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Toms River High - South High School

Public | 9-12 | 1466 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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18 reviews of this school


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Posted March 11, 2013

we where looking in the area and was not welcomed it was a horrible day for my kids, the irony was parents and some of the local people where very un friendly
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2011

guidance department doesnt help with schorshops n grants help chldren with career goals i know my son doesnt feel confrtable going 2 c his guid counsler + the guidcounslers should be helping each jr N senior4schorliships n grants NOT JUST THEIR OWN CHILD, i ask 4my son 2 get schorlship help he never received it the same with my daughter a few years back Like i ws totally agnored the guiddeptant needs 2 stat doing their jobs and get grants N schorlships 4 the jrs and sniros u dont have 2 wait 2 Bcome senior 2 get a grant or schorlship it does start in their jr year, My chldren didnt receive any help even aftyer my emails to the man guidance counsler
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 23, 2010

As a parent of a junior here, I am completely satisfied with the education my son is receiving at HS South. The acedemic challenge and support is first rate, the athletic program is fair and well run. The school spirit is the best I have ever witnessed, which speaks volumes on how much the teachers and staff care about the education and welfare of the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 29, 2010

Our daughter received a great education at South. The staff was amazing. They were always available to offer extra help, help with sending college apps, etc. There is a wide variety of activities available for the students from sports to clubs so there is something for everyone. It is the oldest HS in TR and the building is small and somewhat crowded. It is probably the most diverse student population of the TR HSs, which we liked. Overall a wonderful learning enviroment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 2, 2009

this school has the best acedemics in this area but the hall ways could be a little bigger all in all th ebest.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 3, 2008

As a parent of a senior and a freshman, I have nothing but positive things to say about this school. The school pride and spirit is incredible. The teachers are wonderful and encouraging, and the parent involvement is second to none. If your child is not an athlete - that does not matter- there are so many other activities to join - and all of the kids support each other. As the wife of a former alumni, my husband and I moved to this section of town when my sons were little so that they could experience this great school. The kids are down to earth and friendly - there are no competitions for who has the 'best' of cars, clothes, etc. like there is in the other two Toms river High Schools. Go South!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 31, 2008

as a student that has been to every high school in toms river, the rest just can't compare. toms river high school south is the most friendly, laid back, spirited high school you will ever step in to.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 24, 2008

When my daughter had to write her college essays, they all went back to something she had recieved from being at High School SOuth. One of the essays asked her what she had to offer to her new campus and her answer, Indian Spirit that would alwyas encourage her to be involved and have an impact on the school community after all, it's not always about strictly academics. If you ask aboutt academics, I would have to say, the caliber of friends she has made have encouraged her to be an honor student in the calssroom, on the sports field and a leader in the community. In one of her essays she recounts how disappointed she is with teenagers that claim to do something risky because they are bored....she has not had one day where she has been bored during high school. There is always something to do!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 8, 2008

My daughter entered HS South as a transfer in her sophomore year from HS East. I only wish that she had entered this outstanding school from from the beginning of her freshman year. It is difficult to believe that both high schools are located within the same town! East focuses on the adversities of their students while South concentrates on the positive attributes. The feeling of spirit and camaraderie envelopes you as you enter through the front doors. Teachers, staff and administrators all try to understand each student on a personal level. The Principal, Mr. Stanziano reminds me of a proud father as he strolls through the halls and interacts with the everyone he passes. I have two younger children who will definitely be attending this phenomenal high school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 12, 2007

The spirit and tradition at Toms River High School South leads you to believe that this high school is the one and only high school in the entire town. The teachers, like parents, are there for you whenever you need them. The entire school, no matter what religion, celebrates every holiday including Christmas, with Christmas songs played between each class in December, Christmas movies played on the TV clocks, the marching band playing Jingle Bells through the hallways, Halloween, Easter, which features the famous Spirit Egg Hunt in the courtyard, and many more. Once you enter the building, you will feel right at home. South is an incredible school for family, friends, spirit, tradition, and fun. Don't forget to follow the marching band around the hallways every Friday, dancing to the school song, Old Indian Tom.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 12, 2007

'South...need we say more?' With a slogan like that, you know this school has to be amazing. It is one of the most spirited high schools in the state, country, maybe even the world. Home of the Hitting Indians, known for one of the best baseball teams in the state every year. Insane spirit and tradition in every person in every hallway. May be hot inside the building, very crowded, but it is by far the best high school you will ever step into. The other schools in town cannot compare.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 5, 2007

