Longwood High School

My children all went through the Longwood School School District, from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. They took AP classes, did fantastically, graduated with high honors and attended superb universities. I found the staff caring & the teachers excellent. THere are problems, but EVERY SCHOOL has its set of problems. Quite frankly, the biggest problem were with the kids whose parents didn't have a clue about parenting. If you foster a love of education early, your children will excel. IF you have bad parenting skills and have low expectations, you will get what you deserve. If you are a parent who couldn't care less about how your child does in school, they won't care either. I'm tired of teachers being blamed when students do poorly. It is the job of the parent to get their student to school, the job of the student to do what is expected of them, the job of the teacher to teach. If you are a parent who cares more about your own social life than the education of your child, don't expect great things from your child. Show your child you care, and then they'll care. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
--Submitted by a parent

I WORK IN LONGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL. I AM NOT A TEACHER. I CAN TELL YOU THIS SCHOOL IS WAY TOO CROWDED. WITH ALL THE HIGH TAXES WE PAY, YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE ANOTHER H.S. IN THE DISTRICT. TOO MANY OF THE KIDS FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS AND TOO MUCH FIGHTING BECAUSE OF THE OVER CROWDING. THEY NEED TO DO SOMETHING BADLY, BEFORE THE SCHOOL GETS WORSE. TEACHERS ARE NOT CARING AND THE KIDS ARE TOO WILD AND OUT OF CONTROL, NOT ENOUGH SECURITY. TRUST ME, I WORK THERE, THIS IS FIRST HAND INFORMATION!!
--Submitted by a teacher

I have 2 daughters currently in the High School and a son coming into the High School in Sept. Each of my children are doing exceptional work. Honors or High Honors. They come home repeating things the teachers have discussed with them about whichever subject it is. Which means the teachers are speaking to the kids and the kids are listening and learning. I am amazed how much they are learning and holding on to. There is also extra help avail if you need it and take them up on it. Sure there are fights, but arent there fights in every school. My kids are doing well, no fights, no drugs, no drinking and they all seem to like and get along with their teachers. I dont remember my teachers speaking to us like we were young adults I remember my teachers just giving a lesson and then homework. Good Job Longwood!! Thanks
--Submitted by a parent

The principals are more involved in there own problems and fail to help the students. My child is one falling through the cracks and to transfer to another school it costs $ 8,000 what can a parent do? We drive her to school since she feels unsafe on in the bus , and there are a few good teachers but not enough.
--Submitted by a parent

There are some teacher's that really do not give a hoot.When you took this job was it just for the money? A teacher is a teacher when they go out of their way to reach that student.
--Submitted by a parent

Active in promoting tolerance
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Longwood 4 years ago and my younger brother is graduating this year, and I wonder to myself if the preceding comments were written by the faculty? The school is extremely overcrowded, which is the main cause for all the fighting and the amount of trouble. The teachers DO NOT CARE about the students. As a matter of fact I remember the teachers enabling students in regards to cutting classes and even drug use! The level of education is not anywhere near community of junior college, nor does it prepare you (maybe a select few). I as well as the majority fell through the cracks of the school, which is most definitely not the cause of my success (MS Comp Sci - Stony Brook University). The only thing that can help students in this school is having parents that stay on top of their children.
--Submitted by a student

I graduated Longwood and can say that the education I received was equal to a community or junior college level. I was truly prepared for college and the work force. The only bad thing I could say about the school is that it was so politically correct. Opinions were to be kept to yourself and not voiced.
--Submitted by a former student

I went to longwood, and can summarize what it offers to the community thus: everything is there. Longwood doesn't baby you, it doesn't effectively force you to go to school/class. In fact, if you want to be a bad seed, there isn't much stopping you. However, if you are willing to learn, you will get as good of an education as in any school. Extracurriculars are many and very welcoming. The only barrier is them not willing to walk you through your four years. Like another review said, if you want it, it's there, just ask for it. A child who is willing to learn will learn from very knowledgeable teachers. One who likes to party will continue to party. It is much like a small indoor college campus. Every man for himself. Either you go to class, or you evade the security in every hallway and go home.
--Submitted by a former student

I graduated from Longwood and I personally enjoyed my experience there. Most teachers are competent and make the learning experience fun. However like in most schools there are teachers that just lack the ability to reach their students. Sports and extracurricular activities are big in the High School. The major Sports are Division 1 and there is a wide assortment of Sports that can be played competitively. When I graduated I felt the administration was weak, but a new Principal was put in place so I'm not sure if he has better leadership qualities. Concerning Parent involvement I think it is decent my parents went to the teacher conferences and things like that and there is the PTA and PTSA. The school is crowded and there are bad seeds but I think you will find that everywhere. All in all I was happy with my education experience.
--Submitted by Aaron, a former student