Sycamore High School

I graduated from Sycamore High School back in 2005, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the neat opportunities SHS offers students. I participated in peer mentor and mediation programs as well as the soccer program. I received a soccer scholarship to Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and I'm currently finishing up my M.Ed. in School Counseling. The opportunities SHS provided me with helped me reach my academic goals, and at this point my counselor has been a resource for a decade and continues to offer aid in my internship and job search. Although Sycamore is said to have a "cliquey" student body, there are ample opportunities for every student to find his/her niche' and develop his/her interests. If I ever relocate to Cincinnati after my wedding I will surely look into putting my children into the Sycamore school system due to my pleasant experiences and all the support I received and continue to receive.

We had three daughters go through Sycamore schools from K through 12. We always had teachers who were willing to engage with students and parents. Many go above and beyond. The instrumental music program is outstanding, and these teachers go the extra mile and then 10 more. Our children were all very well prepared for college, finding college classes in some cases easier than high school. Due to the varied opportunities, most students can find a niche of friends to fit into, and I especially appreciate the diversity of the student body.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a child here at Sycamore, socially it's been a bit difficult these past few years. Sycamore is very clichey and there is a lot of bullying going on in that school. I know first hand as my child has been bullied on multiple occassions. I believe it's jealousy but not an excuse to be tormented day in and day out. My child is smart, athletic, attractive, funny, father and I have great careers but my child still has a very hard time at this school. Other than the mean kids, the school itself is great! My child carries mainly straight 'a's'. The teachers are great with the students. The athletic program has a variety of sports to choose from. Most of them are great programs, a few need some work. I'm a volunteer at the school and absolutely love the ladies at the front desk.
--Submitted by a parent

Administrative staff is horrible.
--Submitted by a parent

I did a lot of research when we were choosing a school system. Sycamore was the standout all around. I've heard other parents complain that the 'normal' kids are 'left out' but I think what they're actually seeing is that Sycamore does the 'normal' things so well, they make it look easy. They make it look like they aren't breaking a sweat. Yes, Sycamore serves the adademically gifted and the special needs kids incredibly well, but I think if those parents of 'middle tier' kids were in some other district, they'd see that Sycamore was serving those kids just as well. Sycamore is just plain good at preparing kids for college. A typical reaction from college freshmen is, 'This is like 13th grade.'
--Submitted by a parent

Sycamore schools are good overall for many reasons, and being located in an affluent area is a big part. Parents should be getting some credit for the success of Sycamore schools than they do. With any school district, there are good and bad teachers, and those who give the extra effort. Be sure to ask other parents their particular experience with a given teacher. My kids go to Sycamore, and we have had some outstanding teachers and some real duds. My experience is that the principals will take the side of their teachers over you if you have an issue.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former studant and now a parent. I know that there is no better public school in the area. From talking with friends about the schools districts that they live in I know that Sycamore goes above and beyond for not only the students but parents as well. As when I was at these school years ago the teacher still call home and give updates when needed on at a time that the parent is home and can talk. They also have a pre K program the only thing I would say about that is get enrolled into that ASAP it fills up fast. I wish they would open more classes to get all the children in.
--Submitted by a parent

From the caring and involved administration to all the supporting staff and teachers, the Sycamore School District is one of Ohio's finest. The music department is outstanding. Aviator's Sports bring 'team' and 'competition' together, delivering encouragement and pride for the students. Parents care and are involved. They support activities in all the necessary and little ways, showing support and unity with the administration/teachers/coaches/instructors for the best interest of the students. If you are new to the area, or looking for a better way, for your child's future, you will not be disappointed with the level of commitment we have experienced in the Sycamore Schools.
--Submitted by Mary Anne Moody, a parent

Lots of activities available
--Submitted by a parent

some of sycamores younger teachers are good at what they do and are really interested in helping the students, however most of the older teachers have been around for a while and it just seems that they are just doing what they have to do to kill time until they get their retirement and dont really care too much about the individual students issues and grades
--Submitted by a student