Houston High School

Houston has an excellent honors and AP classes. Teachers seem to care and theeducation is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

Houston appears to be an extremely good school overall; it has been fabulous for my boys (currently a junior and a freshman) so far. It is large enough (1600+) that I can't speak to everything, but I know that parental expectations and support are both high, leadership is outstanding, and counselors and teachers willingly work with parents and students to achieve great outcomes. With regard to some earlier comments: the band does take a lot of after-school time during marching competition season (Sep-Oct), but not as much as a sport would; and while a student or parent might be unhappy with some perceived weakness in the Spanish courses that does not mean the school is weak in foreign languages - judging by a neighbor's result, there is a strong program in French, and the German teacher, a native speaker, is incredibly dynamic and effective (there is also Latin, but I don't know anything about it at Houston.) Sadly, the great Geometry teacher mentioned last year (and she was great) has retired, but my junior has been very well-served in every Math class through Calculus. There are some outstanding private schools in Memphis, but my sons are getting a better education at HHS.
—Submitted by a parent

Houston High Schools is a good school, better than any other school in Shelby County.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great English and Geometry Teacher, but really weak in foreign language (spanish) and AP Math/physics teachers. So watch out Kids who are going to be a Freshman or a Junior. Great Band program but lot of after school time is focused on this. Good luck current students and new students.
—Submitted by a parent

Two daughters loved this school. I'm proud of Mr. Aitken, the former Principal, and his guidance and support. He's greatly admired for his excellent guidance of the entire student body.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding teachers make Houston a great place for my children. After 3 years I only have great things to say about HHS. We will miss our principal but look forward to new new ideas
—Submitted by a parent

I am a very happy student with my experience at Houston. I know my parents are too. They have found me to be challenged by the classes and have many great friends. The teachers are incredible, and the principal is amazing! He knows almost every student by name! My sister who graduated almost 10 years ago is still remembered by him. And to the student who believes the administration to punish you for no reason is obviously in denial. I have been treated very fairly with the punishments I have received there and I admit to the fact that I have deserved those punishments. I will be very sad to leave.
—Submitted by a student

No matter what anyone says, Houston High School is by far one of the best high schools around. The people are great, the majority of the teachers are wonderful, and the experience is one I wouldn't hesitate to relive again. Of course, like any other high school, Houston has its fair share of problem students and teachers, but all around, Houston is a wonderful school. Someone below stated how sending their child to Houston was the biggest mistake, however, chances are it could have been the student himself not taking the opportunities Houston offers.
—Submitted by a student

I have found the principal to be very involved and instrumental in making the school a safe environment. The teachers over all are good and care. The honors classes do challenge the students. Some of the standard classes do also. It depends on the student. School is what you make of it. I am pleased overall. The extracurricular offerings are varied and offer something for most everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

My child went there and graduated in 2007. It was the absolute worst educational experience in history. I do not think that she could have gone to a worse high school. I suggest that parents find an alternative for their child's academic experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Let me tell you. Yeah sure everyone raves on how great Houston High School is, but from a student's perspective it is everything but great. The biggest problem to date would have to be some of the administrators. Disciplining kids for no reason is a big problem. So for my rating of Houston High School, I give it a 1/5 stars.
—Submitted by a student

Houston High School is still a great school. As a parent and teacher (Houston High) anyone who attends knows that our standards were not lowered cue to overcrowding. With a new SCS opening in August 07 our overcrowding problems will be eliminated. Until you have a child in the school or work with the bright and talented students from the Houston neighborhoods, you really can't determine much about a school.
—Submitted by a teacher

A quick glance of the school would give you all you need--beautiful campus, many extracurricular activities, etc. But then when one becomes more involved with the school, one realizes that the school is wonderful, only on the outside.The honors courses are excellent. But then the standar courses and the students are horrible. Many mock their teachers, talk about drugs, listen to music, etc. in class. Many parents can give reviews on this school, but have they actual experienced the school firsthand? Have they sat in the wooden desk in the middle of the class, where school really matters? No, most have not.
—Submitted by a student

The last update for this school was November, 2004? Oh how so much can change in two years, and not for the good. Not to blame the principal or any of the teachers at Houston. They are certainly doing their best. A large portion of the kids that have been added to this school are going to cause the same problems that brought Germantown High School down to where it is now. Germantown High School use to be a well-respected, well thought of school. Not any more. Houston High School was the High School to go to in Germantown; until recently. Now it is following the path of Germantown High. All because of the School Board's zoning lines. Wouldn't it be nice to have out two High School's back?
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has really been challenged. The principal is great! The extracurricular enhances the overall program! We feel blessed our son attends such a great school
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school leadership (principal) and curriculum. My child has attended Houston High School the last two years, and the classes are much more challenging than the private school Briarcrest. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is good. I have child attending the school. The school has a large student to teacher ratio. I think there should be more computers in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The overall 'southern mentality' curriclum and 'lack of willingness' to recognize and acknowlege other minority races keeps us from becoming a 'excellent school'.
—Submitted by a former student