Hillsboro High School

I have attended private school my whole life and really needed a change into something more realistic. I felt unique and like someone that could be anything they wanted to be. I love Hillsboro and plan to stay there till i graduate. It is public so it does have its problems but so does every school. I highly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a student

This is our first year at Hillsboro and we couldn't be happier! My daughter is excelling academically - she is taking World History AP as a freshman and is enrolled in the Vanderbilt ISR program at Hillsboro which is amazing. She loves her teachers, has enjoyed meeting new friends and playing sports. Next year she will enter the IB Academy and hopes to graduate with an IB Diploma, college credit in hand and hopefully a scholarship to the university of her choice. We truly value all that HHS has to offer and are so pleased with our high school choice in a city that offers so many.
—Submitted by a parent

As a private school convert from Nasville's best private schools, I reluctantly let my daughter attend Hillsboro as she had asked so that she could experience a more "normal, less elitist" environment. 3 years later we are happy with her experience, with the academic rigor(all college level courses and IB program), as well as the fired up faculty and of course Dr Terry Shrader. Now we have our kids in Percy Priest, JT Moore, and Hillsboro High School and the experience has exceeded our expectation. For those looking for a great school, offering rigorous academics, an engaged faculty and high parent involvement, be assured that you need not spend 20,000 a year...been there, done that. You will definately get a prettier campus... but, thankfully, that is not the measure of the best educational practices.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a junior at Hillsboro who, along with his eclectic group of friends, is experiencing a rigorous academic environment along with great teachers and extracurricular activities. He will graduate with college credit. The Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) course he is taking can easily be compared to a college-level lab. The energy in the school is upbeat. Teachers are motivated and excited to come to work. Dr. Shrader is passionate about Hillsboro, has high expectations of his teachers and leads by example with an incredible work ethic. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to have your kids at HHS, don t pass it up. Our kids, and those from privates and magnets will be attending the same univerisities!
—Submitted by a parent

Hillsboro HIgh School has new leadership the past two years and is poised to show even greater success in the coming years. The new principal, Dr. Terry Shrader is striving to put great teachers in each position at the school whether it be in the esteemed Academy of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or in the Freshman Academy (which has a new principal who is a former fabulous science teacher at JT Moore) or in the Academy of Global Health and Science or the Academy of Business and Communications. Vanderbilt has two programs in which students may participate either on or off campus. The Confucius Institute has a Confucius Classroom at the school. The Academy of the IB Diploma Programme had a 100% graduation rate for 2011's graduating class, an average ACT score of 25 and an average of $46,000 per student in scholarship monies for college. This is quite impressive in light of the fact that anyone may enjoy the benefits of this academy without any type of entrance testing. A student who will work hard is welcome to be a part of this program. The school has students who turned down magnet school spots as well as transfers from private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended her freshman yr 2011/12 here and it was a nightmare! Only one teacher, biology seemed to know how to teach. The office was unprofessional, teachers cuss,students are out of control and when sent to in school susp. They hang out in the auditorium listen to iPod and on phones. Dr Schrader, all talk along with 4 other principals for each grade, yes it takes 5 to run this disorganized school. When tried to get a new book for my daughter, after stolen I had to argue with them to get pay for another. They first refused due to it being the last semester, really umm have they heard of studying for finals!! If you have an option don't send your child here!!
—Submitted by a parent

Hillsboro remains at the very top of the academic ladder and has remained there for years....Very high percentages of graduates go on to college, many alumni are disinguished citizens priviledge attending here. To that parent: I'm sorry to say, but Hillsboro is not the best who gave the negative, it is principals NOT principles!

My daughter is a transfer student from Harpeth Hall Girls School to the Hillsboro International Baccalaureate program. I volunteer in the Visual Arts department and am in regular communication with school administrators. Teachers and department leaders participate regularly in continued IB training. I am in the classroom 1-4 times weekly and can assure you that students who participate in the AP and IB programs can stand up to any program in Nashville. Our school and families are working hard to gain the same positive attention locally that we enjoy nationally.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two recent Hillsboro graduates, I was very impressed by the level of education that they received. As one of the countries few IB accredited schools, the school stands above many of the private schools in the area. My children both flourished and have grown into wonderful young adults.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry to say, but Hillsboro is not the best school for children who actually want a good education. The teachers do not put their all into teaching, the safety issues are always being worried about, the principles do not care much about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I love hillsboro high school. I have been there since my freshmen year. I am a senior and hate that im leaving. The teachers are so concern about every student and put their all in their job... Hillsboro is a home away from home and i enjoy going to school everyday!
—Submitted by a student

Hillsboro is an excellent school; I did my student teacher at this school and was voted the Student Teacher of The Year. My grandson enjoys the curriculum and the teachers. I visit the school frequently and I know some of the teachers and have taught some of them. The principal' strategies for discipline is excellent; some students do not like him, but he well-liked by most of the students that I know at the school. Teachers are on task for students to learn. Great school. Kathy Pleas - retired teacher
—Submitted by a parent

Hillsboro is a great school for motivated students. Our son transferred there from a private school and we were pleasantly surprised. The faculty and administration (especially guidance counselors) made him feel welcome and wanted. Unfortunately, like all public schools, they do not have the same resources as the private schools nor the amount of parental involvement across the board. If you have a motivated child though, they can do very well at Hillsboro.
—Submitted by a parent