Research Sylvan Hills High School Public Schools in Little Rock, Arkansas

“After experiencing several problems w/some teachers here, I've gone to the principal for support in correcting the matters. It's nearly impossible to actually contact her as she almost never returns phone calls. With the first issue, she seemed sincere about wanting to correct things, but she has absolutely no follow-through whatsoever. My next step is to contact the school board, which I should not be forced to do. Some of the teachers are pretty good, but the leadership is seriously lacking.”

“SHHS is an excellent school that allows for academic and positive personal growth for all students regardless of their ability.”

“I have attempted to become more active in this school on numerous occasions. There is no follow through from the leadership. Additionally, I don't feel as if my children are particularly safe here. This will be their last year at SHHS. I cannot afford to play with their futures and I feel as if SHHS is not providing the best learning environment for my children. If you can at all avoid sending your children here, please do. Until they address the lack of leadership and the safety of the children, I don't recommend this school at all.”

“My child recently had a problem with a coach there, so myself and two other parents met with the principal and athletic director/asst. principal, and yes they sat and listened to pacify us, knowing that we were wasting our time. I had heard before that the principal really had no concern for the students, nor would she support them in any way and I got to see it firsthand. I would not recommend this school to any parent. This coach that my child had a run in with is very immature, she yells and screams and curses around the kids and not very knowledgable of the sport she coaches. The principal condones this behavior from her. The kids are punished when they say something that doesn't sit right. They learn by example and the example this coach is setting is a very poor one.”

“this school was the most irresponsible school my child has ever been to before. my son is is handicap ang got picked on everyday in his resource class. finally my son got fed up with and decided to take up for himself when two boys decided they were goin to jump him. my son got suspended for 4 days and has to go to court, just because this school can't control the kids in their classrooms”

“I attend SHHS and I agree with all of the reviews the princapal doesn't know what she is doing and because of it most of the students are illterate. Just like me because I'v attended Sylvan Hills all my life, but I do think that next year it will get better because the principal is retiring. Most of the teachers are very good at what they do with the exeption of a few.”

“SHHS is not a good school at all. This year I am a junior and I will be transfering schools at the end of this year because of the poor quality of this school. I feel that I am not safe when I go to school and the principal and teachers do not do their jobs to insure that the students have a pleasant learning experience and environment. It is very tough to switch schools my senior year, but it's what I feel I have to do to get away from this place.”

“Avoid this school. Your children's future is not worth the risk. Their safety will be in jeopardy and they will not learn what the need to be successful. The learning atmosphere is non-existent. Teachers are constantly screaming just to get the attention of the children.”

“Sylvan Hills High School has been on a rapid decline for several years. One of my children graduated from the school in 2001 and I transfered my other child to a Magnet School in the middle of the school 2003-2004 year because of violence. The situation at the school is extremely volatile. The school has two full-time Sherwood Police officers stationed at the school and the administration still doesn't have a grip on the situation. I know first hand the about this school and the administration and I would advise any parent considering this school to reconsider. I am sad about the situation because I graduated from this school many years ago and at that time it was a great school. I hope one day it is a great school again.”

“I am sorry that this school has this reputation. There is a new administration in place and the attendance area has been rezoned. With the new administration, expect some serious changes. Student misbehavior will not be tolerated. Parents are welcome to come to the school at any time. Volunteer for the Parental Involvement Committee. It will have its first meeting in September. Come in and talk to us. We are concerned about the students education as well as their safety. Your student will be safe at Sylvan Hills High School. Your child will get the education that will help them to succeed in college and the work force. We are dedicated to you and your children. Come by as tour the school and talk with us. It's a brand new year at Sylvan Hills High School.”

“Parents Beware! Sylvan Hills will need more change then just the Principle. First of all stop busing students in from Little Rock. Since they started busing these kids in the violence rate has gone sky high. Second, get rid of those teachers that you know really need to go like a certain English teacher who during a lesson spelt flies, flees! I went to Sylvan Hills years ago and my parents pulled me out because of these problems. Now there is no way I would send my kid there. There is no reason for such a wonderful community such as Sherwood to have a high school this bad.”

