Bridgewater-Raritan High School

I had 2 children go through this school experience. It is too big, too unsupportive to children and staff. The guidance staff is great, but overwhelmed because the admin doesn't support them. It is not about the students and some of the deans border on being bullies themselves. The transition for a student coming from another high school is extremely difficult. The expectation is that the student be "independent." The school is full of cliques and it is difficult to be accepted. The services for students lagging behind in anything means there is something "wrong" with the student and services are limited. It caters only to the the top students. There is nothing innovative going on for the average student, only things that look good on paper. This school is about public image, not creation of a hardy, healthy school environment that fosters creativity, healthy peer relationships and bringing out the best in students. If your child is "average" or too creative, forget about this school. Your children will be miserable. Many of the teachers are knowledgeable about their content subject but have no backbone in representing the student. Many fear the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Bridgewater in 1992 so our children could go to a top rated school system where my husband went to school. It was the biggest mistake we could have made. We have an LD child. There is no understanding of no child left behind. They left my son behind.
--Submitted by a parent

the school is so competitive the teachers expect you to learn everything on your own we might as well have robots being our teachers because all they do is watch you learn. I personally was a good student in the middle school mostly straight a's and i was on honor roll every marking period now i have c's in the two honors classes because those are the worst teacher in the hardest class.i think the teachers should all be evaluated by the students so the administrators can realize who are the good teachers and who should be let go, because there are some very talented and truly good teachers who deserve to be recognized.
--Submitted by a student

This is an Excellent school for both academic and Extra- Curricular activities, the teachers really care for the students and are on their side. The academic programs are diverse, they have a class for everyone. The bar is set high, but it helps students strive to be better. The many Extra- Curricular activities offer students ways to help the community, the school, and further their curiosity of the world. It is a Grade A school.
--Submitted by a student

good school for bright and independent students; lots ofresources for them; however, not so good for students who are struglling and not so gifted academically. students will less than great abilities get lost and they do fall behind. need to be extremely focused to succeed here.
--Submitted by a parent

Superior teachers, excellent selection of college-prep and advanced courses, and a top-flight education!
--Submitted by a student

Great education, athletics, teachers & students!
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, BRHS does sound great, but being such a large school, as most public high schools tend to be, there is a loss of personal attention. If ou are not 100 percent focused you may get lost in the system. Even bright students may fall behind. I guess this is why we h ave expensive private schools, for obvious reasons.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately this school fails to address what is a pervasive problem with many of our public high schools-severe overcrowding and thus the loss of ability to manage so many students properly. The administration is distant and unrealistically expects 9th grade students to be very independent and self directed, however some students are not ready for this. Needs improvement by changing school to just grades 10-12. It would solve many issues. BRHS needs to remember to focus on those of middle, average, low ability and not keep setting the bar higher and higher thus discouraging students who cannot attain such stringent standards. That is the point of no child left behind. Help those equitably so they can survive and get a diploma. Teach to the student, not to the test.
--Submitted by a parent

BRHS is a great school. The academics are very competitive and there are so many courses offered at all levels, standard, academic, honors, and AP. Most of the teachers are great, and I have learned a lot at this school. The students are very smart and diverse. There are a ton of clubs to join. Also, the campus is spread out nicely. Socially, the school is similar to most typical high schools. Overall, as far as academics are concerned, BRHS is a great high school.
--Submitted by a student