Nelson County High School

I spent my freshman year at Nelson County High School, but recently decided to homeschool instead. I have to say, the other kids are extremely nice and there is no bullying whatsoever, but academics leave a lot to be desired. As a gifted student, I didn't feel challenged at all. Most of the other kids didn't have a lot of ambition and complained about the (small) amount of schoolwork we had to do. However, because I was willing to work hard I always had time to finish all my homework in class (I literally NEVER brought work home), I usually found myself with over 45 minutes of class where I was sitting at my desk doing absolutely nothing. I don't know why the other reviews are so great for people who've transferred here, perhaps the entire national standard for education is low? But all I have to say is that I don't know how the current students are going to get through college when the pace they will have been used to in high school is so slow.
--Submitted by a student

Nelson County High School is good for education and the teachers here actully do care about the students not only in their grades but if the student is having a bad day the teachers take time and help the student through it. Also I know that when i was having a rough time in my personal life i could trust my teachers to listen to me when i hadn't had anyone else to talk to. Nelson had a great basketball team last school year when we won the State Championship!! We have pretty good athletics and an excellent student to teacher ratio.We may have a small student body but to me that's better so you know everyone and you really never feel left out, because their's going to be somewhere for you to fit in here. I will miss going here when i graduate next spring.
--Submitted by a student

NCHS is a fine country school. The teachers are caring, and many of the 600 students are involved in after school activities. If you are looking for the same things in this country school as in city schools, then you should go to a city school. Discipline problems are few and far between with tardies the usual problem. Students respect each other and race and cultural differences are not a problem as elsewhere. One principal who served here told me after going to a local city school that our worst students don't even compare to the mildly disruptives at the city school. Again, since there are no malls here, many of the students do after school activities and then go home. NCHS is a community of respectful kids and parents. This is what it has over city schools. A good education can be gotten, and teachers are close to their students.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two students at NCHS. One is taking advanced classes and the other is not. Both children participate in sports/arts and are doing great. The admimistration, teachers and class offerings are wonderful. It is a private school education in a public setting. This school is the best kept secret in Va.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school with staff that cares about individual student needs. Administration is forward-thinking and strives to provide opportunities for students to be successful citizens when they graduate. Dual Enrollment, AP and virtual learning opportunities give students a chance to earn college credit while still in high school. The Fine Arts Program is fantastic. Not to mention the Athletic Programs that are very competitive for a small high school. Wonderful facilities show community support. Great school division overall.
--Submitted by a parent

This school 'looks' good, but that is not the case... The teachers are burned out, the principal is clueless, and the school system lacks direction...
--Submitted by a parent

I transferred to this school from a school in Virginia Beach, VA and I have to say that this is the best school I've ever gone to. I like all the teachers except one, but the people and school in general is EXCELLENT!
--Submitted by a student

As a student who graduated in 2001 and went on to college at GMU, I am proud to say that I went to Nelson County High School. I got a superb education with teachers that cared for me and were concerned for my success. I am currently on a partial academic scholarship, studied at the University of Oxford in the UK, and will graduate with honors. I went to Nelson County public schools for 8 years and I got a great education.
--Submitted by a former student

My son(16) has gone to the Nelson County school system for 4 years. He loves his school, and is very involved with the band program (which is a great program). We had been in the Maryland School System previous to that and prefer this. We have had no problems at all.
--Submitted by a parent

Nelson County High School, is a great school. My son (15) goes there, and doesn't have a problem, with the teachers, or principals. Sports are okay.
--Submitted by Belle Thomas, a parent