Mountain Lakes High School

First class school system where academic achievement is revered by both students and teachers. Attend a back to school night and see 22 desks and 44 parents. This is a town full of parents who care about the education and development of the children. Sports keep kids out of trouble and force tem to learn to budget their time. Both my wife and I graduated from MLHS and were well prepared for Competitive colleges and subsequent success. Now we are raising 3 kids here.
--Submitted by a parent

Mountain Lakes gave me a very thorough and wonderful educational experience. Also, Mr. Bernotas works there and is the best music teacher in the world.

Mountain Lakes HS is rated as one of the best high schools for many reasons. It offers an excellent education, with small class sizes benefiting everyone from the faculty to the students. The extracurriculars are impeccable, with sports, drama and more continually recognized as high achievements. The students here work hard and their lowest goal would be anyone's greatest achievement. As a student myself, I love this school. It offers so many great things besides a good education. MLHS is filled with hard working students and teachers, that are -always- trying to raise the bar. I'm proud to be a 'laker' now and always.
--Submitted by a student

Even we have a new principal at this school, nothing has changed. They will not eagerly help students who are needy and struggling academically . Rather, they lavish it on atheletes and ivy league bound students. The staff needs to pay attention to at risk students and be fair. That would benefit all of us as acommunity and not just the few.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 students in MLHS and find it academically and athletically strong. Its small size enables staff to provide excellent student direction/support, and also gives the kids the security of a 'home away from home'. I agree with the comment that MLHS is more like a private school than a public one, yet the staff and leadership must be careful not to become haughty, lest their (high) academic rankings continue to slide.
--Submitted by a parent

MLHS is more like a private school than a public high school. The school is small (> 700 kids), but the resources (teachers, coaches, facilities) are all first rate. The academic curriculum is very challenging and the teachers are well prepared and accessible. There are a many talented kids at MLHS, so its very competitive, both academically and athletically. That being said, the school spirit and pride is like nothing I have seen at a high school before. There is a very high level of parent involvement, which is good. I really don't understand some of the poor reviews, In terms of diversity, the town (Mtn Lakes and Boonton Twsp) is what it is - has nothing to do with the school. In terms of athletics, they are not emphasized any more than other extracurriculars (arts, music, academic clubs). The success in athletics is due to a great group of coaches.
--Submitted by a parent

I have graduated 2 children from MLHS between 2005 and 2008. I am not, nor are my children waving any flags about this school. They tout that the small class size means they can give better focus on the children. They did not practice this ethic with me. Needs of the children are not met. The natural talents and abilities are ignored for high test scores to keep the school 'looking good'. I have a third and anticipated moving to a more reasonably priced town with a school system that is less focused on sports, and status symbols.
--Submitted by a parent

MT Lakes Schools have deteriorated over the past 10 years. Little diversity and an over emphasis on sports. Many get into great schools but how many are still there after the 1st year ....
--Submitted by a former student

Love this school! not only do they have a great athletics program but the learning in this school is unbelievable.
--Submitted by a parent

When my three children went to college many years ago, after graduating from the ML school system they were well prepared. However, too much emphasis is now placed on sports programs and not enough on academic programs. There is also room for improvement in the area of teacher quality.
--Submitted by Joseph J. Hehir, a parent