Henry M. Jackson High School

Jackson has it's perks, but it's not my favorite school to go to. After my first year at Jackson, I have learned that they don't do much to honor the students who receive a high GPA, and spend too much money for sports and cheerleaders, when the money should be spent on the band, or more academics. I am not a band kid, but I support them and enjoy their music. Plus, Jackson is known for it's band going to New York to play at Carnegie Hall, but the Pep band is basically being ignored by the school. I think that more money should be used for academics and awarding those who do well in school, instead of sports and a couple million being spent on a cafeteria addition when the cafeteria we have now is fine.
--Submitted by a student

Despite high reviews from other students,I would have to disagree.From an honor student viewpoint,Jackson cares little about further improving the academic achievement of successful students due to lack of honor/ AP classes.For example,honor math&science classes are not offered,meaning that of your student will be mixed with students of all learning levels. This provides a harsh learning environment,b/c the class pace easily becomes too fast or too slow for certain students. Academic quality also depends on the teacher.Teacher quality vastly ranges. There is an excellent English program, but the math and science departments are lacking(they may be improving with new teachers). It really depends what you are looking for in a school,b/c Jackson does have good extracurricular options. Jackson is just not for advanced college prep-with the exception of 1-5 standout students. Most graduates attend a WA college -either a CC or a 4 yr. Only ~20 go to UW.
--Submitted by a student

My son is a student at Jackson High School. I am a high school teacher in another school district. I have had the opportunity to view Jackson from both a parent and teacher perspective and I am impressed beyond measure. My son came to Jackson after having failed miserably in a different district. At Jackson, they immediately worked to give him the extra support he needed. He was placed in algebra AND algebra support. He was placed in English AND an English support class. He made wonderful progress and ended the year successfully! Whenever I emailed his teachers they responded immediately, and compassionately. The parent access for grades and their children's assignments is unbelievable. I can not thank the Jackson principal and staff enough for what they provide for their students.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at Jackson and so far the school has tought me many things. The Academics are extreamly tought but rewarding and the athletics are scond to none. The School will have a couple of bumps in the way but it helps the students turn into better learners and the teachers and counselers all are there to help us .
--Submitted by a student

I am a current student at Jackson High, and to all the parent whom say that Jackson teachers need to motivate the students to do better. Think again, Jackson Teachers are the only reason I am still in school, if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be returning this year. Furthermore, you, as the parent, should be motivating them to do better. That's your job, the teachers do their part, when will you do yours. Yes, agreed, there are some teachers who don't deserve to be teachers. But where are you going to find a school where this isn't at least one bad teacher. Every where has bad teachers. But overall, the school is great, there may be a bad problem here and there, but that's your job, as the parent, to teach your kids to not give into peer pressure or not make mistakes.
--Submitted by a student

Good art and music programs and highly educated, strict and fun teachers.
--Submitted by a student

I attended Jackson, graduating in 2005. I went to Mill Creek Elementary and Heatherwood Middle before that. When I attended, the school was severely lacking in its math and science programs. Teacher turnover, especially in the sciences, was terrible. Three of my four science teachers had been there less than 2 years. I went on to UW to major in engineering, and my poor background really held me back the first two years until I could catch up. In contrast, the english program is excellent. Students graduate with great writing skills and are well prepared for a major in the liberal arts.
--Submitted by a student

Excellant accessbility to sporting fields
--Submitted by a former student

Excellent school with good tech program. Many good teachers with a few bad mixed in. But most teachers are excellent. Good language program.
--Submitted by a parent

The technology at the school is good. Being a fairly new school, it is pretty clean. Some math teachers are not good. Quality of teachers are about average since there are superior ones and mediocre ones.
--Submitted by a student