississippi. The teachers are very helpful and now the school has after school tutoring for ANY student and the buses will drop the student off at home. They have AP Courses, and College Prep Courses. For the student that want to achieve great things, this place is a great school to attend, YOU have to go after your education and LHS faculty/staff is there to help facilate that... C.Hill

I am a graduate of R.H. Watkins (LHS) and enjoyed every minute of it. It was great socially and even more important is that it was great academically. I was able to take A.P. classes and was well prepared for college. I attended Spelman College in Atlanta and went on to earn a Master's Degree. I am now beginning work on a Doctorate. I love LHS!
--Submitted by a former student

The teachers are really great and really care about All of the children. No world is perfect and alot of the children have an up hill battle just to be there each day. If a student wants to do well at this school, they will have all of the chances in the world.They send children to Ivey League schools and military academies.Lots of Jones County persons are afraid 'something' will happen at this school while their child attend it. It has been good to my children and I feel they are better for having attended it.
--Submitted by a parent

My children(3) have attended this school from 1996 until present and I think it has far exceeded my expectations. Their athletic and drama departments are exceptional. They send more students to 4 year collages than the county schools and have sent more students to Ivey League schools than others in Jones County. The racial make up this school is 75 % black and 25% white. The teaching staff is the reverse. Most whites are white collar professionals who know the difference in a quality education with the true diversity of life. There are problems here but they are no differnt than any other high school. I would not have done anything any differently. Look for a house in town!
--Submitted by a parent