San Marcos High School

I work as a substitue teacher and after subbing at the high school all last year and part this year I can say that I will either pay for her to go to a private high school or will home school her. This school has serious issues that are not being addresses. The dress code is a joke - boys with their pants to their ankles, girls in short shorts skirts, kids walking around the hall on their ipods and cell phones, they text in class, listen to their ipods in class. Try using the restroom in the morning or lunch - there are always about 20 girls in their curling their hair/putting on makeup, talking on phones, etc (looks more like a beauty salon than a school). Rules are sporadically enforced, if at all. There are NO consequences when students violate the rules. The new superintendent was suppose to implement sweeping changes, gain control of the school, enforce the rules? I am not real sure what Mark Eads is waiting for but as of today it is the same old thing. They had a meeting last year to find out why so many parents were leaving the district - moving to Kyle or elsewhere. BE WARNED IF U CARE ABOUT YOUR KIDS DO NOT SEND THEM HERE.

SMHS had plenty of opportunities for students to learn and get involved. As an alumni (class of '09) I know you get out what you put in. For ex, if you don't get involved/pay attention in the class room, you don't learn anything therefore you think you had a bad teacher. I am not saying SMHS is perfect. Of course there are some bad teachers, but for those few bad ones there are plenty of good ones to make up for it. As for the principal, what an outstanding person. The first year she was hired was pretty rocky, with changing pretty much everything that we knew (most importantly the pep-rallies), speaking to us like we were small children. But she listened to what we had to say, and tired to compromise to the best of her abilities. She truly cares about what she's doing. and proves it by showing up at all sporting events not just football, band competitions (even the ones out of town), and key club events just to name a few, now speaks to the students like young adults. Now for the athletic directors (male and female), they both need to go, i would elaborate however I don't have much room left. If you had good kids, they should be perfectly fine at SMHS.

As a parent I would strongly recommend you send your children to another High School if at all possible. There are a few rare jewels at this school - reasonable teachers who care deeply and actually teach, but, unfortunately, they are the exception to the rule. I don't know if it is the ineffectual administration or the public school system at large, but something here is very broken and the kids with real potential are paying the price.
--Submitted by a parent

Too much emphasis on football, not nearly enough on academics. Athletes can do no wrong. Sexual and drug activity prevalent in gyms, locker rooms, classrooms and bathrooms. I'm not sure what the staff is doing all day, with these activities so rampant. If I had a choice my kids would not go there any more.
--Submitted by a parent

The principle treats students like babys because she was previously a kindergarden principle, And ruined the schools traditions. Teachers also miss the real rattler pride we use to have.
--Submitted by a parent

Personally it can be ok but I just thinki the people in the school talk down on people too much and thats what drives students away and its ok sometimes but time goes slow.
--Submitted by a student

SMHS has some good teachers but it doesn't seem that they are well-supported or is the administration (especially the principal) very concerned about education. This is especially disappointing for a 'college-town' where the high school could be taking full advantage of having a university connection with a well establish College of Education at Texas State University. There is an overemphasis on teaching for TAKS test performance and also with athletics (i.e., the football program). While one might hope that a new high school facility scheduled to open next year will mean better education, I have my doubts considering the misplaced focus of the current administration and the lack of respect toward students and parents. Parents who believe in public education ought to consider other options for their children's education if the mission/vision for the new high school does not change substantially. SMHS does little to prepare its best students!
--Submitted by a parent

Good school considering how big it is; large population of low income students makes it difficult for students who are serious about their education. Teachers are responsive and most strive for quality. School is hampered by lack of funding for the arts and there is a good band but no orchestra program.
--Submitted by a parent

Good programs, and opportunities available for students. Can also take courses at Texas State.
--Submitted by a parent

SMHS, although far from 'perfect', worked with us on meeting the needs of our children. If your child needs to be challenged, take advantage of the AP courses and exams, Credit-By-Exams, Dual Enrollment with ACC (almost free!) and TxState classes. Our sons were able to begin college as juniors upon graduation. It would be wonderful if all AP students were serious about their classes. Better results would be obtained. Extracurricular activities are readily available to the students, and were a huge part of our sons' education and life experience. Band, Debate, Student Council, Bus. Prof of America, FBLA, NHS...all were great experiences. One of the most frustrating things about SMHS was trying to get parental involvement going through PTSO, PTSA. I currently attend Booster meetings in order to try to recruit more parents, students and teachers into PTSA. Everyone is busy, and I suppose they think HS will take care of itself.
--Submitted by a parent