Tottenville High School

One of a kind school i went there from freshmen year to half my junior year and moved to florida. I played football there it was a wonderful academic and athletic experience i move to florida and now the education blows i enjoied every day at tottenville they pushed kids to the limit challenged kids every day nofights no confilicts no drama just a great school the people that say it suck are the ones who arent involved to be a shmendel do something and play football or something itsa great team and makes it go by a lot faster
--Submitted by a student

I attended Tottenville and found it to be a subpar high school. Once I was enrolled in a top-50 university, I realized how ill-prepared I was for college. I was a member of Tottenville's Institute, which is the special program for academically gifted students, and other than Latin and some advanced math concepts, I learned very little. Worse, I learned it all from teachers who seemed less than qualified to be in their positions. It scares me to think how much less those outside of the Institute are learning. To be fair, I did enjoy Tottenville's extracurricular offerings, like SING and spring musical. The performing arts program at the school is above average, which was the main reason I attended. The sports programs also seem to be above average. The surrounding neighborhood is very safe, so there's another plus. But I didn't feel safe at the school (a glass bottle was hurled at me by another student from atop a one-story section of the building--why he was allowed to get on the roof, I'll never know--and there were fights in the hallways on a regular basis). The school is disappointment to students on all ends of the academic spectrum, so please send your children elsewhere.
--Submitted by a student

I dislike the school. Granted my child was not a model student; however, the school could have intervened. When I on my own- found my child cutting, the schools verbatim response was 'there are 63 doors we cant watch everyone.' The school is too large for the staff to handle. The security guards are too friendly with the kids because they are powerless. It is too easy to cut class, abuse teachers and get lost at Tottenville HS. My messages to the school were never returned, and I went directly to the school several times in person to try to get help. The worst things about the school is they push programs such as GED right away because they want to keep their numbers up...that is all they care about.
--Submitted by a parent

THS is one of best schools around. The people and/or students who gave it a poor review are merely sour grapes. If you are a student who is mature enough to go to class, behave and take advantage of the many programs this school offers you will shine. Yes it is easy to cut out and get "lost" but that is the FAULT OF THE STUDENT and the UNINVOLVED PARENT. The resources are there should you choose to utilize them. Don't be a slacker! If your parents aren't available to help you there are many fine guidance counselors, assistant principals and teachers who will gladly assist you! This is one of the most important times of your life which can also be quite enjoyable. Be a PIRATE PROUDLY and forever!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have moxed feelings about the staff at tottenville high school. i alkso feel alot of children are sent out to ged programs and not suported in any way from there guidance counselors.i feel the school is more concerned about there rating then the student body and there needs.i feel the school. is over whelmingly to much for any one staff to handle.as a parent and having three children attend tottanville.i feel all students needs should be met and never turned away
--Submitted by a parent

The school isn't as much of a joke as everyone is making it out to be. It still has the lowest rate of drop out of non-specialized schools on the island. It is tempting and INCREDIBALY easy, and tempting to cut class, harass teachers, vandalize property, ect. and more than likely get away with it. However all that being said the school can offer some great well funded extracuricular programs and a decent environment for education. I myself barely graduated by the skin of my teeth due to the aformentioned temptations, but the school isn't really to blame. If there are any parents actually reading this in concideration on weather or not to send your teens to this school then you honestly should. But know that you do this at your own risk, watch for the warning signs, (they're given it out 3 times a semister) lol
--Submitted by a student

I believe this school to be one of the top schools on the island. Every student has every oppertunity to succeed. There is tutoring every day for every subject, and the teaches will care about you if you show you care about work. On the other hand if you are a typical staten island teen you will get what you put in to it. It is extreamly easy to cut, but were ages 15 to 18 now i your kids can show a little responsibilty and stay for the 45 minute class. Tottenville is is great
--Submitted by a student

This school has its ups and downs. i am a freshmen now its good and bad. Some teachers dont teach well or cannot control the class. there are so many cameras but you can easily just walk out of the school.
--Submitted by a student

As a student in the Humanities Institute, I have to say that I have not regretted attending Tottenville. The school takes pride in the Institute, though we do have a rigid schedule and not as many class opportunities as honors kids. However, high school is what you make of it. Don't make excuses for your children by claiming that th eteachers are lazy and the guidance counselers are always busy. With a school of four thousand students, it's handling itself pretty well. Your children have to go out of their way to go talk to teachers and guidance counselers. If the teachers and counselers don't know that something is wrong, they won't be able to seek out the kids. With so many students, it's impossible to be able to have one on one time with each and every one of them. Make use of the resources given to you.
--Submitted by a student

okay seriously its funny what these parents are saying. i attend tottenville and im in ap classes. not gunna like but the school lets you do what ever u want. its very easy to cut class and screw up. i wouldnt send ur kids here if i was you. i usto be in honors untilll i went to this school. trust me you will regret it.
--Submitted by a student