Garland High School

If you are not in IB or an Athlete, avoid this school. Teachers, faculty, and administrators alike have no interest in you if you are not throwing a ball or (attempting) to get an IB diploma. As an AP student, I was insulted on at least 2 different occasions for "not being as smart" as IB students. The school is very segregated as well and, considering that GISD has a choice of school, I would suggest picking another school in the district if at all possible.
—Submitted by a student

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

As the parent of an IB graduate from GHS, I can sat the program prepares students for college as well as any public or private institution in the area. Perhaps the greatest asset GHS possesses is it's incredible diversity. While the school is certainly not free of discipline problems, it represents an astonishing cross-section of life in Texas today. Students in IB courses often come from up to a dozen different cultural backgrounds, which helps to strengthen the international appeal of the program. The IB teachers are top notch. While there is great focus put on the success of the football program, often some other athletic events are shortchanged. As the district's school for the performing arts, its choir and orchestra (amongst other programs) are recognized as some of the best in the state. This school really is a hidden gem in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

As the parent of an IB student, I am very pleased with the educational opportunities offered at GHS. The principal adhers to a stricter code of ethics and dress than other schools in the area, thereby setting the school apart. Their football team works out harder than the other schools and is a winning team. My son has learned that hard work and maximum effort pay off. Excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

Garland High School has a great program for the gifted kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Garland High School is overall ok. However, the principles are a bit power hungry (they make the boys tuck their shirts in).School pride is phenomenal!! The band has a very powerful sound and positive reaction on the kids. I will say my kid is in IB and he seems a bit stressed and stays up a bit later. The campus has decent facilities but ther are some bad spots. The staff has proven to be good but sometimes stubborn on policies. The school in general is very very safe. Kids must be able to saccrifice extra time to make it here!!
—Submitted by a parent

The perfect high school. A great education in a diverse environment. It's an old school that has attracted superior educators and inspires the students to 'go forth to serve'. It's students come away with a positive attitude toward life and their place in the world. It's amazing for a public school.
—Submitted by Ken Goree, a parent

This school is wonderful it's full of so much tradition and diversity! The adminstration and faculty are great to work with and the students are amazing. GHS carries not only IB students but a plethora of students who care for their school especially during football season.
—Submitted by John E., a student

Garland High is a great school as far as academics and education, but I believe the school needs more parent involvement, and more spirit toward sports.
—Submitted by Carla Sylvas, a parent

Garland High School provides exceptional opportunities for the high-achieving student through the International Baccalaureate program and many Advanced Placement courses. IB has especially attracted many very fine teachers. The school is large and very diverse, therefore mimicking real life. We didn't want to send our children to some coddled environment, but we wanted them to meet all kinds of people with all kinds of attitudes and ambitions (or lack of ambition). Garland High School fits that bill while also providing an exceptional education, what most people would think is impossible. Extra-curricular activities are many and lots of students participate after school. The administration does a fine job in a challenging environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Garland is a fantastic school. The quality of education exceeds expectations, especially with the International Baccalaureate Program (advanced honors). It is a safe environment for children to learn.
—Submitted by a teacher