Socorro High School

If you think sports is more important than learning, this is the place for your child. The school has been on 'corrective action' status from the NM Dept, of Education for at least four years.
--Submitted by a parent

In May 2010 my son graduated with honors from Socorro High School. I know there are much better schools out there and Socorro High struggles to to keep up but the class of 2010 excelled with out being a posh school that has been given the best money can buy. For the first time since 1977 the 2009 football team made it to state to play against Lovington which may as well be a Texas school. They have all the best for their football program and Socorro has very little. But it was the coaches, students and teachers who rose to the challenge. I must admit I have been to much better graduations where again they have the best money can buy and this years SHS commencement exercise was not the best but it was the teachers, students and parents who made the best of it without the money.
--Submitted by a parent

Socorro High has some very good teachers as well as a few truly terrible ones. The terrible ones keep teaching year after year. Many of the kids are not interested in school, so teachers end up having to spend time controlling the class. Good students are only challenged by a few classes. However, the school is good about letting kids take classes at New Mexico Tech, which helps. The extracurricular activities are good.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student of Socorro High School--now enrolled in my second year at the University of New Mexico--I have mixed feelings about my high school experience. I had no trouble adjusting to college life and academics, and I feel that my high school experience did prepare me for what was ahead. The problem was that I was one of the few students at SHS that consistently took advanced, honors and college prep classes. I also participated in many extracurricular activities including sports and academics. I guess my conclusion is that high school is what you make of it. If you stay dedicated to your education it will pay off in the future and the school isn't all to blame.
--Submitted by a former student

The school has been on academic probation for almost three years; we have good faculty, for the most part, but an administration on site that believes rules and punishment are more important than high academics. Gangs are bad and reading levels are worse; intelligent, achievement-oriented kids are routinely stuck in a dumbed down curriculum because there are so many students who aren't at grade level and only so many teachers and classrooms to go around.
--Submitted by a parent

If all you want to do is pass the GED, then Socorro high school probably works (if you pay attention). However, there are so many underprivileged children and incompetent teachers (not to mention the incredibly selfish administration), that a child has to be very strong willed not to get ruined by the atmosphere. Even the really awesome teachers have been brought down by the oppressive administration. If you want your children to grow up with high self-esteem and realistic view of the world, do not send them to Socorro High School. If you have to send somebody there, make sure they have something to do which stimulates them after school, so they can keep their sense of individuality and wonder. Band at Socorro High School is good, and Science Olympiad can be, too.
--Submitted by a student

As a former student and now a parent of a SHS student, I would have to agree with Mr. Castaneda. As a student I did not do well there because of my bad choices and instablility at home. However, I did manage to learn enough to easily pass the GED and go on to college without having to take any remedial courses. I was a teen mother trying to catch up to graduate with my class and found that all of my teachers worked with me and encouraged me to do well as long as I took responsibility. I was afraid my son would not do well there but he has excellelled in advanced classes which are preparing him for college as well as Science Olympiad, Band, Football, Track and Science Bowl. He will take German next year and wants to join other SHS students and teachers on a summer trip to Italy. Thanks SHS!
--Submitted by Patricia Ballew, a parent

This high school gives you the very basics that you need to know to make it through life.
--Submitted by a student

I feel that the Socorro School System provides a solid, basic educational foundation. I was taught how to read and write and do research, and to recognize and use the the resources that are available to me. However, there is a limit on the level of science and math classes that are available to college bound students. With the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in the backyard, there should be more opportunities (or at least more encouragement from guidance councilors) for advanced students to take more advanced courses at NMIMT. I was also taught that social responsibility lies soley with the individual and with the parents and caretakers of those individuals. The school's responsibilities are to provide basic educational fundamentals (a stepping stone, so to speak), not to raise the children enrolled. Teen pregnancy starts at home. Stop blaming the schools and start taking responsibility for your own actions.
--Submitted by Edie Castaneda, a former student

As a former student of this High School I feel let down. I suggest if you want your student to graduate before having a family of their own, take them somewhere else!
--Submitted by Karina, a former student