I was very dissapointed in this school. Maybe the staff and kids need to thnk about acedemics first before spirit
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 25, 2006

I attended this school many years ago and loved both the school and the teachers. I was very happy there all 4 years. In fact, my own children might be attending this school within a few years.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted October 27, 2005

Though as mentioned the school does have rather crowded hallways and in some rooms is unaired, the rewards of going here far out way those conditions. The school has a strong sense of unity and as far as i hear and know less fights than ur average school also unlike ur steriotypical highschool with ur clics and such people are not necessarily made fun of for who they are or what clubs they belong to there is a loving school environment good teachers and many special days inwhich a little fun is thrown in to make the student's four years a great one.
—Submitted by Chris, a student


Posted September 18, 2005

Beside the crowded hall way and unair condidtioned classes south is a great school.. The Teachers are great.. except for a few that i think are a little out there and as an incoming freshman it was easy for me to find my way around the school because there is always a teacher in the halls to direct traffic fridays are full of spirit anf b4 you leave school you are pumped for the football games.even tho our football team isn't the greatest most of the school will show up to teh games and cheer you on. And the band is awesome.. and i love beinga part of the band front even tho we work extremly hard we stiull have fun. SOuth is a great high school and i don't want to go anywhere else
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 2, 2004

I have only praise for Toms River South, it may be the oldest of the three highschools in the district, it's definately the smallest in size, but South stands above the others. From caring teachers who are always available for the kids, (on their time) the fabulous band, playng through the halls on pep rally days, extracurricular activities are bursting, Pride & Spirit from the kids, teachers & parents as well. Fan turnout for the football games is incredible, even if we were 0-4 at the time. Two of my children graduated from South, my third is a junior this year. All enjoyed their years at South. As I did years ago. When buying my house, high school zoning was a factor, as it was for my daughter when she recently purchased a home. Quite a few teachers & coaches are alumnmi too. Pride & Spirit, once there, always there!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2004

High School South has reigned as the most traditional and spirited school in the county. The mascots, the band, the pep rallies; South is notorious for their original off-the-wall antics and their display of Indian Pride. Bonds of friendship are formed between students and faculty, making South much like a family rather than just a learning institution. All of the superficial aspects of driving expensive cars and wearing Banana Republic are scarce. Any types of cliques prominent in middle school diminish when students enter South. The atmosphere is laid back, yet safe and disciplined, equipped with some of the most prized faculty in the district. A foundation of tolerance, diversity, compassion, and tradition are valued and everlasting at the home of the Indians.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 10, 2003

My oldest is a senior at South. The staff is kind and caring, the student body diverse, and overall it is a great environment in which a teenager can grown and learn. There is very little competition regarding clothing or possessions amongst the students and a very casual, accepting environment prevails. South students do not feel a need to wear name necklace jewelry, drive new cars, or have name brand clothing. South is a breath of fresh air as far as highschools are concerned and very much like I remember my highschool experience there many years ago!
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 92% in 2012.

388 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

388 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
73%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) to test students in grade 11 in language arts literacy and math. The HSPA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. Students are required to pass the HSPA in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students92%
Female93%
Male91%
Black85%
Asiann/a
Hispanic81%
Pacific Islandern/a
White94%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged88%
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Special educationn/a
General education97%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant92%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students79%
Female79%
Male79%
Black58%
Asiann/a
Hispanic61%
Pacific Islandern/a
White82%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged66%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Special educationn/a
General education85%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant79%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) to test students in grade 11 in language arts literacy and math. The HSPA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. Students are required to pass the HSPA in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 59% in 2012.

363 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) to assess high school students in Biology. The New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) is standards-based, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Biology I

All Students53%
Female57%
Male49%
Black30%
Asiann/a
Hispanic34%
Pacific Islandern/a
White58%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged29%
Non-economically disadvantaged60%
Special educationn/a
General education58%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant53%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) to assess high school students in Biology. The New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) is standards-based, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 81% 52%
Hispanic 9% 22%
Black 7% 16%
Asian 2% 9%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Two or more races 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 20%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A12
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

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55 Hyers Street
Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone: (732) 505-5738

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