Clayton High School

I've found the Clayton Schools to be excellent, especially for the size. I have children in both the high school and elementary, and have found their teaching staff to be friendly, professional, and great at what they do. I also find that when I have a concern, they address it immediately (and I'm an admitted critic of the public school system). There's the typical small-town politics stuff that gets in the way at times, but I recognize that's nearly impossible to avoid in any small school. (Which is why I only gave four stars instead of five.) Also, for the size of this school, the extra-curricular programs are great. The music program is strong and has a talented staff leading it. The athletic programs are just as great. I'm very happy that my children go to Clayton schools.
—Submitted by a parent

It is alright, until you get into about 8 grade, then they stop teaching...
—Submitted by a student

This school provides a nurturing environment wherein all the students and staff interact to produce a safe and secure learning experience for all students. Because of its small size all the students are encouraged to participate in numerous extracirricular activities which helps to integrate newer students into the student body. Homecoming festivities include all the students in this small school, from K-12. Older students provide mentoring to younger students and the school supports the Kinship program for students who desire or need a big brother/big sister. The Arts program is superb and Clayton usually carries the hardware out of the multi-school competitions. The Music programs are limited because of the size of the school, but more individual attention is given to those who participate. The Clayton school teaches respect for self and for others and provides the students with a sense of community and security.
—Submitted by Richard Carlson, a parent

I go to Clayton, and I have 2 words for ya: Horrible!
—Submitted by a student

The educational opportunities at Clayton are minimal at best. Most children are instructed below-grade level and teachers are not provided with necessary teaching tools. Discipline and structure are lax. Although there are some good teachers here, the over-all quality of instruction is poor. Children who leave to attend public education find themselves well below level and many are retained or put in remedial courses. Teacher morale is low because of really low pay and lack of any positive feedback from the administration. Priorities are not uniform and too much time is spent off task in some classrooms. For the at-risk child that needs nuturing, there are caretakers on this campus but the real need of smaller classrooms is not provided. Teachers cannot meet the real needs of the children because of this. This is not a school for any child seeking to advance his academics. God have mercy on Clayton.
—Submitted by a student