Capital High School

I went to 3 high schools my freshman year and CHS was by far the worst of them all. I moved from Nov. of my 8th grade year until Jan. of my freshman year( I would have started sooner but they wouldn't take me til second semester). When I returned to Helena and started at CHS I was treated as if I was invisible. Kids I went though elementary & middle school, girl scouts and Sunday school with treated me like dirt. Both my brother and sister attended this school and my brother had just as much trouble. I was enrolled at Capital High School for less then a month and nothing could make me go back.
—Submitted by a student

We feel as if the mentality is if you don't fit the mold then you need to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

Advanced social studies department is top notch. Mr. Neiffer, Mr. Partridge, and Mr. Simms are some of the best AP social studies teachers out there. Although the math department in general is lacking, Mr. Peterson more than makes up for it with the advanced Calculus classes. Bad mentality overall at the school, especially coming from the principle. Overall feeling, 'guilty until proven innocent.' However, acceptable learning environment, made bearable by some fantastic teachers (see above).
—Submitted by a student

Capital High School has a lot of work to do until I would consider it an excellent school. I currently attend CHS and numerous things bug me about it, especially when it's compared to the other high school in Helena. There is no individuality or creativity encouragement. Classes should help a child grow as a student but more importantly as a person.
—Submitted by a student

I am not writing from the perspective of a parent, or past student. I currently attend CHS. Some teachers are fantastic, and others are a complete waste of time and energy. While extracurriculars are available, sports programs obviously dominate student life. I would also like to mention that the atmosphere of CHS is not very student friendly, although this has improved in the past year.
—Submitted by a student

'Capital High School has very poor principal leadership. The math and science departments are struggling! Teachers are very big on just pushing students through classes weather they pass or not. Fun learning enviroment. Sports division only cares who your parents are and how much money you have, not so much on talent.'
—Submitted by a former student

I am very pleased with the leadership at Capital. Getting kids involved and keeping them involved is a priority in this school. My student knows his progress on a daily basis, which encourages him to keep trying. The extra curricular activities have helped him acclimate to high school. In my opinion, this school is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

Capital High fosters an unpleasant and hostile learning environment that does not promote individuality or cultivate critical thinking skills in any way. While some teahcers are dedicated to the advancement of their students, the majority do not respect or encourage their students. Teachers who are there for the benefit of their students are often blacklisted for their progressive ideas. Overall, this is a very unsatisfactory school.
—Submitted by a student

The teachers seem to allow students to fail and do not try to nurture them back to a passing grade. Of course this is not all the teachers fault, the student population has always been brutal and uncaring for the safety of other students. I also believe that the school is drug infested because my son has witnessed this.
—Submitted by a parent

I am writing not as a parent, but as a former student. I feel that Capital High School is a great place to learn. The teachers are very caring people. This school promotes great leadership skills.
—Submitted by a former student

Very poor leadership, not a nurturing environment, rigid style of teaching does not promote or honor individualaity.
—Submitted by a parent

Students fail and teachers let them, keep pushing them on to the next teacher to deal with the problems. Strict atmosphere, student's very 'clicky', parent involvement is limited. Not an atmosphere that helps children learn and achieve.
—Submitted by a parent