Bristol High School

I graduated from Bristol High school last year (2009) and I am currently at college. After only a month at college, I have realized that Bristol did not prepare me fully for college. I agree the English department was acceptable but in the sciences, not so much. I believe that Bristol's chemistry course held sufficient information for a college chemistry course but the biology course is truly lacking. I received very good grades in high school but I now find myself struggling to keep up with the material that I was 'supposed' to already have learned. Overall, the school is average. If you plan to go into a career that involves science, you may find that Bristol does not equip you with the proper knowledge for college level science courses.

I am to be a senior for the 2009-2010 school year. I believe that the school is fairly decent. As previously stated, it is 'average.' Schedule conflicts are extremely common. Complaints about how the math is taught are fairly common, though the teacher will explain it further if you ask. I admit that Chemistry nearly put me to sleep on more than one occasion, but I am still able to comprehend it. Overall, the classes are good. Though many of them lack challenge to me, and a few others. I do not state that for the entire student body, but for myself only. The administration has its faults. The intentions are, more often than naught, good, but the means are somewhat questionable to say the least. Trivial things are deemed to be major offenses that require immediate disciplinary action. Overall, the school is decent, with some flaws that need fixed.
--Submitted by a student

I am currently a senior at Bristol High School. I came here from Bloomfield for my sophmore year (2006-2007). I think the science department is severly lacking, and I spent most of my time in those classes sleeping. I am a good student and I have good grades (all As usually), and both Biology and Chemistry failed to either challenge me or teach me anything. I think that Mrs. Suttles does a really excellent job teaching english. While the math teachers may not be ideal for the average student, I didn't have a problem with their teaching methods and did well. This school isn't the best school in the world, and they do have have rules about trivial matters, but it could be a lot worse and I think that with the money they have, they are doing a decent job. Kasandra Holmes
--Submitted by a student

I currently go to bristol and i have to seys its its awsomes to bes aparts of this schools i loves its heres
--Submitted by a student

Need more teachers and newer books. The high school is equipped with only one math teacher for the entire high school. Also, the math books are very, very old. Pretty easy for the teacher though, no need to change homework or test, just use the same ones over and over again. Also, if a student doesn t seem to understand what is taught in the math class he or she is out of luck. Subject matter taught once and only once, otherwise you have to stay after school or the parent has to hire a tutor. This is not fair and doesn t say a whole lot for the teaching staff. I thought they were supposed to care. I just pray that our children will be able to pass the state graduation test. Also 72% of the government funding that our school receives goes to the staff, 4% to the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I am an Alumni of Bristol High. It needs the continued support of the community to keep it going and make Birstol a great school. Looking back, I think I recieved a very good education. Sarah M.
--Submitted by Sarah, a former student

I am currently a Senior enrolled at BHS. Although I believe I recieved a fairly thorough education, although I am dissapointed with both the lack of funding and the extremely limited number of electives this school has had to offer me. The small class sizes, however, offered me a more personal relationship with the staff, and a better understanding of the subject matter. A new Principal has been hired (2005-2006 school year), who is doing splendidly, in my opinion (maybe a touch overzealous, though ;) ). Put shortly, this is a safe, small school, in a small town.
--Submitted by David Ruple, a student

This is a small rural school, with small town attitudes and closed minds. Gifted children are not valued or recognized by the district without extreme amounts of parental pushing to get things done, despite testing results required by them. Discipline is punitive often on issues that are unimportant. On the positive side, this year we had exceptional 4th grade teachers, a kindergarten teacher who actually did respond to my request for additional guidance with my gifted child and a couple of 7th grade teachers who were also interested in their students. It has been said, and I would have to agree that Bristol is a district for the 'average' student. Nothing else seems valued here.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a good school my i have gone there all my life and would like to stay at this school till i graduate. There a many teachers how need money and are thinking about leaving. i feel so bad every time that i walk into the school myself. We really need to pass our next levy more than anything. We noe have to pay to play Basketball and we have to keep ourselfs warm by huddling up in sweaters and coats. If you are in the Bristol Community please vote yes i am a student. i know you could change everything.
--Submitted by a student