W Tresper Clarke High School

As a parent of children of the MS and HS I will admit that I really love the MS. But, I will attest that the administration, counselors and teachers in the HS are there for the students and parents. My son was a problem his last 2 years and I am happy to report that the Principle, Dean, Guidance Counselor, and Social Worker - where there to help me in any way that they could. They reached out to my son, but it fell on deaf ears. Most teachers care for and about your child. Yes if your child is an honor student they will shine and if you have a problem child as I do they are understanding and DO try to help them. The extra curricular actives are numerous and if you or your child wants to be involved you can be.
--Submitted by a parent

One of the best HS on the Island! Both of my children attended and loved the experience. We found that the small class size allowed all of the students and teachers to know each other. The learning experience was personalized and my children had access to lots of extra curricular activities not available in other schools. Both of my children are attending Ivy League schools and I would say a large percentage of each of their classes are also attending great universities. Comparing the HS experience here to my sisters children who go to HS in Merrick, and my Brother whose children go to HS in Smithtown, I feel that the education given at Clarke is far better than what their children are getting (and they both agree).
--Submitted by a parent

I have taught at Clarke High School for 18 years and have enjoyed a career guiding young people to spark their curiosity and increase their interest in literature as well as their English skills in general.
--Submitted by a teacher

My son is a senior and there are only 200 kids in his graduating class. Almost all of his teachers have been great, especially those that head the DECA and Jr. Achievement business activities. Being small, all the kids know each other.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent to a sophomore student, I believe that the administration office is rude and unprofessional. The teachers do not return your phone calls or reply to your letters. And the guidance counselor does not care. I am a working parent that cares in her childs education. When i heard that my child was lacking in her grades, i made several of attempts to try and work with the faculty & counselor for alternatives to my childs academic grades, and have been 'ignored'. I have to agree with some other parents when they said that unless your child is a jock, cheerleader, or honor student, they do not care of the everyday normal students. This is why a lot of students feel alone and helpless!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is small which allows more attention per child. Sports, clubs and the arts are more readily available as compared with larger high schools. Students can choose from many advanced placement classes and are prepared relatively well, in my opinion, for college.
--Submitted by a former student

W.T. Clarke is a great school. I graduated from there and I plan on going back to teach. Some teacher are everything the person above me listed. But others are amazing. They are inspirering and motivated, interesting and caring enough to come to football games and other after hour activities. It is a small personal school where most everyone knows everyone else. Studying in college to become a teacher I have learned that some responsibilities about a child can not be blames on the teacher and the teachers alone. Clarke is a great school and it will be my honor to be a teacher in the future.
--Submitted by a former student

Uncaring, uncooperative teachers. Incompetent guidance counselors. My son, who recently graduated was diagnosed with ADD in his junior year. The school staff never 'caught' this. Most of his teachers thought he was just lazy. when his doctor asked for feedback from his teachers to help confirm his diagnosis, only one teacher filled out his questionnaire. Once the guidance counselor was informed he did in fact have ADD, she never informed any of his teachers. In addition we were never informed that we could request special allowances for his condition such as extra time to take tests and turn in assignments. When we asked teachers to inform us immediately if he fell behind in his assignments, most never did so. Needless to say my son's school career was a nightmare for us. If your child is not an honor student they have no use for you and they make you feel like a parenting failure.
--Submitted by a parent