Vestal Senior High School

The reviews about classes, social status, and bullying are accurate. As a parent that has been in this district since my children started school, I have seen a decline in moral, both in staff and students. Bullying and drug use on campus has been spiraling out of control, both being done in the face of staff and administrators. As for the "Drug Free Zone" campus code, selective enforcement and discipline is well known by students. The Administration turns a blind eye to Inappropriate behavior by the staff at the high school. Until those at the top and the Board of Ed. start doing the right thing for this district, the decline in number of students will continue.
--Submitted by a parent

VHS deserves better reviews than those from October 14, 2010 and February 6, 2011. The truth is that VHS does a better job of preparing students for the upper middle class than any other school in the area. Through AP and IB courses, students are trained to perform the hard work necessary to excel in college, graduate programs, and future jobs. Graduating from VHS with an honors or IB diploma also gives students a major confidence boost. These graduates know that they have completed the most rigorous program at the best school in the Binghamton area. Other reviews claim that students from lower income households are not entitled to the same opportunities at Vestal. This is rubbish. The school goes out of its way to make AP/IB and other advanced coursework available to students who would not otherwise have such opportunities. Furthermore, the comments on this site regarding bullying are misleading. VHS has MUCH LESS of a bullying problem than Owego Free Academy and U-E High School. This is partly because VHS is more diverse and partly because students can take all-advanced courses if they choose to do so. The presence of a major university in the same town also helps.

This school has a long history of bullying and social problems. The post from October 14th echos what I have heard for decades. In December some of the kids observed Kick a Jew Day and the few Jews in the school were kicked by their peers. It may be a fine school for those who dress and look like the previous 2 generations of IBMers and 2 generations of E-J workers but if you look, dress or come from a family that is different you may want a different school.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically, I think VHS excels above most schools in the Broome County, NY area (although they are changing curriculums on a yearly basis, it appears, and it is definitely not for the better) and if you're in an upper class (financially), you may get through this school with no problems (even if the student may be problematic) - social status (students' & the parents') appears to be very important in Vestal. If you're in a lower class, teachers have made inappropriate remarks to the students and they do not take the time to encourage students - it certainly isn't an equal opportunity for ALL students. Teachers are more and more engaging in activities that are inappropriate with students. I saw this with my own eyes on Facebook and have heard numerous times what is said/done on school grounds - but no evidence!
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with this school would certainly fall in the above average range. Having experienced a number of districts in the state and immediate area, Vestal stands above most. Every school has its own issues and areas that need improvement. The student body and teachers take great pride in their school. The majority of graduating classes look back on their experiences favorably. Kudos to an above average school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school does not communicate well with parents and does not deal effectively with children having special needs. There is also an open campus policy resulting in serious safety and security issues.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student, I have sadly seen the decline of the Vestal School District due to extremely poor leadership. The school's administration is merely fronting the priviously sellar reputation with nothing to back it. I feel bad for students and staff currely attending for the fault is not with them. Everything in the school has become about appearence with little to no concern for the students and staff.

Vestal Senior High School has a 54 million dollar fund for renovations. The school building is a construction site and an unfit learning environment for children. Classes are subjected to hammering and pounding noises and high dust volume. When windows are shut it is stifling. However there is a beautiful new 8 million dollar football stadium that completely shadows and elementary school playground. There are many wonderful teachers and the class size is between 18 and 25 students. The school leadership has made the atmosshphere one of blame and punishment, particularly during the renovations. This school is geared towards those students who excel without any help. The students who need help are accomodated when parents fight for their rights.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school! There doesn't seem to be much social threat and everyone seems so friendly. Teachers could be better but the academic environment within the school makes up for it. I am moving out of this school district and can only say that I will miss this school tremendously. It has a lot to offer including a large variety of academic courses (AP and IB).
--Submitted by a student

I totally agree with most of the comments that are posted. There are a handful of wonderful teachers but that is it!
--Submitted by Patricia Donahue, a parent