Highland Park High School

Nothing will prepare you for the amount of pressure your child will go through. There is a massive amount of homework, that often requires these kids to be up until 1am to finish. The academic sector operates as if there are no sports, and the sport sectors operate as if there is no academcs. We came from a private school environment that focused on teaching course material rather than teaching college exams. My children no longer enjoy school, and my daughter sometimes gets up in the morning throwing up because of the pressure. Yes, the "Bubble" is beautiful, but this school is the example of the pressure cited in the movie "Road to Nowhere."
--Submitted by a parent

Great extracurricular activities, and fantastic teachers. One of the best schools (private or public) you can possibly enroll your child in.
--Submitted by a parent

One of the best in the nation! It doesn't get any better in public education, and beats many private schools as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I've had three children graduate from HPISD, the last in '07. It is a very challenging environment. Parents are very involved.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Bradfield,The Middle School and I'll be in the highschool next year. Highland Park is a great school and we learn alot. Sure its hard socially and academically, but if your not up for the challenge go home its tough but we work hard and thats what were known for. I love HP I and I dont want to leave in 4 years.
--Submitted by a student

Fantastic school as long as you have attended the elementary and middle schools that feed students into this school. Most other public schools will not have prepared your children for the demands that the school places on the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I just moved from Colorado to Highland Park, and the students there were so kind and nice to me, it wasn't hard to make friends at all. And the teachers are very supportive and most of the time they are reasonable. HP is a great school and a wonderful learning enviornment. Go SCOTS!
--Submitted by Natalie Dodd, a student

Extreme parental involvement makes for a highly competitive atmosphere. Most students rank very high in academic achievement and are pushed to take honors classes. Very good educational opportunities as well as a great sports program.
--Submitted by a former student

As a former student, I can testify to the exemplary academic side to HP. Many of the teachers have PhDs and the school site offers many amenities. However, the student population is very concerned with fitting in - the right look, the right car, the right clothes, etc. This is true to a certain degree in every high school, but it seems to reach its apogee at HP. If your child isn't one of the beautiful people, be careful.
--Submitted by a former student

HPHS is a great school. Generally the comments listed here are accurate. I am actually a former teacher and I had to leave due to the poor leadership from the Principal and Superintendent. I loved the students and parents in HP, but could no longer be a part of a faculty behind leadership that was so misguided. If you are a parent you really should ask why some of the best teachers have left HPHS. I have a master's degree, 10 years of teaching experience, and taught successful AP classes. I would never have considered leaving HP had it not been for the poor leadership. I hope for the sake of the students and HPHS that the current leadership is replaced soon. If not, a continued decline in state rating, national merit finalist, etc. will continue.
--Submitted by a teacher