Haverford Senior High School

On the whole, I have been shocked at how challenging Haverford High School is for those taking honors and AP classes. Based on the experience of my several children, I would say that, on the whole, the instruction is well above average although, like any school, there are outstanding areas of instruction (English, History, Sciene and Foreign Language programs are strengths) and a few clunkers (particularly in mathematics, where instruction is, to be charitable, uneven - so many of the math teachers fall short - and my kids are good at math). There are fewer school frills than the typical Philly Main Line school (no pool, less fancy, etc. . . .), but I would say that, for honors-level students, the education is just as good and, for those who like the arts and other extracurricular activities, the opportunities are excellent. The best thing I can say about the honors-level program at Haverford is that student are completely ready for a rigorous college education and will not be overwhelmed by the work because they are used to a lot of homework and demanding teachers. If you are trying to prepare your children for a future pursuing higher education, HHS is a superb choice.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in all Honors courses and is challenged. Haverford HS offers and array of AP courses and activities for student involvement. Rated as one of the Top 500 High Schools in the US by Newsweek Magazine I am glad we are in this district.
--Submitted by a parent

As a recent graduate of this school, I have to say that although I was academically prepared for college, I felt like life at HHS was bleak. The administration did little to foster students' individualism and dreams. Advisers did nothing to progress my academic achievement. There was no encouragement to work harder or to pursue schools beyond Penn State, or to even look at life as a possibility for helping others instead of a life of suburban fulfillment. For a decently well off middle class suburb, shockingly few Haverford grads attend the University of Pennsylvania, which is only 4 miles down the road. I think that this is indicative of the teachers and administration that lack passion for continual learning.
--Submitted by a student

I got a great education there - it was easier for me in college than for many kids from private schools, though they could definitely use more supplies and technology.
--Submitted by a parent

Shocked at how good the education is here. Less frills but everything my son and daughter need for their future is here. Great parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically the school is exceptional. I have now lived in many different states and have not found one school to offer the academica challenges that Haverford offers and the community takes for granted. The administration was somewhat uncaring and the lack of a pool was more than disappointing considering some of the best swimmers in the nation have graduated from Haverford (they attended Haverford but were forced to train elsewhere). Keep up the good work! - a former student
--Submitted by a student

I just graduated from Haverford High School this year (no one calls it a senior high school, anymore). I have to say that HHS provides a good, well-balanced public school education without much extras. Unlike neighboring Lower Merion or Radnor, we don't extra money for things like astro turf, swimming pools, and student parking. The teaching is great for the most part and there are many great AP classes but some don't exactly prepare you for the AP exam. HHS also has a great arts program, including several good classes, as well as a diverse array of other extra-curriculars One area this school is seriously lacking is guidance. Unless it's a bona fid emergency, it's very hard to get an appointment with your counselor because there are only 5 counselors and 1 guidance secretary for almost 2000 students. It's just a mess for seniors. Scheduling causes many headaches for everyone and college counseling is virtually non-existent
--Submitted by a former student

Haverford is a great school for kids to grow and learn with each year they attend. The extracurricular activities are exceptional and very competative. Parents can also get invovled in a lot of different ways to help support their kids and the school.
--Submitted by a former student

Amazing school if your child is musically talented. The music program is top notch to the point where its influence might hinder other programs. As for academics- tremendous level of quality in the teachers who work there. The math deptartment offers many challenging courses.
--Submitted by a former student

Excellent offerings in core academic areas. The school also makes use of a homeroom advisory period. Students keep the same advisory from 9th grade to 12th. It enables them to have an adult in the building they can seek for guidance that is not a teacher. I know many students and HR advisors develop very close bonds.
--Submitted by a teacher