Shenendehowa High School

I would just like to correct the comments posted on 4/30/10, as they are incorrect. Shenendehowa H. S. has approximately 2900 students in attendance. If only 3% of the students participated in sports, that would only be 87 students...they had over 60 boys on this years freshman football team alone. Over 200 students participated with indoor track. The school board has one former teacher (in another school district), a former director of personnel for a college, a physicist, a SAHM, a business owner, and a poet. The budget passed. Grades and report cards can be found on the parent portal. The district has no control over what a private publication chooses to print. Sour grapes anyone?
--Submitted by a parent

If you live anywhere near this school you will receive in the mail a local paper of which 50 % is devoted to sports. Only three per cent of the Shen high school students are involved in sports. The school board which is made up of primarily teachers (which is a conflict of interest) routinely raises pay beyond what other area high school teachers receive. The superintendent talks a good game but that is all. He talks about zero based budgeting as if he knows anything about it. He like the school board have not the slightest inkling or desire to hold down costs which is a chief reason the next school budget vote will fail particularly in this economic 'climate' in New York State. This school sends out grade reports and squanders thousands on postage. It is a rare occasion I see one since my child intercepts the mail.
--Submitted by a parent

former student, moved there in the middle of 10th grade from a school that was way upstate(by canada) with a graduating class size of a 100. I went from failing 2 classes, to honor roll at shen because the previous school i attended only had 1 track for the math program and it was advanced. At shen it was much different and a lot more choices, i personally couldn't imagine graduating from any other school!
--Submitted by a student

Shenendehowa High School has something for every student. It is a large, suburban high school - with a diverse economic population. Because of the size, students and parents need to be proactive for schedules, and planning towards graduation. The options for university prep, technical/vocational and other alternatives post graduation are extensive - but, the student needs to get involved in the planning and options. Extra curricular activities abound. While it may be said that the school focuses too much on 'big', varsity sports, there are tremendous opportunities for all student atheletes. Tennis, crew, cross country, track & field and many other sports do not cut atheletes who do not excel on the field. In the arts, all students have the opportunity to participate in the school - and large numbers rise to the highest levels on county, regional and state ensembles. Yes, the school is huge & terrific!
--Submitted by a parent

It is an ok school. Not so good academically because its focus has been sports. It is hard to choose classes because there is no seat available; school/class size is too big. There were sports team scandals in recent years. Its direction looks like a sports-powerhouse like Albany high school -- poor in academics. The school's academics has been deterioated recently. A small school may provide a better education.
--Submitted by a parent

Shen High School is an excellent school for children who do not have any issue with mental health issues, but seems to have very wide cracks for children who do not fit into the mold they have created. There are no adequate alternatives for children under the 10th grade, and I was very disappointed in the district as a whole in regards to my child and his specific issues. I have worked with Four Winds counselors and have met other parents with children with pstchiatric disorders and all have said that Shen is a very difficult district to work with in this regard. I bought a home in this district to ensure my son would have ample opportunity, and have been let down time and time again. My younger children have no difficulty , and Shen is suitable for them.
--Submitted by a parent

I currently attend Shenendehowa High School, and I think it gives opportunities for every person. The club lists are endless from Ping Pong to Dance to Recycling to whatever you can think of. The academic programs are at a very high set bar, and you need to wok for your grades. The sports teams are phenomenal, and being one one myself, I know that they are very, very competitive. The parent involvement may not be at its highest, but this is probably due to the large number of students.
--Submitted by a student

I am currently enrolled in Shenendehowa High School and I cannot imagine attending anywhere else. I find teachers accessible and helpful. Sports teams are extremely competitive but there is always an intramural or cub for everyone. I am not at all left behind due to the large number of people attending. Our large size gives us Shen students are uniqueness.
--Submitted by a student

Shenendehowa H.S. is an academically challenging high school with a great curriculum and many elective sports for P.E. I would highly recommend this high school.
--Submitted by a former student

Shen has a lot being said about it's academic and while this is true for the variety it offers a student, I don't belive in the faculty. I am a parent and I am a minority for that matter. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, I would say I am a 9 in never bring up the minority issue. However, it's evident that the teachers are quick to label the student and as for for the guidance office, it's hopeless in trying to work with them. My experience is still to be called good. My son has been in there from 3rd grade, he was terribly overlooked. The classrooms are too big and non interactive.
--Submitted by a parent