Montclair High School

The teachers are poor, overall and the administration stuck in the past or powerless to move forward. The school teaching approach hasn't changed since the 70's...and they compensate for modern teaching by throwing hours and hours of homework at the high honors kids, often on holidays and definitely over school break. It's a travesty to see how they set kids up to fail....no modern technology, outdated teaching, no guidance counseling to speak of, mounds of homework, inappropriate scheduling. And did I mention 0 period? So that after your kid has to stay up till 1:00 a.m. Just to get homework done, they have to be in at 7:00 a.m. Because the school can't figure out how to schedule. Oh yes....and because there are no standards between classes, classes that should be consistently taught (like HH English) are taught completely differently, depending on the teacher. It's an embarrassment. I can't wait for the core standards to kick in, but until they do...I would NOT send your kid here unless they are traditional learners, who are completely focused and organized, and who can compensate for poor teaching by having the ability to teach themselves. And even then, it's a risk.
—Submitted by a parent

Poeple are always talking badly about my school, but the truth is, it isn't the schoo, it is the students. It doesn't matter what school you go to, if you do not try, then you will not succeed. If you try and do well at Montclair High, and you go for help after school, and you attempt to understand what is going on around you, you will shine your brightest. But it all depends on who you are, and how badly you want to do well.
—Submitted by a student

The students that are academically ambitious are very fortunate, as the environment is intellectually challenging and the quality of the AP teaching and resulting score performance exceptional. I can't speak to how well the school addresses the needs of students that are less interested in competitive colleges, but they do seem generally pretty strict about daily homework assignments and the like.
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school because of the support. Yes, I am sure not everyone does well, but so far all the teacher's I have or had have given me everything I needed, allowing me to feel proud of my work
—Submitted by a student

Great parent teacher involvement. Extracurriculum activities, quality education, diverse environment, great college preparation
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school for quality education and lots of extracurriculum activities. A diverse environment where the teachers are very caring. Lots of parental involvement.
—Submitted by Shron Dean, a parent

Excellent school - typically suburban! Lots of extra curricular activities and very caring teachers.
—Submitted by a former student

A diverse school, in all ways. Many opportunities for extracurricular involvement, quality sports teams, and a wide range of academics.
—Submitted by a former student

Montclair HS has a wide range of extracurricular activities, although football games are held on Saturdays, and there is only one dance (prom) due to 'safety' concerns. Actually, it is a very safe school, with excellent teachers and extremely involved parent support.
—Submitted by a parent

Being an alumni from Montclair High, I have encountered both the positive and negative experiences in high school, like many other high school students. Reading the other reviews I can agree about the involvement increasing with the principal; and I think it should be more personl, but the students have to engage also. I think Mtc. high is a very intellectual institution that students can benefit from and excel if the students and parents apply theirselves
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. The rules may seem lax, at times, but the truth of it is that teachers, or administrators don't get more involved in personal stuff than is needed, when it doesn't involve a students safety. Many incredible teachers-- (Mr. Moore!) Excellent Extracurricular activities and sports teams! Beautiful ampitheater, Very good Overall.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, but the rules may be lax at times. Also, it is not a positive peer enviroment for young black males.
—Submitted by a parent

good school very competitive, both academically and socialy, need more leadership and involvement from the principal in african american activities other than just sports.