David H. Hickman High School

1,200 characters are simply not enough to describe just how good this school really is (it is THAT good). The Columbia Public Schools' amazing staff has prepared me so well for the real world that I have two advanced degrees in engineering, and I'm well on my way to a doctorate. Most of my friends now have at least a Master's degree and have been highly successful. Academics are extremely challenging--enough that my first semester of college engineering at MU was a cake walk (that is not an exaggeration). Keep it up, CPS!

I graduated in 02, went on to a top university, and found myself more prepared for college-level critical thinking and writing that almost all of my peers. Also, Hickman prepares students for real life, exposing students to a healthy cross-section of cultural diversity and socio-economic backgrounds. Learning how to communicate and get along with people different than yourself is an invaluable skill. Hickman provides this opportunity where many other top performing high schools don't.

This is the best school I've been to. I graduated in '07. And since then, I keep thinking about the fun times I've had. Most of the teachers are really nice and fun to get along with. If I had to become friends with my peers, I wouldn't do so well on my self-esteem. For some reason, it's hard for me to be relaxed around people who are close to my age. I'm more comfortable with adults.
—Submitted by a student

The Hickman Music Department is one of the best in the Midwest. The school has 3 concert bands, 4 choirs, 3 music theatre classes, and orchestra. 2 staged musicals are produced each year.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a cadet at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and I am always being challenged(mentally and physically). And my experience at Hickman High School helped develop the critical skills that I am using to succeed here at the Academy.
—Submitted by Zach Garrett, a former student

One word sums it up for david hickman highschool excellcent . From a students view i loved hickman , wonderful teachers which allowed students to grow into mature and respected people .Hickman also has great courses, great office staff a princpal you could always depend on , and the student body an array of many cultures . There is no comparison i've yet to find a better highschool
—Submitted by cilisa ballenger, a former student

My daughter entered Hickman H.S. in the fall of 2001 after attending West Jr. High. Before that she attended one of the most respected private schools in Houston, Texas and was a straight A student. We were worried that the public school system would not be a challenge. Hickman has been a wonderful growth opportunity for my daughter and has not once ceased to present academic challenges. The words 'Advanced Placement' mean what they say. In Texas you choose AP classes just to get an average education because average classes have been dumbed down so severely. This is not the case at Hickman H.S., or anywhere in Columbia. Hickman sets and maintains a high standard of excellence. The curriculum is outstanding. The outstanding staff at Hickman make up a wonderful team, which thrive under the leadership of a fine principle, both past and present.
—Submitted by M. Poche, a parent

I graduated from Hickman High in the spring of 2003. I believe that the school provides an excellent array of classes to choose from in both honors and AP level classes. The College Prep Class in foreign language, science and math are great at preparing students for the next level whether that is a high level class in high school or a college class. There is room for improvement in College Prep College in history and English. History regular level classes are not was adequate in preparing students for the next level, however, this depends greatly on the teacher. I question whether I was adequately prepared to write long research paper and narrative essays, in the regular level English; however, based on my friends and siblings experiences the Honors and AP level classes did a great job of preparing them for college level writing. The Honors and AP level history classes do a great job of preparing students for college. Much like the Regular level English classes, the history classes depend greatly on the teacher. For the most part, the class work is not demanding and there is little homework most of with is busy work. Hickman diversity plays a key role in the students education both in and out of class. The students and teachers come from a wide-array of backgrounds. There is an extra-curricular activity for every possible type of student. Hickman has the most committed and gifted teachers that make their classes truly excited about learning.