Abington Junior High School

AJHS was a great stepping stone for me. There I learned how to thrive a real academic setting which put me in a position to be sucessful later in my education. The teachers at AHJS were of great influence on me. I was able to take a month-long trip to Europe with one such teacher and that experience has stayed with me even into my 30's.

my son came to Abington junior high for 9th grade. He has always been in a small Catholic school. He thought coming to a public school would be cool. Maybe it is, but not Abington the kids are out of control, but I must admit the principals there take fights and bullying serious. I think there is too many kids in this school. THE EDUCATION IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends AJHS for 7th grade and does well in her classes academically although she finds it difficult to concentrate on school work when there are kids constantly fighting, bullying ,harassing other kids. I've had to go to administration because of a bully yet things continued. The transition from grade school to junior high is hard enough with such a large student body. Thank goodness I'm moving into another district where hopefully this type of behavior is not tolerated!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are exceptional and my son likes the school. He does tell me there is drug use in school and fights everyday. Luckily he has no problems. I do lead a youth group with two 8th grade girls involved from Abington. Both are frightened of all the fights and hate the school, although they plus my son do well academically.
--Submitted by a parent

Abington schools are excellent I had two go through the elementry schools and JH and High School. There is only one problem as I know there are in many schools. The Bullies get away with things that other students can't get away with. And if you are a football player you can be stupid, a bully and still can't do amy wrong. Otherwise a great school district.
--Submitted by a parent

Wish they better addressed social problems like bullying and teasing, etc.
--Submitted by a parent

I was told that this was a safe, good school for my children to learn in; however, I found out that the school is lacking in discipline. The kids are involved in drug use, gang violence and very racist. Children have taken weapons to school, push other kids while the teachers stand and watch. This school campares to schools in Philadelphia in dangers that children have to go through everyday, the only thing is that this school is not in Philadelphia
--Submitted by a parent

I really didn't like elementary school. But now, in my 2nd year at AJHS, there are, what a shock, times when I do actually like school. The teachers are amazing; quite a few seem almost like friends whom we joke around with, but highly respect and learn from. Many of my teachers have been dynamic, exciting, funny, and creative. The biggest drawback about AJHS is the students. I feel sometimes like we've tried to grow up too quickly, attempted to become adults when we don't know what that is. Sex, drugs, and rock n' roll is, sadly, a large theme in the social aspect here. However, I suspect that this might be the same in many public schools. AJHS is a wonderful school, the curriculum is quite good, there are dozens of afterschool clubs, and the teachers I have I will come back and visit many years later.
--Submitted by a student

The teachers are extremely accessible to parents, very understanding of the children's developmental challenges, and very energetic and creative. Classes can be large and most honors classes have 30 students. Students who are self starters will obtain a great education. There are many talented and smart children. The school offers diversity and needs more character education and diversity training. Administration is very accessible to parents but lacks vision and the ability to create a distinct culture of social excellence among staff and students. The guidance department is useful and parents should stay on top of their services. There are very good extracurricular activities. Parent involvement is definitely present but there are few parents who are progressively involved in the quality of education and socialization in the school. There are some innovative parent initiatives for children of color. AJHS is serious about safety but has improvement opportunities for respect and self esteem.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Abington Junior High this year. I think it's probably an exceptional school (academically), for those children ready for this kind of competitiveness, and involvement. But, coming from a very small school to such an enormous student body, (in my opinion) is just so overwhelming to soon. I hear about fights and drugs already, and this is only seventh grade. My daughter is in all the honors classes, and has made the distinguished honor role for the first two marking periods. And as thrilled as we are with that, we are still considering a much smaller school for next year. We fear for the safety, that does not seem to be there for these (still very young) children.
--Submitted by a parent