William Monroe High School

Once again,sports prevail at WMHS.They are currently installing a new football field,new seating for the games, and new track around the field.We are a single A school!This years graduation must take place in Charlottesville because of the construction.I feel the money could have into improving the current school buildings or the teacher's pay. Oh, thats right, they are doing away with several assisants and a couple of teachers after this year due to budget cuts.
--Submitted by a parent

Yes, WMHS does not have all the bells and whistles of larger schools. However, it could be more effective if the school leaders and staff would use what technology and resources they do have to help 'all' students achieve. There's seems to be a disconnect in communication between administration, staff, students and parents. They are so hung up on the sports programs they want to have, that everything else suffers. They need to empower staff to help promote programs that will encourage student participation, which will also get parents on board and involved in the school. If you look at the school website there's not a whole lot to offer students. As for the parent stating there child was accepted into UVA, that's great! I'm happy for that child.
--Submitted by a parent

Greene County schools are great schools. My child has special needs and they have gone above and beyond my expectations. The teacher are incredibly helpful. They do a great job at giving my child the individual attention he needs.
--Submitted by a parent

WMHS is an excellent school. We have been very pleased with the progress our child has made. The teachers are knowledgeable and aimed to help every student. We don't feel like our son gets lost in the crowd like he would in Albemarle. I think a lot of the negativity comes from ignorant parents who don't realize that a lot of a child's education comes from parental involvement. Our child had no problem getting into UVA and we have WMHS to thank!
--Submitted by a parent

WMHS is a great school. Sure, WMHS doesn't have all the bells and whistles (ex. AP European Basketweaving) like Albemarle has but your child will get a more focused education free from many of the social pressures other area schools have. They won't be concerned about who's driving daddy's BMW and who has the latest $120 pair fad jeans. We love the individual attention WMHS has to offer and we are thankful for their thoughtful, talented teachers. You can take any of those AP classes via distance learning if you really wanted to and it's up to you (the parent) and your child to make it happen but rest assured WMHS provides a solid educational background.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm also a senior at WMHS, but I'm not appalled, but sickened at some of the attempts to belittle my school. WMHS, in juxtaposition with other schools, most notably holds an excellent standard of education as well as having preeminent and solicitous teachers that are highly respectable individuals in our local community (Mr. Parr, Mr. Leta, Ms. North, Ms. Friedman, Ms. Boyle, Mr. Nyrop, ...). I encourage each parent who has an abhorrence for WMHS and its methods of education to venture to another state forthwith, in particular, South Carolina, Georgia or the ilk and really get a taste of how well you have it here. By complaining you are only perpetuating the typical, ignorant American stereotype. WMHS is the pinnacle of awesomeness (yes, that's a word) and that all others have no idea what or who they're deriding. Regards, Matt D. Oliver
--Submitted by a student

I am a senior at WMHS. I am appalled at what some of the comments that parents have made about our beloved school. I have been going to WMHS for 2 years now, and it is a great school. We may not have the funding and equipment that other schools have, but we are a close-knit community free of the violence, descrimination, and the substance abuse often seen in many larger schools. As for school spirit, we are in no way discouraged from showing our spirit and pride in our school. Our teachers and administrators encourage us to always work hard and do our best. The school motto of 'believe, achieve, succeed' truly sums up the essence of of WMHS. Furthermore, to the parents making the rude remarks: you should be ashamed of yourselves for writting complaints against our school instead of working with us to make it a better place.
--Submitted by a student

I have 2 children that have been going to WMHS for 2 yrs now. I am pretty shocked to read some of the parental reviews here. Our experience has been nothing but positive. A large part of a child's success in school comes down to parental involvement. Also, the school's focus on SOLs is a must. Due to the strick SOLs being in place and the 'no child left behind' policies in VA, you will find that most schools place a top priority on SOLs as they can't afford not to. It is a shame in many ways, because a lot of the fun has been taken out of learning, but that is certainly not a problem confined to 1 school- that is a VA school system problem. I'd be curious to know if parents who placed negative reviews have ever had their children attend another school to even compare to.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a middle school and high school student, William Monroe has a long way to go both Academically and Athletically. There is no school spirit, nor is it allowed by the administration for the students to show spirit without scrutiny. As another person stated focus on the SOL's is the only priority academically, therefore your college bound students are not prepared for further education, and it all falls back on the principal!
--Submitted by a parent

William Monroe High School is not a below average school. The administraters only care about one thing; sol scores being high. Yes high sol scores are important but that should not be the main focus in school, they should worry about having students understand the curriculum and knowing exactly what to do, instead of focusing so much on the sol standards. There are many great teachers at the school, however, there are also very awful teachers at the school. The school also doesnt worry much about any other sport, except for football and occasionly basketball, if the school wants to make things more 'school spirited' then they should encourage students to go to the upcoming spring sports and winter sports since football is indeed over. I must say though the school is doing much better with new administration but they must strive for more.
--Submitted by a parent