Elwood/John Glenn High School

The primary focus of this school is to maximize salaries and minimize output where students are concerned. Administration's main focus is the budget, not dealing fairly with students. Administration does not want to be involved with student's problems and paints everyone with the same brush to avoid responsibility.
--Submitted by a parent

After reading the other reviews, there are somethings I'd like to address: there's a lot that goes on that parent's don't know about. The staff doesn't work all that closely with the students as you would like to believe. The special education program is also lacking, as most people forget that special education is supposed to apply to not just those who don't reach a level of capability as most, but those who exceed this capability, this is where the school is seriously lacking. As well as excellent teachers, there are a few but not many. The school district overall is fairly good, but there are spots where it could do for improvement. Local politics and poor budget planning are also noticed by everyone, they're annoying and excessive.
--Submitted by a student

This school is great. The faculty and staff treat everyone with respect and have the students best interest and education at heart. The quality of education is excellent and challenging. The administration works well together and communicates effectively. The principal is knowledgeable and student centered which helps create a caring but rigorous program of study for all students. This is a five-star high school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school used to treat all students fairly until the last few months when they have new building administrators.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely wonderful! The small size means that teachers and guidance counselors really get to know the kids. This really helps with the college admissions process. Lots of AP courses, and a real 'small town' atmosphere. Sports teams, especially volleyball and girls' basketball, are tops! Plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved because the school is so small. Safety is a number one priority; I feel really confident in sending my kids here. No gangs, very little fighting, and the administration has a really good handle on the student poopulation. Parents are super-involved, even at the high school level. There is a volleyballathon each year where the kids play round robin games for charity, a big homecoming parade and dance, plenty of community service work, and a large PTA presence in the community. We wouldn't live anywhere else!
--Submitted by a parent

I've just graduated from Elwood and it has been the best four years of high school I could have ever gone through. You meet great teachers who will help you through any problems. You'll also make long lasting friendships that will help you through any situations whether they're thick or thin.
--Submitted by Jessica, a former student

In Reply to the April 2004, I do have a son in special ed. He was classified as ED. and for 8 years all I heard was we're doing the same thing next year. Resource room and inclusion. I'm speaking from experience. I'm not just blowing smoke. I have done my homework. I'm sorry that your child who has a learning disability isn't getting the help he/she needs. But that's just Elwood's way of not analyzing the individual needs of the children in their district. The teachers they do get once in a while who show some concern about their students, soon realize their fighting a losing battle and soon leave the district. That has happened on 3 such occassions that I know of. Sorry my feelings and views differ from yours, but that's what makes us unique. Good luck to you and your children.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a Junior at John Glenn High School and I've had three great years here. Being somewhat talented academically, what I find most attractive about this school is that the teachers are excellent; understanding and intelligent, they enjoy challenges. Although of course there are some students who resist authority for whatever reason, the majority of the students are warm and caring. Because of the small size, some students may wish to attend a larger school but I've found lasting friendships and familiar faces. Lately, security has been very tight so paranoid parents would like the school too.
--Submitted by Sarah, a student

I am 100% satisfied with the involvement of all the teachers with the students at this school but I am extreamly satisfied with the science teacher Mr. Lafferty. He follows up on missing homework, labs etc. and he is very involved with getting in touch with the parents. They try hard to make the school safe.
--Submitted by Sharon Chapman, a parent

I have recently entered the school district so at this time I am unable to rate the hhs. I would however like to address the entry dated march 2004. I will assume from the negative remarks in regards to the special ed program that you do not have a child with special needs, because if you did you would be better educated as to how the system works. They do not take the cream of the crop and place the rest in special ed you need to exhibit specific disabilities to be classified and I have seen many children turned away! Take it from a parent with children from both ends of the spectrum you do not want your child classified unless it is absolutely necessary as that is a label that will always follow you, and their lives a hard enough without negative comments.
--Submitted by a parent