Solon High School

Solon gets a reputation in the area as such an "excellent school", but the realities of Solon from students' perspectives is much different. The administration is so concerned with the needs of adults that it is willing to jeopradize student education for the needs of the ineffective teachers. Most teachers at SHS are excellent, but there are some teachers that are HORRIBLE. The programs may look comely by the semblance, but in truth, many are just GPA busters. I had a 4.2 GPA, but that is extremely hard and ardous to achieve. Solon has a really good reputation, but in reality, it isn't all "shiny star".
--Submitted by a student

To truly have a good solon exeperience it is all about luck. you have to be lucky not to get involved with drama. be lucky to get a good teacher that actually tries to teach you things instead of whining and yelling constantly. lucky if you aren't stuck in a class where 50% of the students want to cheat off of anything that moves. be lucky to make it to sophmore year and finally figure out what your doing there, but by then your GPA is all messed up. But if you are one of the lucky ones,like myself so far, solon will prepare you and you will have a good experience there and get to where you want to be by the time you graduate.
--Submitted by a student

I think SHS is an outstanding school. I had a child who had special needs. They were able to go on to college and succeed due to the teaching at SHS. The teachers are available mornings and afternoons to offer help. It is up to lazy parents to get up and take their children to these committed teachers. Or do you want them to come to your house?
--Submitted by a parent

The academic standards in Solon have prepared me more than I could ever imagine for my college education. The emphasis on getting involved, whether it be in sports, music, or clubs (of which I decided to participate in all), helps students learn about prioritizing and time management. Above and beyond the actual course material, those skills seem to be the most difficult for college freshmen to grasp. With the help of Solon High School, I had no trouble making the transition. I must say though that there is tons of competition between students, sports, academics, music, etc. Uncompetitive students may not thrive in the environment. Unlike the parent below me, I would highly disagree in the fact that people are 'just handed' spots on the sports teams. As a former varsity athlete myself, I can't think of any athlete that didn't work all year to earn their position.

Solon is known for its academics and high test scores, and that is true, however, academics are not the only aspect of an education. Social skills and life long learning begins to take shape during these years. My daughter has endured a lot of problems in those areas and because of that, her grades went from exceptional to just average. The majority of kids who attend Solon schools come from wealth and affluency. Many kids get things handed to them, including spots on sports teams and other extracurricular activities. It becomes more about who you know and patronize and less about their actual abilities - - this leaves many out with no way in. I am also a graduate of SHS and cannot believe the difference in the schools since I attended. I have become very turned off, not by the academics, but by the attitudes of the parents and students.
--Submitted by a parent

Solon High School is outstanding especially for top students. There are enough honors and AP classes to challenge the student in many areas of interest. The staff does a fine job preparing the kids for college. The academics are it in Solon, but if your child plays a sport or is interested in the Arts they will find an outlet. I am a parent of two student/athlete/band kids who attend.
--Submitted by a parent

Solon is a terrible school. They put too much emphasis on sports.
--Submitted by a former student

Solon High School truly is the premier school in the state. The concentration on academics and support for extracurricular programs is outstanding. The teachers excel in keeping students on the right track and aid is always there when requested. Teachers give up their own time to help students' progress. Extracurriculars are also very well supported at SHS. There is a wide variety of clubs and groups to join. The sports teams are always contenders and the music program at the high school is one of the best in the country. Solon High school is a place where no one will feel left out because of great diversity and everyone is given the oppurtunity to succeed.
--Submitted by a student

Solon HS is one of the premier public schools in the Cleveland area. There is tremendous support from the community - school levies pass with little trouble - and from the parents - as judged by attendance at school functions and participation in school activities. Schools superintendent Joe Regano leads a strong team with good vision. Solon offers numerous AP courses and is annually near the top in the number of National Merit scholars. Dozens of enrichment opportunities are available including trips overseas with faculty advisors. Solon has programs specially designed to integrate developomentally challenged students into student life and develop life skills. My three children all attended Solon HS. Solon is not free of the problems that accompany suburban life and teenage years. The problems of drugs, drinking and sexual behavior are ordinary for the times. Students can avoid these groups if they choose.
--Submitted by Terry, a parent

it is a good school for regular students, but if you have student with learning problems or gifted student who also have different learning style it is terrible place. School always posting high scoes on the state tests but a lot of the results because of tutoring done or paid for by parents outside of school. I am not impressed with teachers education and credentials, but administration team is very mediocre and solon schools board is a rubber stamping group. Music and sports are available even too much concentration on sport to begin with. it is affluent area so mothers are not working and just hanging at schools form the elementary and up.
--Submitted by a parent