Memorial High School

I taught at Memorial for the first five years of it's existence. We established the base for a great school. I was the first senior sponsor, one of the first to be given the "Honorary Colonel" designation by ROTC, & the first to receive the "PTA Lifetime Membership. MHS has been inmy thoughts & prayers all these years.

Memorial HS, as is the case with similar HS across TX and the country, falls squarely in the category of: underfunded, lots of potential and has a cadre of dedicated teachers and a student body which ranges from extremely bright to apathetic. I have visited the school here and then since graduating...way back in '80. At the time a handful of us, who took the initiative, found excellent teachers and counselors willing to spend extra time providing guidance and advice...and I am sure that's still the case. In all, I've always felt that attending an 'ordinary' school with limited resources (vis a vis say, NEISD schools), was not a great excuse...for those willing to go the extra mile. After all, once in college and in the workforce, it's initiative, wits, energy and drive which will get you through the inevitable hard times. Kudos to all the great teachers and administrators there!
--Submitted by a student

I taught at Memorial for fifteen years before leaving to work at a school a little closer to home. While at Memorial, I enjoyed working with dedicated teachers who were often overworked and under appreciated by the higher ups in the district. The majority of students at the school are respectful and appreciative of all the hard work their teachers put in to give them a quality education. The biggest problem I saw at Memorial was that many students were apathetic. There are also many intelligent and highly motivated students, but the district curriculum needs to become more challenging for those college bound students who need the preparation. The school needs a strong administration to deal with the discipline problems it faces and then the academic excellence will fall into place.
--Submitted by a teacher

An improving academic school with lots of potential by administrations. They possess great programs including Minutemen Marching Band, The U.S Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training 'Minutemen Battalion'. Great quality teachers and instructors make this school among the best improving schools in the city.
--Submitted by Cadet Major Jonathan Guadalajara, a student

Memorial isn't that bad. Its AP programs could be more challenging and its extra curricular activities should be more visible. Students are not very involved with the school, and neither are parents. The administration also leaves a lot to be desired.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school holds out salient opportunties for those who wish to succeed. While generally speaking the school is underfunded and thus underprepared, the Principal and Teachers of the school make due with what they have. This is also an awesome school for a smart and ambitious student willing to set him or herself apart from the rest; great financial aid assistance.
--Submitted by Austin Lee, a former student

Memorial is an ok school at best. There is alot of room for improvement. Teachers are dedicated and willing to bend over backwards for any student. But the Administration seems to make mountains out of mole hills. They are to strict with rules and discipline. The student atmosphere amongst each other is great, there is no dominant or minority groups. There are plenty of intelligent and bright students, but apathy is strong in the air. It's tough to get some of the students involved. Academics is the back burner to sports and that should be corrected. Overall a pretty good school but it does need improvement.
--Submitted by a student

I believe that Memorial is over-rated. Everyone thinks Memorial is something else then an ordinary school. There are great teachers that are willing and able to provide education for each individual. A student can get the same education at Memorial like any other high school in San Antonio but it is up to the individual to make that happpen. I as a student was not distracted with what everything else that was going on around Memorial High School. I'm a college student now and the high school which got me there is SA Memorial High School. Remember its up to the individual.
--Submitted by Jonathan Bernal, a student

Memorial High School has an extremely dedicated group of teachers, but this group is extremely small. Athletics are valued far more over academics at Memorial High, which is extremely unfortunate because the academic activities are generally much much stronger than athletics. Brilliant students are few and far between at this school, but when one comes along the school is willing to do anything for these students. A very small student population makes it easier for bright students to find a mentor willing to help them through their high school time. Overall, the school is supportive if they feel the student is worth supporting, except in the case of athletics--where support is always given, no matter how unsuccessful the teams are.
--Submitted by arthur byrne, a parent