Issaquah High School

My School is Issaquah High School. I find the building to be beautiful but the experience ends there. Poor administration communication to families, very little teacher interaction with parents, teachers very slow to update on line homework and grades if at all. I have found the administration to be arrogant and not really asking for or interested in having parents involved in the school. I know others feel differently but in my first year of my son attending I have only had 1 e-mail from a teacher. I see and know parents that want to be involved but staff appears to not ask, require or engage with anyone. I will say that this is different from the sports as they require heavy parent involvement for sports just wish they could do the same for academics.
—Submitted by a parent

IHS's new building adds to the overall learning experience you get when you attend. Of course there are amazing teachers and less likable ones, this occurs at any school, but the outstanding teachers outnumber them. I was a 9th grader this year and I couldn't have asked for a better year. Having moved from a different state, I was worried about making friends and fitting in. At IHS there is an incredible amount of smiling faces who all want to be your friend. The best ways to get connected are to get involved in sports, band, or clubs, which there is plethora of. Every class I took I learned more than I could have ever imagined as the curriculum was challenging, but interesting. The atmosphere was always lively and fun to be in. Sadly, I'm moving again and will have to leave behind the gorgeous college-like campus. Moving to Issaquah? Issaquah High School is the best place to be, don t even think of going to Skyline or Liberty. Trust me; Issaquah High will forever impact your life.
—Submitted by a student

Its a really good school. I would think it was really hard, but i also have learning disabilities. the teachers help me out a lot, and the people are really nice. Issaquah is also very spirited!
—Submitted by a student

Everyone tends to focus on the great sports programs, the school teeming with spirit and the facilities. While these may make the school look nice or fun at first lets not forget something. I came from a rigorous private school and was not able to pay for it anymore, so i got moved to issaquah. Let's just say, people who have been saying the academic classes are rigorous or the AP programs are sufficient are wrong. I've been in public school all my life up until these two last years at private school, and even being at Eckstein middle school i had more work! It's sad to see schools like issaquah take sports precedent over academics, i see a giant lack in academic support. The school is big, and even in advanced courses i find myself not being challenged or able to approach my teachers. The kids and my friends at the school always tell me how I've come from a private school and I'm sheltered and stuff like that, when they have one of the highest population of white people at their school and the smallest population of other ethical backgrounds at their school than others. Im hispanic, offended and have a bit of scorn for this school. Go if your a star athlete, nothing more...
—Submitted by a student

Excellent academics. kids always have homework. Teachers respond to e-mail and phone messages. great sports programs with top quality coaches. Teachers and staff are very good. Brand new rebuilt school buildings. Kids with Issaquah High Diplomas have no problem getting into Colleges.
—Submitted by a parent

interesting school. many different groups of people, but because there is practically no diversity students form opinions of people. this causes a lot of racism/discrimination. Even some of the teachers are racist, I had to transfer out of a class because of a teacher like this. also the math department is terrible. great sports, and ASB program though I would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from Issaquah High in 2005. The English and Social Studies AP curriculum prepared me well to succeed in college. The AP instructors were very committed and attentive. The courses were rigorous. My only complaint is the lack of weighted grades; a student with an A- average in all AP courses is ranked lower than a student with an A average in non-AP courses.
—Submitted by a student

Issaquah High School has great Spirit and pride, our Sports are good, our classes are excellent and it is a super good environment to study in.
—Submitted by a student

Incredible teachers in advanced courses, great student body and school culture, and excellent opportunities to get involved. The facilities are being remodeled.
—Submitted by a parent

poor facilities, fair academics, under-funded fine arts.
—Submitted by a parent

The extracurricular activity program provide all students chances to join. Several levels in each sport team to accommodate all the students who are interested but not very skillful in the sports. It is good. The academic programs are good.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful education and location.
—Submitted by a student

Issaquah High School has been an excellent experience for my two sons. One graduated a couple of years ago with 25 AP credits; the youngest is a sophomore. Issaquah fosters respect for all their students; everyone (nearly) seems to feel valued, even if there talents are not 'traditional' high school activities. It is a healthy mix of suburban kids from a somewhat limited variety of backgrounds.
—Submitted by a parent

Issaquah High School has to be one of the most spirited high school's. The seniors leave the school with memories that will live with them forever. The freshman are greeted and treated with respect by the upper classmen. There is a LINK program which allows incoming students to feel more accepted. Overall Issaquah High School should be your number one choice if you are moving to the Issaquah, Washington area.
—Submitted by Stephanie, a student