Arlington High School

As a former student of Arlington High, I have seen both ups and downs in my time there. As far as teachers go you have some amazing teachers who work above and beyond and don't get properly appreciated. But on the other hand you have teachers who are only there purely on tenure and tenure alone. The main issue with this school is the administration and the lack of desire some of them have for working in a public school and with teenage students. Arlington High has tons of school spirit and tradition that they are very proud of. But unfortunately, a majority of the time that is held at more importance than education itself.
—Submitted by a student

It is a great and fun school! I like its locatin and its convenient access to lots of amenities. Later on, I went to UT Arilington which is 2 blocks down the road.

I was at one point a substitute teacher and in doing so have had the opportunity to view all the high schools in Arlington. In my opinion AHS would rank 3rd or 4th in the district. The worst argument against this school is the administration, having met some of them and seeing their interactions with students some of them have no business being in our public education system and should seek employment in other arenas. The feeling that I got from a lot of the teachers was that they were there to collect a paycheck and not interested in fostering the learning experience. Arlington HS bright spot is that it once was a great and proud institution, however, it has slipped into mediocrity and because of the pride of the employees and alumni, have failed to realize what they have become.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter came here last year and did not know a soul. It was tough at first because it's a big school. Some teachers/coaches are duds. But, some things are wonderful. She's getting a great experience and has wonderful teachers in IB & theater . I am astounded at the education she is receiving in the IB program. Yesterday, they did a video conference call with IB students in England and India, discussing and important global issue with an expert and talking about some of the assignments they all do- all IB students around the world. I think she's getting a better education than at an expensive ivy league prep. The diversity in this school is handled professionally by the adults, which trickles down to the students. It's not a pretty building and the sports are hit and miss, but the academic education is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

i go to this school and it is a grat school. there are so many colleges that want me now and it is because of the dedicated faculty there. im at the of my class and lovin every bit of it. i came from this school as a freshman and new to texas and they were so welcoming and the kids are very friendly.im graduating next yr. this school rocks!
—Submitted by a student

This school will make you feel like a small fish in a big pond, its scary, and is definatly not welcoming
—Submitted by a student

This school is not welcoming... The students and teachers make you feel unwanted.
—Submitted by a student

AHS is the best choice for a multitude of reasons. Although, AHS is the oldest high school in Arlington, it is the best to prepare our kids for the real world that faces them. The diversity is something to be proud of, all socio-economic groups, ethninticities, and cultures can be found along with tremendous educational opportunities. All 4 of my children have or still attend, and our experience with each has been good. The staff is dedicated and truly concerned about their students. Regardless of their drastically different interests and aptitudes there was more than enough options for each of them. I would highly recommend AHS to all parents regardless of your district. My kids are transfered to AHS, it doesn't matter what part of Arlington you live in, AHS is the best choice.
—Submitted by a parent

I sent my daughter to AHS and four years later, she is graduating with two degrees - BA and a BS from TCU with a 3.97 GPA. At AHS, she saw a cross section of the world and her public school education is evidently equal or better than the 15K a year my extended family wastes on private HS. Public school is what you put into it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of Arlington High Grad & an upcoming 2009 graduate. My kids loved AHS. In fact, our family almost relocated in 2003 but stayed in Arlington so that my youngest could graduate from the same high school as their sibling. Lots of parent involvement in a great PTA, great Booster clubs & wonderful teachers with heart. High School is as much what the kids put into it as the teachers. No school is perfect. AHS has traditions & spirit in abundance. True it is not the fanciest school in Arlington but it is the most well rounded in social and academic achievements.
—Submitted by a parent

I truly enjoyed the time I spent at AHS. It is a school where the sprit and diversity of its students are valued rather than the size of the parents' bank accounts. I always felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself. Their tradition is second to none. My family has a long history in Arlington, and both my parents, my sister, and I are all AHS graduates. Even now, with all of the new construction, walking down those halls still feels like home. 'Sons of the white and green!!'
—Submitted by a student

Mr. James Adams is the best principal I have ever had. He cares for all the students and is very involved with extracurricular activities. The choir program is excelling under the direction of Dinah Menger. The best school in Arlington.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a college professor, and my son's AP classes at AHS are on a par with upper-level university classes I've taught and observed. Excellent teaching, guidance and assignments ensure your child's readiness for college coursework. Extracurriculars, especially music, are professional in quality and provide the participants a rich social community as well.
—Submitted by a parent

AHS is a great school. the fine arts dept. is the best in the state. the teachers are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the students are getting everything the possibly can from each class and understand everything. if you want your kids to go to a great school with an awesome athletic and fine arts program this is the one for you.
—Submitted by a former student

An incredible public school. Students are involved and care about the school. Teachers are involved in their students academic success.
—Submitted by a former student

The school could be better but what school couldn't?
—Submitted by a parent

Arlington High School is the oldest public High School in Arlington. It has generations of graduates who still support the tradition and heritage of excellence. The Principal is approachable and treats the teachers and students with fairness. The teachers work hard under constraining circumstances. My oldest graduated this year with honors and my other 2 kids are there now. I graduated there and so did my parents. We are very proud of AHS! The Alumni Association is building to help our school with scholarships and other needs. The fine arts and Athletic prgrams are excellent! I am thrilled to have kids there now!
—Submitted by Sally Culver, a parent

We have 3 children that went to AHS and its feeder schools. A wonderful principal, a man of integrity, who has an obvious love for kids leads his staff and faculty to excellence. The Fine Arts department is magnificent - orchestra has won Sweeptakes 20+ years in a row and the choir program is on its way to the same thing. The coaching staff is caring and helpful and our athletes are blessed to have them. Teachers make students think and make learning interesting and fun. Spirit Pride and Tradition. How Sweet it is to be in Colt Country.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome leadership - principal is man of character and integrity - teachers are very well qualified and dedicated. The spirit of the school is welcoming, opportunity for student potential through academic and extracurricular activities is far beyond any experienced at any other school with which we have been involved. We would recommend this school to any family. Any student here can find friends and activities together with focus on academics.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! My daughter is about to graduate after four years here and k thru 12 in this 'feeder group'. I can not imagine a better group of teachers for her. I love the administration and the diversity of students. Sports kids attend and support music and art programs. scholorship is honored. I have felt safe with my daughter being at Arlington High School after school practicing for the musical. She loves being a Colt!
—Submitted by a parent