Hazen Senior High School

I am a student who is currently enrolled in Hazen High School The course selection is improving, but is still somewhat limited for any students who are interested in attending competitive schools. In terms of science, it is downright debilitating, as the 9th grade science course is deemed unnecessary by many, but testing out of the class is not permitted. The AP course selection is becoming better, but it could still be improved. Teacher quality is varied. Some teachers are extremely skilled, while others are downright incompetent. Resources are, again, limited. If a student is interested in attending a prestigious college, none of the resources available will be any help at all whatsoever. Extensive research must be done on the student's own time. Curriculum and student assistance are tailored to the assumption that students are primarily interested in attended the state flagship, UW Seattle. The school, overall, does a moderate job at informing students about opportunities. The Culminating Project program is perhaps one of the school's greatest flaws. It attempts to help students learn about college, but the design is so poor that it's an annoyance, rather than an assistance.
—Submitted by a student

My daugher is a new student to Hazen in 9th. She is also new to the Rento area. So she knew no one and was very scared about going to Hazen. She is from Mercer Island and was told that Hazen is not a good school. I disagree... So far what i know is there are some amazing teachers at Hazen. My daugher loves her geometry and Pottery teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

Everything about Hazen High School impresses me! The thing that strikes me the most is the good, positive attitude that radiates from the student body. Hazen students are always filled with pride and are supportive of each other and other schools in the league. I wish other schools in this area could drop the attitude and encourge them to behave more like the young people at Hazen!
—Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but good things to say about Hazen. My kids love it there! They havea top notch music department that boasts 9 performance ensembles (4 choirs, 3 bands and 2 orchestras.) I think it is great that a public school values a good education in the arts!
—Submitted by a parent

Hazen has been a wonderful school for my children. They always seem to be unfavorably compared to Newport and Liberty High Schools (neighboring schools in different districts.) but I think that is unnecessary! Hazen performs consistently above the state average in test scores. However, high schools are much more than their test scores and this is where Hazen truly shines. It has wonderful teachers, thriving programs and a wonderful positive atmosphere. Hazen is a fantastic school that deserves to be better known for all of its merits!
—Submitted by a parent

I am impressed with Hazen's attempts to improve an already solid academic performance. Their WASL scores are all above the state average ad they have a high graduation rate. Still, they are using many forms of data to really narrow down what students need the most work and what subjects need refining. This will lead to further improvement in all aspects. I admire this school for their efforts and am very confident sending my son their each day.
—Submitted by a parent

The Hazen staff is one that tries very hard to meet the needs of all students. They have worked hard to include new programs and schedule formats to ensure that all students get a great education. In fact, they have done away with the 'honors only' concept in a few courses saying that all studetns should be exposed to the same rigorous curriculum. I think this school is a wonderful example of public education and one that I am happy to have sent my student to!
—Submitted by a parent

While there are some outstanding teachers at Hazen, there is a lack of follow thru in making sure students who are not stand outs are not left to fall through the cracks. So if you're a really good student or a really bad student you will get the attention of staff. But if you're a student who is working hard (or hardly working) and are in the middle of the road, you are overlooked. While the community is involved in some aspects of the school, many parents are stretched thin between their work and obligations at home. New online system for grades is a vast improvement over last year's Basmati, but it still requires teacher's timely input and collaborative work with parents to help students succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

My Family and I are very happy with Hazen High and with Renton Schools in general. Hazen's greatest strength is the involvement of it's teaching staff. They bend over backwards to help students succeed. One of our children went to a nearby High School in another district and if we had it to do over again, we would have sent her to Hazen instead. We could not be happier with it and look forward to sending our third child there!
—Submitted by a parent

I think Hazen is a top notch institution. The teaching staff there is so wonderful and they all care so much about our students. Hazen also has a great atmosphere with all kinds of students participating in different activities. This schoolis also competitive in sports and has a fantastic music department. Their academic programs are strong and the teachers are always striving to find new ways to help our kids do even better. My only complaint is that Hazen doesn't get the recognition it deserves in the media as it is truly a fantastic high school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am continually impressed with Hazen High School. Hazen has a very talented teaching staff, a beatiful and modern facility and strong leadership. The student body is their to learn and the school has a very positive atmosphere. Academics are strong and award winning choirs, drill, DECA, art programs and athletics are the icing on the cake. Hazen is the best kept secret in Washington State!
—Submitted by a parent

Overall very good school. Staff is underrated and I do not think our kids get a lesser experience both academically and socially than those in neighboring Issaquah or Bellevue High Schools. Student Body is drawn from very diverse neighborhoods in Newcastle, Kennydale and Renton Highlands. This is very good for dealing with the real world in their future lives.
—Submitted by a parent

Hazen is one of the best high school that my son has gone to, and he has gone to many, including Pulaski Academy in Arkansas, a nationally recognized school. Hazen has quality teachers in all categories, especially the math and fine arts departments.
—Submitted by a parent

A solid school that works tirelessly to enhance its already good academic reputation. The staff is very professional and commited. A strong array of fine arts and electives offerings.
—Submitted by a teacher

Hazen is a pretty great school. Although it may look a little abrasive from the outside, the atmosphere is nice with a wide array of students and teachers. Several parents are on the PTSA committees and many attend athletic and musical events. Although some teachers take some getting used to, Hazen is still a pretty good school.
—Submitted by a student

A good school by and large, with a variety of very talented teachers in all departments, but a few definate standouts in the literature and science departments.
—Submitted by Elias, a student