Lake Highlands High School

I graduated from this school class of '95. I eventually graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, class of 2000. I took AP English from Mr. Woods my senior year at LHHS. His curriculum prepared me for the rigorous work of university quite well. One of my professors, who was retiring, told me I was the best writer she encountered in her career. I credit my education at LHHS for preparing me for University and my career.

I have very fond memories of my time at LH. My experience was the academic preparation for college was sufficient and the other school activities kept me in line at an influential age. I'm still great friends with many of the people I graduated with, even after we split ways for college.

LHHS is an excellent school that prepared me for a professional career as well as adulthood. From the counselors' office that routinely encouraged me to apply for various college scholarships to the hands-on, vested interest that the majority of teachers took in each student, my experience at Lake Highlands was that of a top-caliber school supported by the local community that routinely graduates Ivy League college students, leaders at various levels and successful student-athletes.

I am a former student and found my education prepared me for life as high performing business professional.

Lake Highlands High School offers a diverse student body with highly committed parents and perhaps one of the highest rates of 'legacy' students (who attend the same school as at least one of their parents did).
—Submitted by a parent

It's a great school in a great neighborhood filled with great kids!
—Submitted by a parent

Living in Lake Highlands, we chose to send our child to public as opposed to private because of the great RISD system. We have never regretted our decision. Our son attended RISD in LHHS for all of his education. He achieved National Merit status and top 10% at this school. He took advantage of everything that was offered to him, including sports, AP classes, dual credit classes with Richland College, and the performing arts classes. We as parents volunteered our socks off, and were very involved in our son's activities as well as the PTA and school fund raising. There are many needy students at this school, but the diversity only adds to the experience. LHHS is not a bubble, but a slice of life and that never hurt anyone . . . to get familiar with the real world early on. Overall, a great experience for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Majority of students are under served. Resulting in ill prepared graduates.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. The teachers have been totally supportive and the kids a joy to be with. The school is more challenging than the private school my children last attended. School is what our children make of it. There are good and bad experiences, just as we had when we went to school. I have found parents and teachers eager to help with negative situations when we make them known.
—Submitted by a parent

Inadequate at best. Teachers vary wildly. Parent and Student gossip is damaging and horrific.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is okay at best. Academics and extracurricular activities appear to be extremely 'clickish'. The coaches and teachers appear to have their 'picks' and the rest of the students just have to adjust. I found the counselors to be quasi responsive. This is very concerning since I am a tax payer and will continue to have to pay taxes to Richardson ISD after my children have graudate. We all know tha life is not fair, it is unfortunate that our children have to discover this at a tender age.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great im sad to be leaving it the principal bob iden is awesome and he is very supportive to the student he is nice. The teachers there are really encouraging they actually want you to pass and do good in life and they will make sure you do that. They are a little over dramatic when it comes to discipline but it is for the best. Overall this is a great school to send your child to its majority whites and blacks and a little hispanics. Excellent sports. I so love this school
—Submitted by a student

liberal arts teachers are good, but science and math departments need beefing up. lots of parental involvement. feels like a small community rather than part of a big city.
—Submitted by a parent

A great high school which prepares students well for the college experience, has plenty of challenging courses as well as a broad variety to suit the individual student's needs. Good extracurriculars, excellent leadership. Good PTA, good booster clubs, a caring attitude from parents towards making the high school experience the best it can be for all students.
—Submitted by a parent

Pretty much your average high school experience, I would think. Drug/alcohol use is pervasive and teacher quality is wildly variable at best, but the senior leadership is fairly sound and your child can at least feel that his or her life is not in danger on a daily basis, which is certainly not true of all RISD schools. Summary: Definitely a bit overinflated in terms of reputation, but not without a few redeeming qualities.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely disappointed in Lake Highlands. This past year has forever changed my views on an 'awarded blue ribbon school.' Teachers and Consulors have proven the system awarding the schools wrong. Large class sizes, no control, and being critical of particular students shows Lake Highlands High School has no class! A selective group of the staff are excellent, putting the students first and there education however the majority have no patience and little control! I would do your research before you invest your childs education into the 'blue ribbon' school! If you want your child to be apart of weekly fights and disturbing environments, this is your shcool!
—Submitted by a former student

Is your child a Christian? He or she better be if they want to be accepted at this school. The admistrators do everything they can to convert this public school into a Christian Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't agree more with the previous comment. We had to transfer away from Lake Highlands after our children had attended elementary and junior high. We miss LH on a daily basis: quality teaching, good programs for any student with any interest. The parental and community involvement are second to none, while still embracing diversity and differences.
—Submitted by Nona Nordstog, a parent

We moved away from Lake Highlands I was in 7th grade to Plano Schools, which is known as an excellent school system, but we had to move back when we noticed the feeling in Plano around the school is that you don't REALLY belong. Lake Highlands has a school spirit that cannot be topped with a dedicated principal and caring staff. In addition to that, the school is a model high school in that although it s remarkably diverse, everyone can feel welcome because everyone is accepted for who they are.