Ballston Spa Senior High School

This school is not perfect, no high school in America is. Well, not yet anyway. Sure, it does have great acedemic and technolgy programs that if offers, and it does also have the new International Bacchelorate which is the only one in the suburban council! But like i said, it's not perfect. It may not have the best sports teams, which could be improved, but what I'm more focused on is the attitude the students, like me also, have about this school. A lot of them are throwing away their education because of the management of this school. It is very overpopulated and that probelm needs to be fixed. It just needs "polishing up" they need to fix the dress code a little bit, seriously, it's like a strip club...especially the older kids. They also need to have a bit more of an eye on the "punks" as I call them, not only will this reduce potential future criminal rates, but it will give them a better view of the school. They also need a "Bully Box." Kids write down who's bully them and how on a paper and put it into a box in a secluded place like guidance or something. I may only be a freshman, but like I said, it's not bad, just has room for improvement. Notice...3 stars. I am..."The Z"
—Submitted by a student

No school in a several county area offers more choice. The curricular options at BSHS are unparalleled: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (BSpa is the only school in the suburban council with it), TEC-Smart (through which students come close to earning an associate's degree by the age of 18), both a biomedical strand and a technology strand through Project Lead the Way, more electives than most schools twice its size, ... Our children benefit greatly from the supportive teachers, counselors, and administrators. We chose this district and never have regretted the decision. -would move here again!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not going to argue that this school doesn't have good (even excellent) programs and opportunities, because it does. I am however going to argue about the limited staff support for children that need it and I do have a serious issue with the amount of bullying that goes on. It is a VERY difficult school to acclimate a child into from a different district having little or NO assitance in doing so and credits do not transfer as they should. In addition, I think the limited parental support is obvious because it shows with the behavioral issues with many of the students. Blame the school? On a certain level yes I do. The dress code not being inforced simply digusts me every day that I drop my children off. If you don't want your children exposed to a strip club, then enroll them elsewhere because it is absolutley rediculous! We moved to this district based on specific criteria, test scores, awards, ect... I now know that there are hidden issues within every school, even the perfect ones. I am glad we opted NOT to purchase a home here and we will be looking into other districts (or private schools) very soon as a result. It is a shame that you can't go by everything you read.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has just started an international Baccalaurete program and was also names as a top HS by US news as well. Great job BSCSD! Keep it up
—Submitted by a parent

This High School is poor. It is not diverse in its ethnicity or its approach towards it. The administration is rude and very unprofessional. The teachers are great, just don t let your child get into any kind of problem there big or small because your child will carry that label with them for the whole duration of their high school years. This school is bias and in my opinion the NY State Board of Education should take a better look at it. The school is over populated, they suspend students left and right. Their way of taking care of the population. Students have to be academically postive as well. That s not the case here with BSHS, Trust ME! If your child falls behind they will help at first, after that they want to swing the door open and try persuading ideas about GED and we will help you get into college courses, right in front of your child. Your child that already feels that they cant succeed now feels they wont! They don t want their scores to be low NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT hitting two birds with one stone (over populated, test scores)! I am not the only parent that feel this way! My other children will not attend Ballston Spa HS.
—Submitted by a parent

I now have 2 boys in the high school and I will say, I haven't been disappointed yet. the guidance dept. is fantastic as are the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Ballston Spa is a nice school, nice kids and the teachers are hard working and dedicated. The principal is not very fair, and she isn't visible enough. She plays favorites with students and with teachers, which isn't very professional. The entire admin. needs to reevalute their discipline procedures, and help teachers more with strategies on some of the tougher kids. Other than that, it is a good place to work. I do believe that the students are receiving a good education, and preparation for college.
—Submitted by a teacher

Love the high school ! My son started school in Ballston spa great teachers who help and listen to you and the child!
—Submitted by a parent

All of my children have attended Ballston Spa Schools. I find the school system to be a wonderful place for them to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

From a students point of view. I personally don't think teachers are doing their best. The classes are way to packed and the principal doesn't 'run' the school like most other schools.BSHS is like politics if you get in trouble with one administrative person you aren't liked by any administrative person there. I think BSHS could improve so much more. There is allot of potential in this school but no one works with it.
—Submitted by Chelsea, a student

Although I must say I am happy with the safety and discipline as a whole, I think that the school needs to look at each situation individually as every child that has a conflict w/another student is not necessarily a delinquent. Academically there is an abundance of possibilities not to mention the vast array of sports programs!
—Submitted by a parent

School is not diverse in its ethnicity or in it approach towards ethnicity. If you are looking for a predominatly white christian school - this is the place for you.
—Submitted by a staff

I think that it is a great school with many opportunities in school and out of school. There are many academic and athletic options.
—Submitted by a student

This district and facilities are fantastic. I graduated from here in 1989 and went on to Siena College. I was very prepared to handle college life and academics. I still live in the district and get offers from prospective buyers daily. Many people would love to move into the district so their kids could attend these schools.
—Submitted by a former student

I'm a student here, and I have many friends from other school districts. Our school is a great size, and for our size we have many diverse programs for students to partake in. Also, there are many different courses to take in school, and many strong departments within the school. The only suggestion I can make is to add maybe another language such as german, russian or latin. All in all, the opportunities and experiences are truly up to the student.
—Submitted by Allison, a student

My child has attended this district from 1st grade. I would not move out of this district as I feel it is a wonderful and nuturing environment for her.
—Submitted by kim fortune, a parent

I currently have my second child in the school district, the first having graduated in 2001 and gone onto RPI. The school program has vastly improved over the years, though I would agree that special ed services are withheld or downplayed. Counseling dept is very weak, tech dept and science very good. English and soc studies highly rated, as is math and computer science. Overall, Principal is not effective, but school ranks high in my opinion. I had two older children in Shendehowa. I like BSHS better.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has one of the highest drop out rates I have ever seen. I do not feel that the teachers are living up to their capability.
—Submitted by a former student

This school is very poor on handling students with special problems. They are unwilling to provide appropraite services if it means they need to spend extra money.
—Submitted by a parent