Clarkstown South Senior High School

Clarkstown South has a strong program for serious students. The program includes many AP courses as well as the availablilty of several college level courses for students who wish to get on a fast track. I feel there is room for improvement for those students who are not motivated to perform up to their potential. Educating parents by giving them motivational tools to use with their children would be a step in the right direction. .

South was a great experience overall. The senior members of the faculty were always very enthusiastic about their subjects and were always willing to help. It also offers a lot of advanced AP classes which help with college prep as well as getting college credit. The computer science program offered definitely gave me a head start on my major at college.

Teachers are too young and inexperienced. The turnover rate and nonreplacement of seasoned teachers is terrible. There are no mentors and the new teachers are hired because they are cheap, not because they are qualified and well versed and trained in the instruction of our young minds. The district is doing a tremendous disservice to the students as well as the educational foundation in Clarkstown as a whole. The community is shelling out thousands of dollars in inservice training instead of hiring the best, they are hiring the cheapest. You get what you pay for... our children have no solid role models. Disgraceful.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a fantastic school! Great for Special education students! God bless Clarkstown south and all the teachers and the students!
--Submitted by a student

Teachers are too young and inexperienced.
--Submitted by a parent

They need to hire more experienced teachers, most of the teachers that are hired are very young. The teachers and students need role models for which to aspire. Young, new teachers are easy on the school budget, but in the end the students pay the price in the classroom and socially. There is a reason experienced teachers with years under their belt get higher salaries and Clarkstown does not acknowledge this. The district needs to hire more mature teachers so our children will gain from more sophisticated scholars.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree, the clubs in this school are great. There are so many to offer for all students whether they are academically involved, musically, environmentally, or just want to have fun after school. They provide students with a way to learn about new issues and keep others out of trouble. Some school improvements need to be made such as a turf field so it can be used more, as well as separating honors and regular kids in some language classes, but other than some things everything in this school is great.
--Submitted by a student

South offers the most AP classes I have ever heard any school of having. I've met many people from public/private school backgrounds across the country. The student body has just enough diversity, and people get along very well. The demographic of the school is middle/upper class. I've had some of the best teachers I will ever have in life (Mr. DiBartolo, Ms. Quinn to name two). I think the district could do a better job of screening new, inexperienced teachers. Other than that, going to South has definitely prepared me well for college. I go to a top 25 university.
--Submitted by a former student

three principals in over 4 years..lack of leadership..a school board that seems to love turnover... a vice principal 3 years ago that refused to address many issues..teachers who confronted students in an arguementitive manners..as well as administration ..no leadership for years....
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school. She is met with academically challenging classes, while still being able to pursue her artistic endeavors. The teachers are always willing to help their students and let the parents know what is going on. Overall the students get along and bullying is not a problem, which is a relief as a parent. Although a few teachers are not up to par, I believe there is that problem in any school. I feel that this school will prepare my daughter for college and for her future.
--Submitted by a parent