Nathan Hale High School

I went to this school for four years. I was there before and after the remodel and I can honestly say I am a very successful student because of it. I am currently a sophomore at a top rated college and I have been getting A's in all of my classes. The thing about Nathan Hale is that it prepares you for life, not just academics. It might not exceed state standards but it teaches students how to become adults. I haven't had t go home to see my parents in two years because I matured so much in high school. I believe Nathan Hale had a say in that. I have a great relationship with my family but I am out in the world and not a child anymore. Hale taught me that. If you want amazing academics, you will forfeit life learning opportunities.
—Submitted by a student

Great school its the best out there. don't waste your time on other schools. i switched my son out of shoreline school district; Shorewood just to see how he would do and he has done the best job ever! Shorewood wasn't very divers and didn't care much about African American kids . Now at hale he has scholarships coming in. this school really tends to African American kids. I made a switch and my son and i love Hale! I had second thoughts about it because my oldest son didnt do so well there. But the new principal is great.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great, I recomend the new Mock Trial club that has just started it is loads of fun.
—Submitted by a student

This is the best school. I love it, the teachers are great and fun. I live in ballard and i made the decision to commute everyday and i have never regreted my decison.
—Submitted by a student

My child started at Hale this year. Our observations are that the teachers are better than average in quality. The (new) principal Jill Hudson is outstanding. Test scores are high. Academics are rigorous. There are some issues though: some racial tension, more than average amount of students with behavior problems (IMO), no separate honors classes, only a handful of AP classes, and rampant marijuana use. Not sure if this is typical of all urban high schools or unique to this school? Overall though, a great school. Teachers know every student well. Tons of parent volunteers and fundraising. We are pleased thus far.
—Submitted by a parent

Nathan Hale is a great school. With it's diverse student population, great staff and helpful parent base I couldn't want my kids going anywhere else. My daughter graduated with the class of 2009 and my son has just started his freshman year there. There is a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities and clubs that all of the student body is encouraged to participate in. With a later start time than other high schools in the area, the students are able to get the needed extra sleep/study time needed to be successful scholars. The school is undergoing a big remodel/renovation upgrade project now, to be completed in 2011 and the students have been very cooperative and understanding while the project is underway. The new state of the art radio station, art studio, photography, library and some of the gym classes have been completed with more great new spaces for learning to come. We look forward to the future of our school and all that it has to offer us. Go Nathan Hale!
—Submitted by a parent

Nathan Hale is an interdisiplinary school. It combines subjects to look at social, historical and scientific issues from many angles. It is a school that encourages a community that cares and encourages all students from the top to the bottom of the academic spectrum to reach their own individual best while participating in a school community that is cohesive.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a senior and sophomore at Nathan Hale. It's been a great school for both of them--it's like a private school with no tuiton. The staff is dedicated & collaborative, the curriculum is progressive & solid, there are lots of sports & clubs, parent involvement is welcome. It's big enough to allow lots of options but small enough so kids don't get lost.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a Junior at Nathan Hale, and I LOVE it! For the most part, the teacher's are amazing, and they're very easy to talk to. At Hale we have almost every type of club possible, and I find that for the most part, Hale isn't a clicky school. The students there are pretty openminded, and there is a wide variety of classes.
—Submitted by a student

Our son graduated last year from Hale. He was happy there but as parents, we weren't. Great mentorship program, great radio station, good to great counselors (Jeff Jones is top-notch).
—Submitted by a parent

Great commitment of staff to student learning, focused on diversity and critical thinking.
—Submitted by a teacher

What impresses me the most is the school spirit among the students and the friendliness. Upper classmen don't hold it over lower classmen. Easy atmosphere has made my freshmans' first year fairly stress free. Math is a problem as the program is poor, as it is across the state.
—Submitted by a parent

This has been the best school I have gone to. I have been to many bad schoosl where there are fights and no control over the students. Nathan Hale has been the first school where I have seen harmony betwwen the students and very excellent teachers.
—Submitted by a student

An all in all average school. Academic programms meet all state standards but do not exceed them. Sports is a very important subject for students.
—Submitted by a former student

The teachers and the support staff are all excellant and dedicated. They really care about the kids and are devoted to developing the best educational program possible. They have fantastic music, drama and sports programs. Parents are extremely involved in the PTSA. This school comes highly recommended.
—Submitted by a staff