The Woodlands High School

I have lived in New England, Atlanta, The Midwest, Central States, and now Houston. This is absolutely the WORST school to acclimate your child to. Unless you are filthy rich, a jock, cheerleader, or highly popular, your new student IS NOT WELCOME HERE by others. The "clicks" are everywhere, and forget joining clubs to get to know kids - the clicks are already there too. The size is absolutely outrageous and unless your child already comes from a large school (3000+ kids), I highly suggest looking elsewhere. My neighbors have lived all over the world in many cases, and they also said this was the worst school ever to get their kids to feel included and meet others. The school throws the clubs at kids and expects them to just "go get it!" If you are are a down-to-earth person and your kids have any kind of heart, move somewhere else! THIS PLACE IS NOT, I REPEAT, NOT FOR YOU! We are now homeschooling, and relieved to be doing so.
—Submitted by a parent

I really like this high school... It's just amazing. I really like th teachers. And if you're in band and you're moving to the woodlands, this school has probably the best band ever. I'm in this band and I actually enjoy this band. It's fun and chill. This year, the band got 1st place in BOA Regionals which is a marching band competition and this year also we were the UIL Area F champion....AGAIN! So what do you think? Isn't this remarkable? Oh and the wind ensamble will perform in midwest clinic which is an international music convention (bands and orchestras). This is actually the second time TWHS band perform for midwest... So if you're in band and just recently moved to the woodlands, please consider these amazing achievements that this high school has made
—Submitted by a student

The Woodlands High School doesn't burn the candle at both ends; it burns it in the middle as well. The academics, the sports, the partying...they're all generally happening at a college level. In fact, a small college will probably feel like a step down from TWHS. As for arts, social causes, and other "progressive" pursuits, those take a back seat here. Remember this is Houston. If a student isn't a serious jock or brain, they're going to have to hunt around to find their niche. If your kid cannot stick with an extracurricular activity or two, they will be absolutely miserable at this school. It's a huge school so it's easy to feel like a number. I'm already assuming you're white, affluent, suburban, and conservative - like most of the families living in the school zone. If you're thinking of private school, your kid will certainly get a lot more one-on-one attention from teachers than at TWHS. If you're thinking about College Park, TWHS is a just slightly more upscale and competitive. If you're thinking about Klein or Oak Ridge, those are all a step down. If you're worried about snobs or status symbols, those aren't really a problem at TWHS for half the students.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was ill equipped for college coming out of this school. Being a GT, and then an AP student, you would think he would be able to do very well in a university setting. Untrue. Writing and Reading skills were never enforced in The Woodlands School system, and the science classes were a joke. They were taught to pass the TAKS every year. We had no choice but use the schools, we couldn't afford a better school district nor the privates in town. So like everyone else, we NEEDED to believe the school was excellent. It was gang free, I'll give it that.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at TWHS, a Senior and a Freshman. The education my kids are receiving is beyond good-- it's truly exceptional. How many high schools offer Japanese or Chinese?? The selection of AP classes is also very good. The teachers and staff are dedicated to the students and care about them. The extracurricular and sports programs are first class. It is a very competitive school, academically and otherwise, but I think my kids will be well prepared for college and life beyond because of it.
—Submitted by a parent

We are generally satisfied with this school but it is way too big and overly bureaucratic. In addition, the students tend to be very wealthy which adds pressure on everyone to keep up. My child does very well and takes AP classes but is literally a number and is just thinking ahead to college.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school! I am a senior at TWHS and, having experienced education systems all over the world, I can guarantee you that it is one of the best. Everyone is friendly and all the teachers treat you like adults. The high expectations will leave you well equipped for the future.
—Submitted by a student

The Woodlands High School is an excellent school. There are a variety of courses good for challenges. However, students excel too much in sports.
—Submitted by a student

