Seymour High School

Parents who are this concerned usually check schools out first before they move their families into an area, did you not do this? As for parent involvement there will always be questions that need to asked and answered, giving up because your tired is NOT an option when it comes to your children, if you don't know the answers then find them. As for the lily-white conservatism, hmmm I guess they did not teach History up North, or maybe you did not take the time to read up on the area before you moved here, we are all Southerners here, not that lily-white conservatism is a good thing nor do I believe in the ways at hand but we do not choose who comes into this area or who leaves, the lack of diversity stems from the stereotypical BS that people like you keep running your mouth about.
—Submitted by a parent

It has given 4 of my children a good education
—Submitted by a parent

My kids were starting 5th and 8th grade when we moved here -- they had both learned that year's curriculum the previous year at their school up north! Are there plenty of extracurriculars? Sure - there's even a golf team! - too many distractions and too many choices of classes as well to be part of a high school program. Meanwhile the basics suffer. The education and lily-white conservatism are disappointing to say the least. Especially disheartening is the intolerance hidden in the strong 'Christian' values. Fortunately my kids have survived this environment and still have grown to be loving, intelligent, open-minded young adults. As for parental involvement - I tried, but got tired of the same parents asking the same questions and never coming to any resolution. I have made a few mistakes in my life but the biggest I think was moving my family to Tennessee.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers at Seymour High are wonderful, but most are not! I hardly ever had homework, very rarely wrote any papers, and did not have to study and still made good grades. I was not prepared for college when I got there... several teachers went above and beyond to help me and help prepare me for college, but the overall experience was not good preparation.
—Submitted by a former student

we move to Seymour from the Alabama Gulf Coast I have a 9th grader in School and his grades have never been better he loves his school here and wants to be involved in everything. His attitude and overall look on school life has improved. The teachers are great and when he has a question they always take the time with him to be sure he gets it. I have a daughter in the Middle School and she also loves her school. I would reccomend Seymour Schools to any other in Knoxville. moving to this area is the best thing we ever did for our kids. The entire community is very involved with what is going on in the school compared to schools done south..Thanks to SHS Faculity for a job well done!!
—Submitted by Loretta Ables, a parent

I currently attend Seymour High, and despite the lack of diversity I plan to see my kids and grandkids attend Seymour. Yes the school is a typical high school, but we excel in many areas. The only thing we lack is parent involvement. When parents wait until the last minute to discuss the status of their child in their classes, it makes you wonder why they even had kids anyway. Every teacher I have had at Seymour has been willing to stay after school or come in early to see a student succeed. I would recommend SHS to any parent for any style of student. It is a shame to see those very few who don't care run their mouth about such a great school.
—Submitted by a student

If an entity lacks progressive mentality, one will see regression. I appreciate and agree with the teacher's comment about lack of diversity. Seems the really good teachers move out of this area as they do not wish to remain in an area which operates regressively.
—Submitted by a parent

SHS has a wonderful music program and has so many wonderful extracurricular activities. I myself am a student of SHS. The teachers really care about the students and the curriculum is great! The atmosphere is very welcoming. I went to a Knoxville area school for a short time when I was a sophomore and the level of education was lacking and some key classes were shortened and a lot was left out. Seymour has something for every student that walks through the doors.
—Submitted by a student

I found school here to be much more challenging than Petersburg VA, where we are from. We love the conservatism, and, since I have homeschooled my daughters, my son has had no problem fitting in. He is on the soccer team, and, as long as he does his homework, makes As. I like the teachers, the curriculum, which is much more reasonable, and the extra curricular activities for my son. I highly recommend Seymour High as opposed to any Knoxville school. There is also better discipline here.
—Submitted by a parent

As a transplant here from the Midwest, I am not impressed with Seymour schools. The lack of diversity is a concern for me. I am thankful that my children were well-grounded in appreciating people's differences before we moved here because I find many prejudicial opinions about people of other races and ethnic backgrounds. The ultra-conservative views of the community are reflected in the way classes are taught. How could it be any different if the majority of teachers were born and raised here? Seymour schools seem to have a great reputation for some reason, so readers should take my comments with a grain of salt. However, if you are looking for balanced views coming from teachers, I'd suggest you consider Knoxville schools instead since there is more diversity there---or stay away from East Tennessee altogether.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended school here. Classes were a joke, I would skip without consequence and I still made good grades. Drugs were rampant, students won't have a problem finding whatever they want. Seems like a good area at first site, but I really wouldn't recommend it. This is coming from a former student as a warning to all parents; send your child elsewhere.
—Submitted by a former student

I love this school. My daughter is happy here. The teachers are very good and they encourage each student to do his or her best.The principals are great as well as guidance. I could not ask for a better school to put my daughter in.. Thanks to all staff at SHS..
—Submitted by a parent