Jonathan Dayton High School

As a student at this school, I am "proud" of this school, but the teachings are really mediocre. The school held a fundraiser a year ago to acquire air conditioners for all classrooms, but when we came back we had ACs, but most were old and falling apart. A month later, we had an electronic notice board that wasn't really needed and it's a waste of money. The laptops are good for learning, but they are a distraction and an excuse for teachers not to accept late homework since we can just do it on our laptops. I sit in the back of one of my classes and whenever our class take "notes" on the laptops, almost everyone is playing games. Also, one of my friends transferred from another high school in which he had already taken chemistry as a sophomore, but JDHS made him take it again as a Junior because they claim that a half a year of Chem wasn't good enough. He has a 100 in the class. The school is okay, but the principal and vice-principal aren't up to the job. The only remarkable thing about the school are the excellent councilors and administrators. They need to get their act together and soon.
--Submitted by a student

Very much a small-town school, and not always in a good way. The students here for the most part have all grown up together, which is fine, but whenever a new student enters the fray, they tend to be distrusted and avoided. Coaches only care about their sports, not their classes, and most of the faculty (most, not all) aren't up to the task. The laptop program is a financial sinkhole, and the only real electives outside of art or computers are only available through the Votech program, which is rumored to be cut soon for financial reasons. The superintendent is all about the money in the schools pocket, but is very loathe to spend any of it (it's taken a few years to get the cafeteria ceiling repaired? Really?). The kids are alright, if a little on the snooty side. It's the teachers and the administration that have to get their acts together.
--Submitted by a student

If your child does not fit into their perfect little world then they are completely unqualified to handle the situation. Very weak leadership with a principal that will answer her cell phone during a parent meeting. Most situations are handled with either a suspention or detention unless of course you are one of their "favorites". My son had between 5 and 7 different spanish teachers in one year, yea believe it. They also instituted a 0 period which means the studends sit for 42 minutes and do nothing, they will tell you to study but the real story is its all about money and the teachers pouting like juviniles. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for your child, I should have.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student of Jonathan Dayton High School, and I think we have much to improve on. The superintendent only cares about what's going into his pocket, and our schools suffer. We have unnecessary laptops that do not help in any way with our learning (actually, they are a distraction), and fewer electives because of it. We also have fewer electives because of our 'zero period', in which we do literally NOTHING for 42 minutes. This period was put in place purely for cost purposes.
--Submitted by a student

As a highly motivated student at Jonathan Dayton High School, I have dealt with many of the administrators. In my experience, the majority of those working at Dayton care about the well-being of the school and its students. The counselors in the Guidance Department and the educators and administrator in the Science Department are particularly passionate and helpful. Physical Education, previously more like a study hall, has become much more adept and thorough-- I come home from Phys. Ed and I am sore from all that we do! Overall, the educators and administrators are there to help any students who are concerned enough to seek it out. One extremely crucial element of the school: our principal. In my personal experience, this woman has been nothing but cantankerous and abusive to her power. It is nearly impossible to receive approval for anything and seems to regard most students and educators with unmasked
--Submitted by a student

Quality educators in a great, safe town. There could be a bigger push for extracurriculars.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student of the school, and although the amount of extracurriculars may be sub-par, the staff is very qualified. There are new clubs being added every year, and there are a wide range of them already. It is a safe, friendly environment, and (in my opinion) good for children.
--Submitted by a student

I agree that there is too much politics at the school, but I found the teachers to be highly qualified, especially in the Science Department. Both of my children had Mrs. Smith and she was extremely dedicated and a wonderful teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

There is too much politics in the administration. Teacher quality and amount of extracurricular activities are poor. Serious students are not pushed or tested to their extreme.
--Submitted by a parent

Although the school has many wonderful teachers, some of the teachers are unqualified for their job. I believe students are not receiving the education they should be.
--Submitted by a former student