Garland High School

I am a former student at Garland High School and i would like to say that this school is one of the BEST high schools. This school has so much spirit and history behind it something that other schools don't really have. I'm glad to say when i grow up that i attended Garland High School. It might be the oldest but to me its not about the looks its about how the school i ran. This school is really consider a family they work together not by one individual but as a big team. I'm in the performing arts program and think its awesome and fun we are really a talented school. I am looking forward to my next 3 years at GHS and i know it will be a good three years.
--Submitted by a student

Three of my four sons graduated from Garland High school and i love it. The school spirit is infectious but more than that the education was far above what I have seen in other high schools in the area. I credit this to the International Baccalaureate program. Some of the same teachers of this program also teach AP courses. My sons were well prepared for college. The one who attended the IB program entered Texas Tech as a sophomore and the other two only needed one semester to become college sophomores. There is plenty of opportunity at this school to take advantage of.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't begin to tell you how much I love this school. I have one kid in band and one in color guard and they get so much from it. There is a true family atmosphere with the band and they do so many special things for the kids. Parent participation makes the program even better. There are some really great teachers that are a bit off the beaten path. Unique. My kids learn best from those kinds of teachers. I am blessed that my kids are going to this school and have 2 more that I am grooming to be Owls in the future. The day my last child leaves this school will be a sad day for me.
--Submitted by a parent

Garland High School is extremely challenging academically, athletically, and the talent of these students is unlimited. The diversity of GHS is one I've never seen in any high school across the nation. But as part of a close-knit team that competes all over the state, I learned other schools did not like our unique culture and school spirit. Several students from other schools admitted it was because they were surprised and a bit jealous of such a close-knit albeit crazy community. While it is not perfect, most of the teachers are offbeat, unique, and teach what is truly important. I'd never change schools.
--Submitted by a student

Hi i was a Student in Garland High School and i have to say that the Teachers and Principals were Great helpers towards me not because they where my teachers or principlas but i had a special thing for all of them... they were Great,,, Thank You Guys
--Submitted by a student

I am a parent of two students at Garland High, one a full IB the other partial IB with a Performing Arts Endorsement. GHS is the best high school in the district, with the least amount of discipline problems and the greatest diversity in the student body. The administration and faculty are very strict about dress code and ethics, which sets GHS apart from the rest. Strict policies (even if I don't agree with all) are necessary to mold a student into the best person they can be. Both my students have been in band, which has provided for plenty of social life, while maintaining high academic success. If I had another child, he/she would attend GHS...it's that good.
--Submitted by a parent

Academic-wise, this is a great school for IB students. But beware - if you are in the IB program, you can pretty much forget a social life! And, if you aren't in the IB program, I would surely stay away! All this school cares about are IB students and football players! I wasn't impressed with the discipline - seemed to be extremely lax and inconsistent. There was a lot of gang activity while my daughter was there (graduated in 2006). Would I send her there if I had to do it over again? No way!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of 2 IB graduates, I can affirm the quality of the IB program, the fine arts program, the athletics, clubs, and student government. My daughters were able flourish in a diverse setting that prepared both of them for college and post-graduate work. The teachers and administrators were visible, friendly, involved, and genuinely concerned with the success of their students. After six straight years as an active parent at GHS, I feel qualified to state that the school is a hidden gem in old Garland and it provides a quality 'private school' education in a rich, diverse setting. Gig'em Owls!
--Submitted by a parent

Great academics, great sports/music/drama programs, and a uniquely diverse student body make this a true world school. Student environment is conducive to building character, social skills, and a comprehensive understanding of human interaction well beyond what private or home-school can provide.
--Submitted by a former student

This has been my first experience with public education. I have a sopohomore at Garland High, but previously we had homeschooled and used private schools. We came to Garland for their International Baccaulaureate program. It has been a good experience as far as the academics are concerned. I haven't liked the social experience that my child has been exposed to. Disrespect to the teachers, kids discussing inappropriate sexual topics with my son at school and just a feeling of disconnect between my child and other kids and adults. I feel that the school operates more as a business than anything else. This is not to pick out that things are this way only at Garland. I have a feeling it is pretty typical at all public schools.
--Submitted by a parent