Bedford High School

All you have to do is look at the amount of students in private tutoring and you'll figure out how poor the academics are in this district. Look at the NECAP scores. Many of the high school students are not proficient in math and science. We had 2 go through the system and decided on private for our third this next year. He will enter as a freshman at a private high school. We are done experimenting on our kids and expect more from educators! Many parents realize we were sold out on this high school. Many have pulled their kids out and while it took us a while to face the truth, we now realize building this high school was a waste of money!
--Submitted by a parent

The people of Bedford, NH have the reputation of being upper-middle class snots and most of them deserve it. The school has brought real-world conflict right into the heart of 'olde' Bedford supposedly nestled safety in the hills of central NH away for the horrors of globalization, liberalism. The open-mindedness and progressive attitude of the school have encouraged community organization and identity, especially (and most importantly) in the youth, but have simultaneously sparked controversy on the state-level. BHS is a new and growing institution and needs support, yet the cynics of the town treat it like a disease. The first two classes to graduate are, for the most part, forward-thinking individuals entering modern society. Bottom line, the school is great, but don't subject your children to the ridiculousness of sheltered, suburban life; Let them learn in a socio-economic, racial, and ideological diverse place. Alas, Bedford is no such place.

Focus is test scores, getting into the "right college", reputation, etc. Not a big fan.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a senior at BHS. There are a few teachers who are not qualified to be teaching, but everyone is extremely energetic and helpful. I enjoy having young teachers because they're easier to relate to and enjoy their job. I was part of the first freshmen class at BHS in 2007, and not having to go to West was a life-saver. I have taken PSP, Honors, AP, and IB classes throughout my time at BHS, some better than others. I am not a huge fan of the IB classes, but having them on transcripts looks good for college. Many parents have been complaining about the curriculum currently, but I believe that it is decent, of course the school is only in its 4th school year, and changes are still being made. The new principal made BHS a lot more fun this year, making simple changes and getting to know the student body more. The first pep rally of the year he dressed up in a chicken suit and various teachers and students had to tackle him, he took off the chicken head we all had a new level of respect for him. I am so grateful for this school and to have stayed with the same people since kindergarten. I will miss BHS, like everyone says; high school is the best four years of your life.
--Submitted by a student

BHS is a god sent. Thank heavens we finally got our kids the heck out of Manchester and finally have one of the top notch high schools in all of the state.
--Submitted by a parent

There is a new Principal this year and he seems to be very motivated to work with the parents, students, teachers and the community. Overall, we have had a very good experience with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a disaster. In four years, we are now on to our 4th principal. The leadership has been shoddy and unwilling to acknowledge problems within the school (last year is the exception to this). The teachers are new and lack experience. There are a few good teachers, but not many or enough. The english/history department is horrible and is a borderline joke. My child was constantly having inappropriate comments made to him by his junior english/history teacher. If you are moving to here for the high school, don't. The middle schools are great, but the high school is sorely lacking. Don't hurt your child's future by sending them to high school in Bedford, NH
--Submitted by a parent

The previous post failed to mention that the "civics" class with 50 kids is actually dual class; history/english combined, with 2 teachers. They learn literature during it's historical time period. I do agree with the statement about IB program...it is in fact controversial, and was cast upon us without a vote. However, we are very happy with this school as a whole...NO school is perfect! Each has it's own problems.
--Submitted by a parent

What a disaster this school has been. We pulled our daughter out last year and moved her to Trinity. The lack of discipline and leadership is a huge problem. 50 kids in a Civics class that's watered down Civics was unimpressive too. Now I see that half of the 11th graders are not passing the standardized test? The IB program is controversial because many parents don't like the political aspect being thrust upon their students. Overall we are deeply disappointed in this high school.
--Submitted by a parent