North Hills Senior High School

I graduated in 2012, and I've been pursuing an education degree. North Hills was the best thing to prepare me for college. From the teachers to the staff, North Hills is by far one of the best districts in PA. I've witnessed a lot of other schools through student teaching and observations, and by far North Hills sets the standards high. The previous comments that are negative towards NH are totally false. The district keeps its standards high and if a student wants to succeed, there are so many AP and college level courses offered to prepare students for college. Their music and athletic programs are phenomenal, as well. Despite the economy, North Hills still offers amazing academics and extra-curricular activities. Their teachers are top-notch and strive to help their students learn in and out of the classroom. Because of the teachers I had at North Hills, it inspired me to become a teacher. I hope that I can teach at NH some day because of the impact it made on me and the impact I want to contribute to making NH the best district around.
—Submitted by a student

I am a former student. Many of the teachers did have "pets". While there were a few quality teachers, those were few and far between. Most fully enforced the "no child left behind" law so that EVERYONE passed without care or concern for whether or not they were prepared. Many also took way too long to retire. Finally, the principal was non-existent, unless you include his appearances at the football games.
—Submitted by a student

I just graduated from North Hills and went on to a nationally-ranked university. North Hills offers such a strong variety of classes, teachers, and extracurriculars that I was entirely prepared for college.
—Submitted by a student

This is probably one of the best schools in western pa. The academics are great and the teachers and students are so nice.
—Submitted by a student

As an ex student I can say that the level of caring is focused on punishment and bully tactics from teachers. They have a few 'pets' who in their own way enforce the teachers will through hazing tech. steer clear of this school
—Submitted by a parent

it is probably one of the worst schools in Pa . They teachers only teach to meet pssa and exam requirmens but dont actually teach. The kids are rude and are snobby kids and the enviroment really stinks.
—Submitted by a parent

The school seems to be more focused on extra curricular activities than academics. If you child is not a cheerleader or in football they are less likely to fit in and less likely to be given leeway from pricipals in situations of dicipline, etc. Perhaps it will improve now that the head principal is no longer the football coach.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is currently a junior in the NHSD, and is performing exceptionally well. When asked why she is doing so well, she tells us that most of the teachers are very excited about the subjects they teach. They are creative in instruction, encourage discussion and questions, and she always know where she stands and how she can improve. She has never been bullied, has never encountered drugs, and says she feel very safe. Most of all, we feel she is receiving a quality education.
—Submitted by Anne Palmer, a parent

North Hills Senior High offers a wide variety of class options for its high schoolers. Many AP courses are offered as well as CHS (College in the High School) courses. But it isn't just about the upper level students either. There are many devoted special education specialists working in the school to help those students with special needs. There are many computer lab stations and the school has a wonderful multimedia center (library). North Hills not only provides a broad education, it provides an excellent education
—Submitted by a teacher

~i went 2 north hills and i will say it is very safe and they really help u achieve success. they were not too too strict but still emphasized a strong education ethic. it is definitely a good school to send your kids and comes highly recommended from many different people and places.~
—Submitted by a former student

We were pleased with North Hills for both our children. Drugs are comparatively low; the teachers take an interest in the kids and tend to have an overall excellent rapport with them. Both my kids said that unless you go out of your way to be a jerk or deliberately not fit in, you will NOT get picked on. Whenever I had a question or concern, I could contact any of the teachers. This is a solid middle class school with working class parents--it is not a snobby school as is our nemesis to the north of us--nor is it a school with high crime and low SAT scores, as many of the city schools are. Have your children attend North Hills with confidence.
—Submitted by Sandra Miller-Louden, a parent