Gar-Field High School

The IB Program at this school definitely contained the rigor and quality of education necessary to prepare me for college. Although I will be going to college to study engineering, the interwoven material learned in each IB class taught me valuable communication skills when speaking and writing. My teachers were all incredibly passionate about their job, went out of their way to help students, and genuinely showed concern for the education of each and every student. The administration consistently keeps the students' interests at heart and regulates the great environment. I can confidently say that I felt safe at school everyday. When I walked in the doors, it was evident I was receiving a quality education. I highly recommend Gar-Field HS and its International Baccalaureate Program to anyone who desires a well-rounded high school education.
—Submitted by a student

Currently I have two children attending this school, one is a Freshman and one is a Senior. I have never had issues with the leadership of the administration at this school. Their teachers are consistently helpful, usually available after school (either on scheduled days or by appointment). The relationship between my children and their teachers is fantastic! Teachers are genuinely concerned about the quality of education my children receive. Additionally, all of their IB teachers must be certified by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to be able to teach an IB course. As a result, I feel confident my children are receiving a challenging and fulfilling education.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are caring but the discipline in the school is weak at best. My child tells me of times when a student is sent out of the room for disrupting the class only to have the administration send him back.
—Submitted by a parent

This well-diversed school strives to make everyone reach beyond their goals whether it be academics, sports or clubs.
—Submitted by a parent

Gar-field is a fab High School, teachers are great, the whole atmosphere is awesome, they really care!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

As an Alumni of Gar-Field Senior High School, I can say with confidence that it was one of the best experiences of my life. I am a self-proclaimed wall flower and I always have been. The USMC Junior ROTC program really brought me out of my shell and gave me the self confidence I never had. Roger Dallek was an outstanding principal (and college professor) and I'm sad to hear that he is gone. I occasionally go back to visit my old teachers and from what I understand, they are just as great as they were while I was attending school there. I can't wait for my 10 year reunion so I can reminisce with my old classmates. This is an excellent school!! Don't judge a book by its cover!

I'm an Alumni of GF- I graduated in 2006. I loved the time I spent there, and after reading the reviews, I can address some of the issues that were stated- although I may be a little outdated. The counseling program will keep students at an arms length unless the students show an interest in communicating. I had a great relationship with my counselor. The principal I knew was very good at working with students and parents. The extracurricular programs are great for keeping students active and happy. Most teachers I dealt with tried very hard to challenge and help their students and, when asked, would always stay after school to help. Parents, if you feel the school isn't communicating with you, consider whether your student may be withholding. At least when I was a student, pamphlets, notices, and sheets were sent home with students several times a week.

I'm a recent graduate of Gar-field High School and I must say it is an excellent school - in the sense of its IB standards. I was an IB Scholar and the academics offered through IB at Gar-field definitely prepared me for college. Although the work is sometimes stressful, you get a sense of time management from the amount of work given. As a freshman and sophomore at Gar-field, I took a couple non-IB classes and they were not as impressive. The only low ratings given to Gar-field should be primarily because of these classes. Most of the teachers, knowing the attitudes of the students, didn't feel the need to interact and teach the class to their fullest. It was almost as if they didn't enjoy their job of shaping young minds. The students in these classes are even less impressive. Either way, Gar-field's IB program is great!

I am a senior at Gar-Field and ive been there all four years since my freshmen year. I love that school. It is one of the few diverse schools in PWC. The sports and activity programs there are really good and it keeps us from getting into trouble. I dont care what anybody says i love that school and i would rather be at Gar-Field than any other school
—Submitted by a student

As a parent of a sophmore, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I was afraid to send my child to Gar-Field, Sure that what people had been telling me would make my kid into a delinquent. Well, it is just not true. My child is doing exceptionally well in the IB program, though I have to admit he has to work very hard to do so. I suggested that he didn't have to take all IB classes, maybe he could take an easier class, and he declined. He would rather not join a 'regular'class because he feels the students in those classes just don't care about learning as much as he does. Due to a recent illness his grades dropped, I emailed the teachers, and principal. They responded quickly, but the first one to write back was the principal! That was great!
—Submitted by a parent

Iam a senior at Garfield and i dont like the school. The guidance counsolers dont even know my name or that iam a senior. They dont really care about you. The administrators dont do anything but give out referrals and you have no say about it your always wrong. There is a new policy there that test/quizes count as 90% of grade and homework 10% so you dont have to complete homework to past and some teachers are cool most are mean
—Submitted by a student

Gar-field high school truely is the school of champions. I've been the doing the IB program for 3 years, and though it is hard at times, it is defenitly worth it. It is a great program that really gets you ready for college. And yea sometimes the administrators are the best, but you can talk to them and reach them if you really wanted to.
—Submitted by a student

The IB program at Gar-Field creates a 'school within a school'. The IB and pre-IB classes are great but the standard classes are terrible. Keep your child in the IB program and they'll get a first class education. They even have IB PE now. If your child is not ready for the rigor of the IB program, look elsewhere for a school (like Osburn Park or Forest park).
—Submitted by a parent

i am a student at gar-field and this is my sophmore year there.unlike others, i think it is a great school. the administration does their best and i hate to hear that parents think they dont. this year has been tough for the administration since a new principal this year then had to leave for medical reasons. gar-field has some problems but its a great school and i personally wouldn't want to be at any other school. it is extremely diverse, has a very challenging IB program, has several sports that overall seem to improve each year, and for the most part a great staff.
—Submitted by a student

The school doesn't meet the expectations. I'm very involved in my daughter's education, check grades everyday, if something doesn't seem ok I contact the teachers. Twice last year I tried to contact the teacher by e-mail because I was worried about my daughter's progress, I thought there was something that I could do to help her improve but I never got any response from the teacher. This year I was concern about my daughter switching to another class. I called the counselor twice and guess what? She never called me back. There is a minimum control during the extra curriculum activities, since Potomac Mills Mall is front to the school. Kids are supposed to be in the activities, but they go to the mall and when is time to pick them up they wait for the parents front to the school. I have more to say but no more space.
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers let students get away with far to many things, and it's a very disruptive environment to learn in. However, I am a transfer student from potomac district and I only go to GFHS for the IB program, if not for that I would refuse to go to any public school in this area. The sports programs are very nice though. I do drama in the fall, wrestling manager in the winter, crew in the spring and summer.
—Submitted by a student

I have two children that attended this school year. I was very disappointed with the teachers and consoler's response to my request that I be contacted if any drastic changes took place. I found it very hard to contact either counselor.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a huge disappointment. They do not give out an adaquate amount of information regarding parent envolvement, instead, you have to hunt down other parents that are involved in school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

A decent school, pretty average. Some really good teachers.
—Submitted by a former student

Too many students. The school is trying to hide behind a poorly administered IB program. The English department is especially weak. Teachers are teaching AP classes who are not qualified to do so.
—Submitted by a parent