Amsterdam High School

My daughter graduated from here this past June of 2012. Not once during her time at this school did she have any trouble. She got good grades, was respectful to teachers, staff and fellow students and just pretty much got along with people. That's really all it takes. If you're out to cause trouble, well then, of course, it will find you. This school is NOWHERE near as bad as it's circulated reputation. For a bigger school, yes you would think it would be more problematic, but again, that's a rumor. It's actually a pretty decent place to go to school.
—Submitted by a parent

this school has a lot to offer students.they don't have a very good reputation because of a couple of kids behavior issues. amsterdam is a great school with great teachers. it is not even close to as bad as people will say it is.
—Submitted by a student

I'm an alumni of AHS class of 2008 and I honestly don't think its as bad as people say. However, i think there should be a greater focus on academics than on athletics. There should be more courses offered for college credit and more of a focus on preparing students for college. In the first days of my college courses I could tell that I wasn't as prepared as many of my classmates. Im a pre-medical major and I do not feel like I was properly prepared and if there was a better focus on science and encouraging the students in these courses, there would be more successful graduates. And I was a member of the Marching Rams and really, the band does not get enough credit. I guarentee that half the critics of the band wouldnt be able to last a 1/4 mile in a parade...

This school isn't as bad as everyone is making it out to be. I am a Senior in this High School and yes it may have some problems but it is not the majority of the kids. Also our football team is very good but it is true that more attention is put towards it then any of the other programs. I am a member of the AWARD WINNING Amsterdam Marching Rams. If you think we are the best I think you should get out more and come see our overflowing trophy cases.
—Submitted by a student

I believe that this school is not as bad has it is made out to be. My children have done well and stayed away from the problems. I think that all schools have problems and its the parents responsiblty to give advice and guidance and keep them focused.
—Submitted by a parent

I am surprised on how this school is concerned more wih their football team, than the students academic progress and safety. My son is a senior,and has struggled through the fours years he's been there. On several occassions I have visited his counselor,which is not an easy task, cause she is not there or too busy to see a parent. The counselors do not take the time to listen to the students. My son has a tutor not affiliated with the school to help him with english class. As for the safety, my son had a confrontation in the school, he decided to see the asst.principle for help and no help was provided. I agree with other parents when they say 'just get out of the school district'. I have two other children entering middle school, I'm already looking into other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

We do not have one of the best bands around. It's just that people from Amsterdam don't take time to listen to other bands. The band is decent, but aside from that, the language program is pathetic. Not a single student leaves the program with the confidence to speak to a native speaker of their studied language. That should be the aim.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know where you come up with the drop out rate, cuz it is not nearly as high of some of the surronding schools! There is a very good music program and language program. We have one of the best bands around! It is more worse now than it was before, but so is every other school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am baffled by the review which gives 4 out of 5 stars for Amsterdam High School. Instruction is poor at best, with Biology being the only exception, classroom atmosphere is hostile. There are no language programs or music programs for children of a higher intellect, and an astronomical dropout rate. Misconduct and disruptive behavoir is not addressed due to political correctness, and parents who are truly committed to their children having a decent education, but cannot afford private school are wringing their hands in desperation. Quite frankly, if one is considering moving into this district, I would strongly disadvise unless of course you are moving from the inner city. We are desperate to move our children out as soon as possible.
—Submitted by a parent

Great ethnic diversity. Hispanic, White, Mulatto, Italian, Polish, Asian, etc. SES variable to low. What potential. Lots of school pride, mainly in sports, but could easily transition to other school activities. Students are hungry for 'something to do' and to have a genuine connection to the world immediately around them.
—Submitted by a staff