McLean High School

I was a former student at this school. It was the most miserable experience of my life. If you are a transfer student or come from a military family do not go here!!! They are not accommodating at all. You'll be forced to take standardized tests from classes you had already completed without helping you review. The teachers like to berate students and brag to other faculty about how many students they fail. I received no help from anyone and ended up slipping between the cracks.
—Submitted by a student

I'd just like to address the two one star reviews of the school- in my experience as a student, the counseling staff is well organized and has continued to improve my experience. I am very pleased with all of my teachers, and can do well in my classes with an appropriate amount of effort. As for drugs and alcohol, that is up to the student. The problem is not nearly as bad as some other schools in the immediate area, and there is a strong program about anti-drug and alcohol education. I don't think the reviewers have noticed just how amazing this school really is for a student serious about his or her education, and that this school is easily one of the best in the country by a large margin.
—Submitted by a student

McLean HS is a very good school. The principal sets the right tone; most of the teachers are very good; there are a ton of extra-curricular activities; and there's a steady stream of communications designed to keep parents constantly up to date. The fact that the school draws from diverse neighborhoods in McLean, Falls Church and Vienna also helps to keep McLean HS from being uniformly upper-crusty like Langley HS. Expectations are high, but there's also a recognition that not everyone has the same opportunities or aspirations. The guidance counselors are humane and try to be helpful. Negatives - there are a handful of horribly bad teachers at this school, and the administration is either oblivious or unconcerned. In addition, some parents seem to tolerate high levels of alcohol and drug use by their kids - they even think it's cool that their kids call themselves members of the "VDT" - the "Varsity Drinking Team." At times the message seems to be that it's OK for kids to engage in destructive behavior, so long as they ace the SATs and bring home good report cards. If nothing else, this has given us a sharper sense of our own priorities for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni of McLean High School, graduated in 2004. Teacher/Student Ratio - Classes ranged on average from 25-30 students per faculty member. Teachers were also very accessible during after school hours for students who needed additional tutoring/help. In addition to after hours help, there were lunch programs and study halls for continuing education. Class curriculam - A very demanding schedule of math, english, history, science, and foreign language were requirements. In addition, a vast offering of electives were given to students. I was able to take beginning business courses that layed a great foundation for me being a finance major in college. College Guidance - Due to the amount of students and lack of counselors, minimal time was given to each to student to research colleges, prepare applications, or select target schools. Most of the prementioned activities took place during my own time with my parents. Overall McLean High School provided me with an encouraging learning environment that fostered my academic development, and layed a great framework for my university studies and professional career.

My son used to try to talk to a consular about college application, she almost had no time for the kids. Maybe it was because the school could not pay overtime. The ESOL teachers we met in another public school paid a lot more attention to the students than those here. I do not know how the average american school is, so I am not sure relatively how many stars MLH deserve.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children are recent graduates of McLean H.S. and they loved their experience. One will be a junior in college next year and says that MHS did a great job in preparing her academically. I also coach at the high school and the athletes are respectful,attentive and committed. My families 6+ years of experience with MHS has been absolutely wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

The classes are well taught, but the drug use at school and at football games is unbelievable.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that McLean HS does not deserve ANY stars. Teachers are inferior, counselors never return phone calls or answer emails. The anti-bullying policy is rarely enforced-- when it is -- its enforced in an inequitable manner. Teachers offer very little help. There are a few excellent teachers, but hat is rare. This school used to be in the top 100, but is no longer-- not surprised.
—Submitted by a parent

Deserves no stars. Principal is oblivious to how bad kids attending this school are. Smoking and drinking on campus and off is so easy to get away with here. Teachers treat popular kids better and let them cut classes. Unorganized school. Bullying all the time. Academics and teachers are terrible and do not understand the material. Please do not send kids here. Kids are bad influences to new students and faculty is oblivious and uncaring towards kids. Getting into college was so hard for me b/c my counselor didnt know anything and was very unorganized. Complained but never got help...
—Submitted by a student

My daughter graduated from Mclean High School last year. She transferred in from an international private school and the transition went very smoothly--Mclean is used to having a very large international student population so she felt like she fit right in right away. We were very happy with the quality of the education my daughter received. The standard of academics at Mclean is excellent. The majority of the teachers are not only well qualified teachers, they care about the students. The Fine Arts department at Mclean is top-notch and impressive. The band, the orchestra, the Chorus, the theater departments have great reputations and receive many awards in competitions. The majority of the students are very high acheivers who are aiming for top universities.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing crew team. Gave my daughter a family, and has great teachers too.
—Submitted by a parent

I came from a foreign country 4 months ago and i have never seen such an organized and academically successfull school in all mt life. The teachers elaborte and explain each detail of the subject. The students are disiplined and smart. The whole school staff is always right behind you and prepared to help you through the harsh times in highschool. However the Principal is not always available in school hours. Although it has its ups and downs, i feel that Mclean Highschool is the best place to disipline and enhance your child with the knowledge that they deserve!
—Submitted by a student

Having lived in a number of states throughout the country, I can confidently say that MHS is, hands down, one of the bet schools around. Top notch teachers, engaged students. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school boasts excellent academics and extracurricular activities. Mclean High School is the place to go.
—Submitted by a student

I am very pleased with the level of professionalism from most teachers at McLean. Most have extensive knowledge of their subject area combined with a passion for teaching so absent nowadays. We relocated from the Northeast and are impressed with the variety of courses offered. What's more the language department offers an impressive number of languages that stress oral and written fluency. As parents who work in the business and diplomatic sector, we have been pleased they focus on using languages not just learning about verbs and vocabulary. We looked into private schools in the area and they can't compete. One negative is that too many well-intentioned parents hover over their kids and teachers and think their children are more important than mine. Sigh!
—Submitted by C S, a parent

I am a grad of McLean HS, and would highly recommend it to any parent in McLean looking for a school for their child to go to. Even though the overall student population is growing, the teachers still make MHS feel like the close community a high school should be. The extracurricular activities are excellent with almost every sport, musical activity, or theater activity with a championship or high award under their belt. And while there is plenty of inter-school rivalries, it makes the school come together to support the teams. The security team at the school may seem overbearing to the students, but if the small effort is made to get to know them, its easy to realize that they are there to help and not hinder the students. I had a wonderful time at McLean, and would encourage anyone to go there.
—Submitted by Mandy, a former student