Bay High School

Although this school may be appealing on paper (ratings, academics), my experience as being a minority at Bay high left a rotten taste in my mouth The major fall of this school is the fact that it's in Bay Village means there is absolutely NO diversity in this school. Student body is about 800 people and less than 20 are considered minorities while the rest are Caucasian European. Bay Village is an elusive area and it shows in the attitude of people; this is a very racist city and the high school evokes this as well. The school KNOWS this is an issue and they are TRYING to crack down on the amount of racism and bullying in the school by bringing in guest speakers and having assemblies with little success. If your not a high income white European, you will get the feeling that you really don't belong in this high school and 9 out of 10 chances you will be an outcast. As for the academics, they are actually quite good and the math department is excellent. students truly are prepared well and given proper attention. But the academics aren't enough to overcome the race issue. Don't pay outrageous city taxes thinking this school is worth it; I'd recommend Westlake High instead.
—Submitted by a student

Bay High school was an excellent learning environment. Many of the teachers there invest a lot of time into their students and into their curriculum. The head of the math department for example works about an 80 hour week doing what she can to enhance her department and teaching styles. The school boasts excellent traditions in some athletic programs and over 95% of the students who graduate move on to college educations. There are a number of AP programs here as well and many students enter their college careers a semester or even a year or two ahead of their colleagues. There is no doubt that this is a great school, and my time there will be some of my fondest memories and foundation for my professional career.
—Submitted by a student

yea i went 2 bay high class of '06..its a ok average at best school..students can get rowdy at times which made it hard 2 concentrate in class..n teachers aren't the best..a lot of them r fresh outta college n have no clue wut they r doin..n even the ones that have been there are'nt even that great which is sad 2 say..but i had a few i liked like mabe 2..teachers teach kids just 2 memorize everythin n not 2 actually kno wut they r talkin about..so they do good on tests which makes the destrict look good even tho there are many kids at this school that r completely clueless..n school is old n lookin run down..needs improvement. i moved 2 twinsburg 4 a few months durin my senior year n liked that school way better..

I love the community . Everyone is so nice and the familys are awesome
—Submitted by a parent

Bay High school is an awesome school with the best administration and the best teachers. Our kids have had the best experience at Bay High.
—Submitted by a parent

The Pricipal is so involved in the kids! All the teachers seem to have an investment in each individual student. My son recieved a great education and a rewarding experience at Bay High.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers. Encouragement to take AP courses applicable towards college credit.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumnus of the Bay School system. Bay High offered many different academic opportunities and many high level courses. The vast majority of my classmates went on to college or other upper level training. The teachers seemed to be hit or miss. About half of the teachers were outstanding while the other half needed more experience/education classes. I will remember my outstanding teachers forever. I always felt safe in school. My biggest complaint would be the lack of diversity in the student body. I think the lack of diversity inhibited our learning about culture and racial/social tolerance . The facilities are acceptable but not top notch. Generally I'd say this is a good place to send your kids for their education.

Being a student at Bay was rough, in fact, it was so rough, that I studied abroad and eventually transfered. The school district was completely unsupportive of my study abroad experience. The academics were hardly challenging, even though I was taking honors and AP courses. In addition to lack of preparation, I believe that the teachers stifled what little imagination I had. I found the transition quite difficult from Bay to a somewhat normal school. My friend put our experiences in to persepective brilliantly 'Guidebooks and anti-bullying books tell you how to deal with normal, cliquey high schools, not schools where everyone is trying to be different so they act the same type school.' Overall, I was highly unsatisfied with my experience at this school, and I would not recommend that you send your child here.
—Submitted by a student

I'm an alumni and find it funny some of the student reviews of the school being very critical. Funny only because I, or my friends, probably felt that way too when we were there. In retrospect I think overall it was an excellent education. Based on some of the other schools I have been involved with across the country, I'd put the schools in Bay at the very top of the list. Following Bay I went to a highly regarded university and felt very well prepared, if not overly prepared, for college. My biggest criticism would be the retention of some teachers. I had teachers there that had actually been there when my Mom came through. While I don't think that DQing them on age would be appropriate, I do feel they needed a bit more continuing ed to stay current. But in short, were I there, my kids would be there.

I believe all the years our kids have spent in the Bay Schools have been great! I have four kids and they all have had great teachers and fantastic sports opportunities. There is so much that our kids can join and become involved in. The teachers go out of their way to help and they truely care about each student. There will always be struggles during their time in the schools, but thats just part of life!
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student at Bay High School and I believe that the only thing the District cares about is their rating as compared to other schools. I find it hard to learn in this environment. Most of my classmates learn to get As rather than learning to learn. Most people are into 'high risk' activities. You have to go out of your way to make friends at this school. People are genuinly unfriendly here. I mean sure I have good friends, but don't move here after 4th grade. The foreign language, and math departments are terrible. I would not recommend any parent send there child here.
—Submitted by a student

I am an alum of Bay High School, class of 2001. I'm currently working as a Chemist by day, and a MBA student at Baldwin Wallace College at night. I believe my foundation and structure (Bay Village Schools) prepared me for college. Bay High offers a diverse curriculum of courses and opportunities: Pre-law, advance mathematics, science, technology, various foreign languages, work programs (industry exposure), and post-secondary option (Bay High pays 100% of the college courses you wish to take in addition to your high school course schedule). I highly recommend Bay Village schools for any parent who is looking for a college prep institution, available free to all Bay Village residence.
—Submitted by a former student

Yes, I attended BHS for 3 years and I can say that BHS is a horrible school. I also attended the elementry schools and the middle school. The teachers at BHS are horrible. They care more about popularity and looking good instead of caring about the students and if they are understanding everything. They are very unhelpful too. This school is very very undissiplined. Kids do what ever they want. They walk all over the teachers and the teachers don't do anything. And if you take a look at thins school. It is a big dump. THe ouside looks horrible with garbage all over and the inside is horrible as well. You would think since everyone in Bay is so rich they would have better schools. All of the schools are very old and rund down except the middel school. THe middle school finnaly got replaced after years of complaining.
—Submitted by a former student

My daughter is a Sophmore and I have been so impressed with the principal and his focus on the school. He has numerous parent nights to discuss risky behaviors that are going on and how parents can get involved. He has had drug sniffing dogs come in to the school and do a sweep of the parking lots. (some don't do this because they don't want the bad publicity). The school does block scheduling, which has worked for them (double the time for each class and only 1/2 the school year) The school has a magnificent music program. They offer every sport popular to this area (no lacross, field hockey)but big in soccer etc. One complaint is that they don't offer physical education every year. They have a big A.P. program. The buildings are not new and look tired, but the school rates #1 for public schools on the west side of cleveland, to which there is a lot of competition.
—Submitted by Jan Carpenter, a parent