I am going into my senior year at TWHS and from my experience in the past three years, I have found it to be a relatively good school. There are a variety of courses available to take and students' GPA's reflect the difficulty of courses they take and the effort they put into those courses. Most of the teachers are enthusiastic about their subjects and teach them well, and they take a genuine interest in their students' success. There are some problems with the school, including the fact that most students excel in sports or academics, so there is little room for individuals to stand out. However, the competition is there because of the good quality of TWHS, so it's a good school overall.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a student at The Woodlands High School, and I think that this school is the interior of education. Courses of study are extensive by numbers; there are varieties of classes you can take, and classes that interest you. However, indeed the faculties/staffs can really be unreliable and irresponsible. Also, if you take sports and/or band for your extracurricular activities, they are emphatically consuming your time, and as a matter of fact, they're just taking you over by 75 percent.
—Submitted by a student

TWHS is a great school. Both of my kids graduated there and went on to Texas A&M. I disagree with the comments against block scheduling. It actually prepares the students for what they will have to do in college. TWHS students didn't panic as freshman at college when other students did as they looked at the material they would have to cover in a short period of time. And if you skip classes in college, you miss out as well. So block scheduling has definite strong points that could possibly outweigh any negative. -- Concerning the comments about "fast cars" and "designer clothes": the school is in an affluent area and those things come with the territory. It's not a secret when parents move their kids into the school feeder zones. It's rather obvious by just driving around the area.
—Submitted by a parent

I would agree that the 4 block accelerated learning doesn't suit all teens and is probably better for the teachers. If you miss more than a day sick, it can screw up your whole year! If you don't live here all your life, then it is impossible to get into the sports, it is too big and impersonal. Very disappointed with TWHS.
—Submitted by a parent

Currently a sophomore attending TWHS. Faculty is typically helpful, though can be unreliable at times. GREAT sports programs. Academics with block schedule is very fast and not thorough. Very stressful. Too much emphasis on money and status. If you don't have money or looks or excel at one particular activity, you don't live 'the woodlands lifestyle'. Only junior and senior parking lot, no sophomore. False sense of security--wallet and iPod stolen on separate occasions. Too much money, stress, competition. Not enough in return.
—Submitted by a student

The Woodlands High School pushes you to be your personal best. Just floating by with average grades and sports performances isn't acceptable. We are the best in almost everything we do and behind that is hard work, dedication, and years of upholding the tradition of what it is to be a Highlander.
—Submitted by a parent

My three oldest attended TWHS but each had a ho-hum experience. Too much emphasis on money and fast cars. The four period block schedule has many disadvantages and may be better for teachers than students. Elite attitude doesn't promote individuality or creativity. We sent our fourth child across the interstate to Oak Ridge High School. What a difference! Great learning communities, clothes labels aren't as important and kids want to go to school there. Very spirited. Teachers participate and motivate students. Just a world of difference at the Ridge.
—Submitted by a parent

The Woodlands Highshool pushes you to be your personal best. Just floating by with average grades and sports performances isn't acceptable. We are the best in almost everything we do and behind that is hard work, dedication, and years of upholding the tradition of what it is to be a Highlander.
—Submitted by a parent

They show a genuine concern for each and every students, trying to ensure the success of everyone.
—Submitted by a teacher

One of my sons had tons of opportunity for A/P classes and International Affairs groups and conferences. My other son has opportunities to be involved in sports. TWHS offers excellent academic and athletic opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

Because everyone is so nice and all of the clubs are like mini families.
—Submitted by a student

As parents of a TWHS junior I can say that this school is amazing when it comes to assessing the level of achievement among academics and extracurricular programs. My son is in the band and it competes at a national level... and is always near the top. The teachers and administrators are highly skilled and concerned and will assist when students ask for help, but trying to fit in is like trying to jump on a freight train going 90 miles an hour. I would say the level of stress and potential depression among many students at TWHS is perhaps higher than what is seen at a more 'average' high school. I would say most parents feel fortunate to say their child graduated from TWHS, but success does not come without a price. It is hard to 'come down' are relax after the rigors of class work and competitions.
—Submitted by a parent