West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

Success here is definitely more about the drive and ambition of students and parents than the quality of education they are offered. Many students take the challenging courses in summer programs then retake them in the regular semester. I fully understand the backlash against the Tiger Mom after sending my children to school there. We were all for working hard to achieve goals but it is way over the top there now. School concerts are great though and benefits from the countless hours the kids put in to rote practice.
—Submitted by a parent

As a previous student from South, I would just state that their hostile environment is no place for anyone. The most of the teachers are selective, and can not teach if their life depended on it. The children act as if they were raised with no morals what so ever. Even a majority of the gym teachers cant remember names of students. Yet they all parade around as if there is no bulling and no "cliques" and how everyone is unified. I move around a lot so I would like to think I am pretty educated at rating schools and South just happens to be at the bottom of the barrel. If you don't mind suffering through the ignorance of teachers and student body, then attend but if not, perhaps any other school around the area would suffice.
—Submitted by a student

As a current student at High School South, I would urge any prospective attendees to pick another school instead. South was and always has been an amazing place with tradition, spirit, and a magnificent student body and faculty. The problem is the administration. In the last couple of years, the School Board and principal have begun destroying everything good and magnifying everything bad. The poor leadership in place means kids are being suffocated in a prison-like institution. I know high school would have been fantastic without the current administration, and it's a shame that cold, detached officials are ruining something beautiful.
—Submitted by a student

Graduated in '08. When I hear from my friends at college what their high school experience was like ("miserable, but isn't high school supposed to be?"), I am completely blown away, as my high school experience at South easily made my years there some of the best in my life. Yes, the academics are superb, and everyone excels (I myself go to a top 5 university). Yes, there is an extracurricular activity for anyone, with significantly more options than I've seen in any other high school. But the most incredible thing about South is the wonderful student body. In my years there, I have never seen bullying or violence. The students were always friendly and got along well with one another with a minimum of cliques. Although there is a high pressure to excel, it's mostly internal--you see your peers succeeding and you want to, too. And the level of diversity in this school! I find that I'm more open to and more knowledgeable about other cultures and nationalities than even friends from diverse, metropolitan cities. You never realize how valuable this experience is until you see the racism from other parts of the country. I loved and I love South. Hope I can send my kids here one day.
—Submitted by a student

This school is a bit of a pressure cooker, full of highly motivated and competitive kids. But 30 or 40 kids each year get into the country's top colleges. The top 20 or so go to Ivy's and another 20 or 30 go to the next level of colleges, the Georgetowns, John Hopkins, Northwesterns, Tufts, etc. It's probably the kids, rather than the school or teachers, but having your kids surrounded by bright and motivated peers can be a good thing. The AP courses have some great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

In response to the previous reviewer, I'd just like to point out that minority students are some of the top performers and shouldn't be seen as a supposed liability; instead, we have wonderful diversity and people from all walks of life. I love High School South. Most teachers are excellent, classes are well-paced, there's plenty to do after school, and the student body is overall good. It's making high school a great experience for me.
—Submitted by a student

Our school is doing a great job. Think of how many minority students there are at this school, yet our school is still doing a fine job. With over 10% of the student body not speaking English at home, it is remarkable as to how well we can compare to other schools such as Montgomery High School and Princeton High School. Furthermore, let us not forget that each and every year, more and more students transfer to this school from poorly performing school districts such as the Trenton Public School District. These transfer students lack solid foundations in core curriculum classes. As a result, their HSPA test scores may be lower than that of their peers. This does not adequately reflect the performance of the School nor the district.
—Submitted by a student

I love my school because we are so diverse. Our students are all competitive and we strive for the best. I believe that our school is overall very friendly and has a good environment. We also have a very good english as a second language program.
—Submitted by a student

My child is doing very well at this school! I love how the teachers are there to always help a student out after school
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent school where there is a huge emphasis on becoming a well rounded student--strong academically, socially and athletically. Can't ask for a better school.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is a senior. Very good school. Curriculum competitive. Guidance Dept. and teachers very good. Kept updated on my child's performance. Very satisfied.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. i am currently a sophomore and love it!
—Submitted by a student

Excellent school with great students from the most diverse backgrounds imaginable. My first child attends an Ivy League school and was very prepared by this school system. My second is a freshman and is getting a great love of learning here.
—Submitted by a parent

I was born and raised in this community, and South was the best experience of my life. Ms. Franks, I'm sorry to say but your children took the easy way out because they couldn't keep up with the spirit, love and pride south provides for their students. It is neither the administration, activities, teachers nor the school that discourages students, rather parents that don't see the excellence behind powerful education. South built a beautiful resume for my future and taught me many things books will never teach me. Everything was available if you put your efforts into it. Students end up traveling the world, meeting people they never dreamed about and much more. Every year the spirit is more intense and every year I'm away I miss it more and more. I admit, some teachers a little out of date but most fun, moving and influential. This school is sincerely amazing.
—Submitted by a student

I have had two children go through WWPHSS and both enjoyed wonderful academic and extracurricular experiences. NJ magazine has consistently ranked the school within the top 5 or so in the state. The faculty, except for a couple of tenured clinkers, is generally very good and in many cases exceptional. The impressive academic curriculum is complemented by a rich palette of outside events and activities. The environment is competitive academically (avg SATs well above 1200) and socially, and I have seen several cases where students just could not succeed there because of it. Usually these students end up in private schools or in another district. But for the majority, the academic experience rivals that found at an exclusive private school. Well over 90% go on to college, with 5-10% attending Ivy league or equivalent institutions. I couldn't be more pleased with the education my kids received.
—Submitted by a parent

Fun school with a lot of pride. Rigorous academics, good teachers. Overall good experience.
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at WWPHS South, and I am currently finishing my fourth year here; my opinion is valid. The prior principle at WWPHS South was absolutely wonderful, but our new principle has a few things to learn, as does any person in a new position. Teachers in the in all departments are exceptional excluding those in Science and Language, due to lack of communication and disciplinary skills. Many extracurricular programs are offered and there is something for everyone. The rules and regulations of this school are enough to keep one safe and disciplined if they are not looking got get in-between a rock and a hard place. With the rules that are in place we are not suffocated, but are given guidelines to allow us to grow into capable and educated individuals. I have been offered so much by this school, its people, and diversity.
—Submitted by a student

I have had two children enter this school. The first needed to be moved after one year. The second will also be moved soon. The teaching staff only has about 1/3 competent teachers. There is no communication to the parent's in a timely manner. The first child that I moved has gone on to high achievement at another high school, thanks to the superior teaching staff. The child scored all 700's on both SAT I's and SAT's II's including a total 1490 combined math and verbal. This is not attributal to WWPHSS. It took work to restore the child's self-esteem and confidence after the neglect and negative practices by the teachers at WWPHSS. I do not recommend this district. There is a large population who constantly send their children to tutors. Academic success is not due to administration or 2/3 of the teaching staff, but rather bright students and parents.
—Submitted by Jane Franks, a parent