Colleyville Heritage High School

My grandson graduated in 2012 from Heritage & took all AP classes. Before Christmas break of his Sr year, he was accepted at the University of Arkansas' Engineering School, at instate tuition rates based on a gpa of over 3.5 out of 5.0 and his SAT score. My granddaughter is a Sophmore at this school and maintains all A-B's. Yes, there are a few teachers that are a "let down", like in all schools but, overall, US News ranked them 417 out of 22,000 US High Schools in the nation and 37th in Texas, out of 1,842 TX high schools, which included Charter Schools. For the few who did not give this school good reviews, it's possible that the problem could also be with the student (or the parent). When you have a graduating class (2012) of over 550 students and their combined scholarship awards are over $26 MILLION for the class, apparently they know what they are doing. Their State exit exams & scores on AP courses, rank them 99% in reading and 97% in math. One third of their seniors ranked as exemplary and out of 536 students tested, 62% received Commended Performance, 37% received Met Standard. Only 1% of their school did not meet standards.

Great school. As far as the counselor comments, yes due to the size of the school there isn't an immediate response but i have received responses and support. I've had 2 children go through CHHS and both were well prepared for college. In fact, I've had the admissions office from a top college comment that CHHS is well known for preparing kids for college and requiring more than the minimum standards for their students.
—Submitted by a parent

It was during the first meeting for parents of incoming freshman,that my husband and I were a bit concerned. We were amazed when we heard the principal, Mrs. Prentice and the counselors tell parents that each counselor was very busy, as they have many students to deal with.She also said that since the counselors were so busy with seniors (it was spring) that we were not to call them with any high school class scheduling questions, which our students were expected to turn in at the end of the week.She told us to instead ask other parents of older students who she said would be our "best resource"..are you kidding me?That summer I made 5 phone calls to our son's counselor and sent 3 emails. Not until I called the superintendent's office did I receive a return call.At CHHS, the message that is continually sent to both students and parents is that your child is one many students, so don't expect to be treated as an individual.Our oldest daughter now attends a prestigious university with almost 50,000 students. Interesting that they make students feel valued and not just "one of many that must be dealt with".BTW, our son is in the top 12% of his class and also an athlete.Look elsewhere!
—Submitted by a parent

That school is amazing. I didn't have any communication problems or financial. Problems out of of the school , coming out of a lower class house. They have many great teachers and many great counselors as well. I wasnt in the top 10% or bottom 10% and I can say that I got treated the exact same way as everyone else. I think that they should leave it to students that actually went to the school to comment, because parents only see what goes on from the outside. Compared to alot of districts around the area its one of the best.
—Submitted by a student

This school has it all. Great facilities, great faculty, excellent extra curricular activites and athletics, great school! This school also offers challenging academic programs such as AP classes which can reward students with college credit.

Disappointment - The counseling department is worthless unless your child falls in the top 10% or the bottom 10%. And don't expect any help if your child has a learning disability not covered by an IEP or 504. The administration is indecisive, and springs changes at the drop of a hat. Students do not know what is going on for special schedules (i. e., TAKS testing days, finals, etc.) until day before OR the day of. Communication with parents is sketchy at best. Worse if you child has senior release. I am very disappointed in the administration and lack of leadership in this school. Education is geared towards the top and bottom 10% and the average student is just expected to pass the standardized tests and get out. Should have moved to a different district where it is about the kids, not the money that they bring in. Will not be subjecting my younger child to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a precursor, I attended Colleyville Heritage High School the year it was opened, so it may be very different now. In the areas of math the teachers were not the best at explaining concepts in an organized format that was easy to follow during the lecture. That also made it difficult to study material after for homework. To their credit, the teachers did make themselves available before and after school for those who needed additional help.

This school is exceptional for my child. A great enviornment and great teachers that actually teach you something.
—Submitted by a parent

Very challenging, but for the better. Any student WILLING to work hard to secede will.
—Submitted by a student

Attended this High School. Aside from the typical drama and some leadership issues, being a student at this school was amazing. I loved every minute of it and would go back in a heartbeat.
—Submitted by a student

Although the regular classes are practically remedial, the majority of the higher level classes are great and challenging. About half the teachers are some of the best I've ever had, while the others leave much to be desired. The electives programs at the school, especially debate, art, band, and theatre, are some of the best in the state, if not the nation. But the other electives are only a joke.

Colleyville Heritage is an amazing school. I went to CHHS all four years in high school, and I loved it all. High school was, without a doubt, a highlight in my book of life. Everyone at Colleyville Heritage tries their best to encourage and help you out to the best of their ability.
—Submitted by a former student

We lasted just a short time at this school. My child said it was glorified baby sitting and to please find someplace where he would be challenged. The sports program is the same political game as most places. If you're a bad student, but a good athlete, they'll find a way to let you play.
—Submitted by a parent

Extracurricualr activities are great. The football team is getting better and the Basketball teams are exceptional. Band is progressing as well as the dance team. The level of parent involvment is low and the academic problems are only satisfactory.
—Submitted by a student

Having to deal with CHHS for the past7 years I have found that you need to meet the teachers every opportunity that you can. We've had great teachers and we've had bad communicator teachers. Alot of pressure is now put on the students and if I had to change one thing if would be stop assigning projects that cost money to the students parents. Oh yeah, one last thing, if you do not own a computer, don't attend this school, it's almost a requirement.
—Submitted by a parent

The high school is superb. The school tends to favor the elite students in the school because they are quite bent out of shape about AP scores. Filled with very well-rounded students, the atmosphere is very enjoyable but very competitive. This school is better than most high schools -- public or private -- in the country.
—Submitted by a student

CHHS is a wonderful school with wonderful teachers! I have learned so much from my teachers, especially my AP English teacher, Mrs. Orton. I encourage taking AP classes because not only do the teachers help you learn, they also help you with problems that may be going on in your life! I went to college completely prepared!
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my sons have attended GCISD schools for 15 years. Two sons have graduated from Colleyville and my youngest son is a freshmen now. This school is HIGHLY respected and rated and we have been extremely pleased! The teachers are outstanding! I have high praise as well for the choir program my youngest son is in. If you are new coming into Grapevine/Colleyville I assure you...Colleyville Heritage is truly the best you will find in Texas!
—Submitted by Lori Johnson, a parent

I think colleyville heritage is a great school. There are a couple of issues. A student needs to have positive reinforcement along with what they need to improve on. A lot of teachers have no positive things to say and body languge says it all. Teachers need to realise that we are all human beings and we all need to work together and get along. Come on loosen up a little let's see a little team spirit and let's have some fun. Teachers it wouldn't hurt to smile a little too. You might feel better. As far as parental involvement, we don't want parents to be involved, we just want your money. The fundraising issues, you can do much better that that, and is that the best you can do?
—Submitted by a parent

I am attending my last year at Heritage. I found that some of the teachers were amazing while others were lacking in quality. Specifically, Mrs.Kelley, was a great teacher. She stayed and helped students that didn't understand. However, the scheduling and guidance department was less than acceptable. They refused to put any effort towards helping students in their ultimate goal of academic excellency.
—Submitted by a student