Berkeley Senior High School

I could not understand why many of the students at Berkeley High School are so aggressive and disrespectful towards each other, until I learned of the attitude that the BHS principlal has towards some of the students. My child innocently was walking in the hallway, during the pledge if allegiance, as she was on her way to class. Unexpectedly, the principal signalled her out in front of her peers who were also walking in the hall at that time, and criticized her for not showing the proper respect, by not stopping and holding her hand to her heart in the hallway.My daughter gently responded to her by saying "I'm sorry." The principal angrily snapped back at her and yelled "You should be!." My daughter was very hurt by the princpal's heartless response to her unintentional error. Also, students at BHS place much pressure on each other to dress, act and look a certain way, or face isolation, name calling and the like. But the faculty at BHS literally ignore these and other hostilities. If you care about your child's self-esteem and piece of mind, then BHS is the wrong choice for schools.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is poor at best and sadly, residents in SC are not aware of it. This school is so mismanaged and leaves many of its' students burned out and hostile. Just take a look inside and you'll see what I mean.The "educators" are unimpressive in their teaching approaches and have left my hard working student in tears on more than one occasion. I want to go back to where teachers teach and use wisdom, knowledge, understanding, common sense and intelligent approaches to educating students, Values which are no where to be found here. Rather, BHS uses time-wasting techniques that confuse and frustrate kids and parents alike. Admitted to me by one BHS "teacher", my daughter doesn't even receive proper credit for some of the hard work that she does; Which is cruel, ridiculous and a completely unfair way to treat a shy and impressionable 14 year old who cares abou her education and future. I miss the North now more than ever.
--Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love going to this school; and wouldn't choose any other school to attend my high school years. Ive met some great students; friends and i the teachers actually connect with the students and try to understand them. Berkeley High is starting a lot of new programs to show an improvement and let others know where not just what you hear. Berkeley is by the far the best school ive attended.
--Submitted by a student

The teachers are caring and will help the student if the student wants help. My daughter is advanced in grade, but young in age. The teachers are always willing to talk to her or me about advance placement. The staff will help parents keep an eye on their kids. From the janitor to the lunchroom lady. They go to the sporting events and know your childs name. If you are interested, and stay involved, your child will have a pleasant experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Poor quality on academic poor variety of artistic activities offered poor parental involvement
--Submitted by a parent

As a high school graduate of the class of 2004 I can honestly tell you Berkeley was the best school I could have possible attended. In my four years attending Berkeley I was involved in over 14 clubs and associations. 10 in which I became a leader, president or commander of. I would recommend any student to go to Berkeley. As someone who grew up in schools all over the United States Berkeley was the only school in which racism and violence wasn't an issue. I am proud to hang my Berkeley High School Diploma on the wall. As well as my teaching degree from Charleston Southern University. Berekeley will of course be the first school I plan to teach.
--Submitted by Melanie Laurino, a former student