Schenectady High School

I am a recent graduate of Schenectady High School (Class of 2011) and I have to say, It is the most diverse and well rounded school i've ever encountered. Yes, it does have it's challenges but when you're putting over 3000 students of different ethnicity, social class, background, and religion together, tensions run high. But honestly, it isn't an unsafe school, it isn't scary like people have said. It has a ton to offer. Almost any class you could want is offered in this school as well as the very prestigious International Baccalaureate program. I am a graduate not only of SHS but I was an IB student for all 4 years of attending this school. I received an education that some other high school students dream of achieving. I'm in college with students who have been sheltered throughout their high school experience. They weren't enlightened by diversity. They weren't given a world renowned educational opportunity such as the IB program. So before you base your idea of SHS on these little reviews, go there for yourself. You'll see it isn't a violent atmosphere, it's a diverse one. Student receive an amazing education. It's the one's who blow it off that are the statistics of SHS.

As you can tell by the atrocious grammar and spelling of some of my fellow students reviewing my school on this site... Not many people care very much about their education at my school, I regret to say. I honestly don't like it at all. Its actually a bit scary... >.>
—Submitted by a student

My daughters graduated from there and I feel it could use the support.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. It is so fun and it has classes for basically everything you want to be. The activities are like no other. People don't take the time to see how amazing it really is. Sure there is fight but doesn't most schools have those. I think it is the best school ever. ive been to many but this school by far is the best.
—Submitted by a student

i am a student attending schenectady high school i am often tarafied to walk the halls when i step on people shoes they threatin to wash me ....what ever that means there is many gangs and gang related fights i do not feel safe walking the halls the teachers r very mean nd rude nd make it so u dont want to even listen to them because of there non stop attitude because of the noise and ghetooness in class it is verry hard to concentrate
—Submitted by a student

SHS is an extremely great school, though it is to crowded. They are so many different classes to take that other schools would only dream of having. Considering the bad reputation that it has is totally wronged it has a safe environment for the most part but face it every school has fights.us SHS is an amazing school though some teachers do not care and are very rude.
—Submitted by a student

I have two sons in this school. I think it is a great school. It has so much to offer in both cultural diversity and academics. My sons are both involved in sports and are both doing extremely well. The teachers are excellent. Anytime I ever had to get in touch with one of them, they got right back to me and were very helpful and I feel that they go above and beyond for their students. My sons have seen a few fights but do not feel threatened by them. Unfortunately, this is the real world, we can't shelter our children from it forever. The best part about it, is it's free. We can put our money towards our kids college education.
—Submitted by a parent

I think SHS has quite a bit to offer all the students. I have a daughter who is a sophmore this year. She participates in sports and is involved in just about everything SHS has to offer. The teachers are awesome and administration displays their wide range of support for all of the kids, to be the best they can be.According to stories in the media, it seems a bit unfair to attack such a good school when other schools have less to offer and share their own internal problems, but its rarely mentioned by the media. SHS deserves 5 stars!
—Submitted by a parent

Hoosick Falls Central School District

I love shs best school I've ever gone to and very culterally diverse. Good education programs and activities.
—Submitted by a student

the best school with good support
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter just graduated 2008 and my youngest is in 10th grade. They both have said they were fearfull of transition between periods and they try and find alternative places to eat lunch besides the cafeteria. The education is wonderful the IB program has prepared my daughter for college and she is excelling, the youngest is entering the IB program and with the new leadership i am sure she will excell. The School does have a control problem especially before, lunchtime and after school, the kids loiter about and do not care about neighbors yards with regards to where they throw their trash and cigarette butts but they are working on it.
—Submitted by a parent

as a student at shs its not a bad school at all, all the students there are really smart and down to earth and so are the teachers. and the different learning communities we have there allow us as student to do what we like so we dont get bored easily.
—Submitted by a student

Schenectady High School, despite its reputation, is an exceptional institution! I was prepared, upon leaving, to enter a large university and be successful. The high points of the school are definitely the newly added International Baccalaureate Program, and the Schenectady School of Fine Arts/Blue Roses Theatre Company. These programs give students real life experience and prepare them for college. Schenectady High School is a prime example that just because a school is in an urban setting, the quality of education does not have [to] suffer.

I think it is a overcrowded school. Too many kids in one building. We need two high schools in Schenectady. Its hard for kids to learn there. Many children drop out.
—Submitted by a parent

Despite the overtly bad reputation the school receives in terms of being unsafe and full of gangs and troublemakers, I feel that this is vastly untrue. There will always be gangs and students who like to try to ruin the educational experience for the rest of us but the high school experience itself is based solely on the individual. If you come to school to learn, then you will find SHS to be a very good school with many quality teachers and class options that aren't available at other schools. For a public school, this school has a lot to offer and the communnication between parents/teacher/guidance cpunselors/students is exceptional. Whenever I had a problem regarding anything school related I was able to freely express my thoughts and opinions with caring, compassionate teachers and guidance counselors who always took the time to listen to what I said to say and work with me to solve the problem in a way that worked for everyone. School security is quite satisfactory, the staff is exceptional and the class options offer something that will please everyone.
—Submitted by a former student