Upper Arlington High School

Being a non-legacy is difficult. The athletic code is extremely lax. Coaches should not be hired who cannot even spell or use proper grammar and they should not be permitted to hire their cronies. There is a huge doping problem across all economic levels. Bullying is a problem by students, teachers and coaches. There are excellent teachers in the system but not enough to merit the pay they receive. For the record, my child is an athlete, volunteer and "A" student.
—Submitted by a parent

Most people who go here never plan on trying anything different, and that immensely alters perceptions about the real world. Some people want to understand what's out in the world, and others are content with what they already understand (Especially when there's not much more to understand than the ways of UA). I attended Upper Arlington thru grades K-12. Once I got to college I realized all the things that were so easy to take for granted. However, I was one of the few kids who went out of state for college -- everyone else went to private schools or close by, like Miami of Ohio or Ohio State. I tell them it seems like they don't want things to ever change, but they just tell me to appreciate Upper Arlington, and lacrosse.
—Submitted by a student

I completely agree with the reviewer of October 7, 2011. I took my children out of the catholic system and put them into UAHS for the educational opportunities. I can't stress enough how great they are. But, as the October 7th reviewer said, unless you have lived in UA since it's incorporation, your child will struggle socially - especially with athletics. I find volunteering to be difficult as I have found that all of them know each other from when they went to school here and are not particularly friendly to newcomers (e.g., you go up and introduce yourself and they say hello and then walk over to their group of friends and do not include you in the conversation or give you any kind of pointers as to the task at hand.) I find it more rewarding to volunteer outside the UA district, and I now go to the inner city schools and help there. Come to UA for the IB and AP programs, the teachers, and the guidance staff. They know their stuff and will help your child get into a great college. I am on year 3 of my 10 year sentence in UA. They day they graduate is the day I put my house up for sale.
—Submitted by a parent

It is hard for people who have never left the place they grew up to accuratley judge anything as there worldly experience is non existant.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated just a few years ago and I am now in college at OSU. I don't have enough good things to say about UAHS and the Upper Arlington district. In the four years that I attended UAHS I loved all of my teachers and are still in contact with many of them. Kip Greenhill was a great principal as well. I'm so thankful that my family made the move to this district when I was in elementary school because I don't think that I would have had the same amount of opportunities else ware.
—Submitted by a student

I do not feel challenged at this school. Don't get me wrong, this school is an EXCELLENT public school. I feel very fortunate to be attending the school, however I happen to feel EXACTLY the same way as the previous student's comment: "Way too much homework and outside-of-school work assigned - the overburden of homework is counterproductive. I can learn that 2 + 2 = 4 once; I don't need to do 100 of 2 + 2 = 4 problems to understand it. It's unnecessary."
—Submitted by a student

People who wrote previous reviews must either be paid school staff members or parents/teachers who have never seen what a *real* "good" public school looks like. This school is mainly full of supercilious, cookie-cutter kids. The predominant environment just has a very "clique-y" feel. Way too much homework and outside-of-school work assigned - the overburden of homework is counterproductive. I can learn that 2 + 2 = 4 once; I don't need to do 100 of 2 + 2 = 4 problems to understand it. It's unnecessary. SOME teachers are either a) extremely snobbish (won't name names here) or b) extremely boring and lack skill on how to teach EFFECTIVELY. The problem here is that "Arlingtonians" think they are too good for everyone, and that this public school is extraordinary; I beg to differ. I have been in several public schools, and this school is not horrible per se, but not that remarkable or extraordinary either. Art should not be necessary. Students should focus on areas *they* want to pursue in life, and the compulsory requirement for art is a waste of time. Also, public speaking IS an essential skill, however, there should be better public speaking teachers & syllabus. Not impressed.
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from UAHS in 2006, and like every one of mu friends, have continued on to college. The UA school system provides an amazing learning atmosphere with 32 highly successful division 1 sports. Endless teacher support, cutting edge technology, and progressive learning environment all add up to the best education available.

I graduated from UA my 4 kids graduated from UA and my grandaughter will graduate from UA, enough said.

I currently have one child in the high school and next year I will have two. This school prepares them so much for what is beyond high school. The competition and expectations are extremely high at UA.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a freshman at uahs. The new 'link' crews have made me feel so welcome and i'm glad i new some upperclassmen on the first day of school. No one was terribly mean like i expected and i definetly made a lot of friends. Every teacher was so kind and incredibly educated.
—Submitted by a student

Principal Kip Greenhill is a positive, committed and highly effective administrator, and is well-liked and respected by the students, teachers and staff for his positive leadership at the high school.
—Submitted by a parent

UAHS is as near to being a private prep school as one can get in a public setting. My three children all agree their move to college was a seamless transition in terms of their academic preparation. The district-wide emphasis on the traditional '3-R's' coupled with a corps of teachers and administrators dedicated to being progressive in their pedagogy and use of technology is superb. The extracurricular opportunities for students is also top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student ar UAHS. This is truly an excellent school. It offers a great education to students of all ability levels and career inclinations. Th AP program is excellent, with amazing teachers and the majority of students getting great marks on the AP test. There also an IB program, which is also excellent. Many extracurricular activites are offered. The only are of improvement is the inclusion of realistic sports alternatives. The school teams are very successful, but they are extremely demanding, and the coaches have a particularly hard-headed attitudes as to 'commitment'. In other Columbus area schools, it is sometimes characterized as snobbish, but I am proud to say that from my experience these rumors are entirely false.
—Submitted by a student

First rate teachers, counselors and administrators. Decent facilities. The community support is outstanding. Fiscally, the Board is responsible.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student currently enrolled at UA, it still amazes me that although we are a public school, the opportunities that they prepare with is similar to that of a private preparatory school. The teachers provide excellent insight to the real world, and the advanced classes and IB Program can provide students with useful skills for college.
—Submitted by a student

As a former student I can say it is a school district that provides not only a quality eduation but a caring staff dedicated to the students. I believe UAHS prepares students for college unlike any other high school. Great district, safe community.
—Submitted by a student

I was a student here last year, just graduated 2007, academics at this school is pretty much a small college, endless amount of class opportunities, athletics are top in the state, and are competitive as a private school or even more. Every teacher is highly known throughout Ohio and some in the United States, this school is top rated in the united states for art and writing components. This is definitely the top public school in Ohio.
—Submitted by a student

As a grad of Upper Arlington and now having a child enrolled there, I have nothing but superlative comments. Teachers and support staff are second to none, the facilities while a little dated, are very well maintained. The athletic department is among the best in the state with coaches who care about the kids. The community as whole takes great pride in the schools and are very supportive. If you're thinking about a move to central Ohio and want your kids in an all-around top notch school, Upper Arlington is the place to be.
—Submitted by Jay, a former student

Upper Arlington High School is an outstanding school and has been on top for many years. The students, teachers, and parents are all very involved and strive to promote good education. The SAT scores are off the charts and this high school has been in the Top 20 in the whole country! Many families move here each year because of the district's record. It may be more expensive then the counties surrounding it, but it sure is worth it! It is a safe community with very low crime and the people are wonderful and kind. Great place to grow-up!
—Submitted by a former student