Hopewell High School

great school with good teachers and staff classes are not overcrowded and teachers are loving and caring
—Submitted by a parent

great school with loving teachers and students classes are not overcrowded and students are safe
—Submitted by a parent

I moved here from Southern California and would rate this school on par with the worst of LAUSD. The teachers are comfortable sharing their socio-economic and political beliefs. There is little in the way of education based extracurricular activies but a lot of emphasis on politically correct and special interest clubs. Fighting is constant and good students are lumped in with those who are indifferent, when it comes to almost everything. This school needs a new principal because this one doesn't engender the respect of anyone. My student will be attending another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Hopewell has been our school for the past six years. My older son had a fantastic experience each of the four years. I could compare his experience with mine 30 years ago. However, when the boundaries were changed and more kids came in from Charlotte, the school became overcrowded and those coming from Charlotte most likely resented being bused so far. The biggest thing to remember about Hopewell is this: If you are a good student; well behaved; study and have good support from home, you will do very well and have a good chance at getting into a good college. However, if you are smart but not well directed and have transporation issues, you may get lost in the crowd. It takes a village, and even the best kid can get in serious trouble due to easy access to drugs and by hanging around with the 'wrong crowd'.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school works together in ouit clubs and try to help out with the community, for example Habitat for Humanity.
—Submitted by a student

I agree Hopewell has academics, but what about the students that aren't meeting the academic goals through the eyes of CMS? There are some great teachers there, like at any other school, but those teachers need to step up to the plate and demand recognition and respect. Where's there trouble, you don't find out until it's too late. Overcrowding and discipline is a major concern and safety as well. You can't watch 2,589 students, so how can you weed out trouble?
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Hopewell and from my experience the school has a few issues. Academic wise, it is a very good school. They worry too much about the little things however, and don't focus on the bigger issues. It is overcrowded, but that does not usually distract us from learning. There may be a lot of kids, but if you just stay focused on how much time you have to get to your class, you should be perfectly fine.
—Submitted by a student

My son is entering his senior year and he's had three fantastic years at Hopewell. He's learned a lot from teachers who truly care. I give it the highest rating possible.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from there in 2005, and I have 2 younger brothers who also attend. There were some really wonderful teachers there, but there are a lot who just do not care and simply let you do whatever you want. The school is overcrowded to say the least. You can hardly walk through the halls, and there is a trailer park outside for classrooms. There are way too many people, too few teachers who care about their job, and the enviroment is terrible.

Horrible school. Administration is terrible. I am unrolling my student and he is going to be home schooled thats how bad it is. Mr. Coles is the worst he will not return any of my phone calls and the teachers dont keep in contact unless your student is in trouble or is about to be. Thats how this school works. Horrific if you ask me.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is alright ......... no problems and many advanced classes. Biggest issue is over crowding. They should also consider a dress code of sorts.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and principles are too worried about the little things instead of the overall problems. Academic wise the school is very good but the administrative aspect on the system is at best poor.
—Submitted by a former student

I am a parent of a Hopwell High School student. We have been there for only one academic school year. I have to say that we were very impressed with the changes the previous principal, Ms. March had put into place. The improvements didn't start and stop with her, but filtered through out the entire school. I can not say the same for the present principal. My child is in honors classes and has done well, but there is a new unrest and lack of focus among the student population that was not there with Ms March. I hope and pray the 07-08 brings more cohesiveness and focus on all the children's education and future.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has came along way with new changes that improved the students educational learning and also the students have a great support system to help them as they go on with their lives Hopewell sets a great foundation.
—Submitted by a parent

Compared to other Charlotte-Mecklenberg schools Hopewell is one of the best as far a academics and behavior. My children have attended Vance, North Meck, and Hopewell and I definately like Hopewell the most. Over the last 2 years Ms. March has totally changed discipline at Hopewell. She's fair but demands good discipline. One caution -- if your children are not in honors or AP classes I would not attend any of the CMS high schools because of out of control students who don't want to learn. Hopewell has a beautiful facility kind of in the country but close to Charlotte, lakes, shopping. Good extra curricular activities. Something for every student if they choose to participate.
—Submitted by a parent

My child went to Hopewell and almost every day there would be a fight. The academics were good along with the extra curricular activities. But I always worried for my childs safety when she went to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Thank you CMS for changing the administration at Hopewell. As a parent I was extremely concerned for my child's safety and educational experience last year. This year and completely different. Thank you to Ms. Barefoot for finally getting my child motivated. She is not the only teacher who is demonstrating a renewed sense of enthusiasm in the classroom. I am so glad I gave it 'one more year.' We transferred from North Meck to Hopewell last year and now I am SO glad we did. Thank you Kendra March for taking what was a mediocre school and turning it into an amazing demonstration of what education should be!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a senior at Hopewell this year (05-06) and i have seen drastice improvements over this year already. with the leadership of the new principal things seem to be looking up. teachers are actually teaching the kids, communication lies are open between parents, athletics are improving, and seniors have gotten privledges. my daughter actually doesnt hate going to school this year! its wonderfull and i can see it changing school spirit already! the only problem i can see with hopewell would be its over crownding (4 groups of mobil units), and the dicipline problems that are inevidable in a public school. however, hopewell has delt with the problems the best they could with a lot of security guards. Overall hopewell is improving in about 3 or 4 years i will be interested in seeing how wonderfull hopewell will be!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 students at Hopewell - we transferred from a 'Christian' school - I can tell you this - all schools have problems. One of my daughters is in the interior design classes and will graduate with some great experierence that will help her in college. My other daughter is interested in a nursing degree and has started the program there - again she will have a great deal of knowledge and experience before she enters college. Yes, I am worried about the over crowding - some of the behavior of a small group of students - but I feel the school is on the right track with new administration etc., I also feel that parent involvement is a key ingredient to a successful school - not only in the home but in the school. Both of my teenagers have many wonderful opportunities that they can explore at Hopewell.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student a Hopewell, and I must say that the administration at this particular school is horid. I am enrolled in many of the upper level AP courses as well as honors courses, the teachers of these classes are exceptional and some of the best in the district. Do not believe anything you hear from the media because they have all the information wrong. I must admit that the security at the school has been elevated for the better. One of the main problems though with Hopewell is not the faculty, but the students. The administration is only half the problem the other half is students who have no interest in being in school nor contributing in any of the classes.
—Submitted by a student