“I don't know why there are so many complaints about this school. I think the principal did an excellent job and safety was only an issue because parents don't know how to raise their kids right these days. I graduated from SHHS in 2003 and felt I had a great education. Their AP program is absolutely wonderful. I don't know what the deal is with the safety issue, I never felt unsafe at school-ever. The principal always answered any questions I had, and I felt that my parents had every opportunity to get involved, you just have to do it.”

“I am sad to see that all of these people are making these statements about Sylvan Hills, I graduated in 2003 and thoroughly enjoyed my time at SHHS. I do believe that teacher quality is mostly fair and there are quite a few exceptional teachers there. Students have to take a stand for themselves and for their future. The way that students perform is based solely on how much responsibility and dedication a student has toward his or her education. I believe that much of this is caused by poor parenting. Yes this school does have issues but what school doesn't? Students, stand up for yourself and don't let your educational experience go to waste.”

“School is terrible. I am a former student and i am sad to claim this as my high school alma mater. The school and its staff are terrible. The facilities are in such a terrible state. The teachers are awful and don't have any kinds of relationships with their students, minus a select few. Sports is the only thing on the minds of the school and it shows with the use of 'remediation' courses that apply no learning and teaching whatsoever. Don't put your children in this school unless you want them to learn the fine art of 'failure with no help getting out.'”

“I am attending SHHS right now and it pains me to read all these negative reviews about it. Sure, it is not the greatest school in the state, but most of that comes from the students and not the faculty. Personally I have always felt safe in the two years that I have been there. As for the teachers not being good, I love my teachers, sure they have their problems but they're human just like us. If your child doesn't learn anything than maybe he/she is the problem. Maybe they go to school and don't follow the rules or don't try to learn. I know that most parents think that their kids are perfect angels, but when they get to school they change and become rebellious and don't try to learn.”

“I am currently attending SHHS and can honestly say I am miserable. It seems my high school experience becomes worse the closer I get to graduating and there doesn't seem to be any sign of it getting better anytime soon. The school building itself is very unkempt and in need of some serious treatment. The quality of the faculty and administration is very unsatisfactory. It seems they are more preoccupied with laying down rule after rule after rule than making sure the students have the best education they can possibly have. I suggest to all parents to think twice before sending their child to this school.”

“I am a senior at Sylvan Hills this year and don't enjoy school, but who does? SHHS has many wonderful teachers who are passionate about what they teach. If you are considering enrolling your child, I suggest these teachers especially: Ms. Shannon Rice Ms. Tomi Evans Mr. Michael Johnson Mr. Dennis Dare I have been in these teachers' classes multiple times, mostly because I loved the way they teached, which made me want to learn. Don't give up on Sylvan Hills.”

“I'm a student at Sylvan Hills High School, just transferring from another school. The school is working with less money from the state but I think they are doing a good job with what they are getting. As for the people at the school I must say I am appalled. As for the teachers there are excellent ones then there are ones that the students just plain don't like, though most schools have teachers like that. Personally, besides the principal, I like the school.”

“We're retiring from the military this May 2006. My son, Jason, is graduating from Sylvan Hills High, May 2006. This is his 2d season in school soccer. The team just got new uniforms and a new coach---Go Bears! I've had no problems with the school or staff. I think this is a pretty good school for blacks and whites. If your son or daughter works hard, no problem. If he/she is a lazy and complaining student, then he/she will write negative marks for the school. The academics are good, the espirit de corps is high, and they have a fair set of rules. We're an average family, not rich, not poor. We've been around the U.S. schools and this school is pretty average in comparison with other U.S. schools. I felt comfortable and safe sending my son here. This is definitely a safe and clean community! Christians are all around..God has blessed us during our 6 1/2 years here! If you're a Christian, you won't have any problems! God Bless and keep you & your family safe & warm! A retiring Army AGR soldier, 90th Regional Readines Command, G-7! Hooah!”

“SHHS has strong, competent teachers that have held the school together for years.”

“I'm a Junior that currently attends this school and I must say that I hate it here. The violance rating is way to high. If you're thinking about going to this school, take my advice and don't. It is a total waste of high school memories. The education is horrible.”

“Okay Sylvan Hills may not be the greatest school, but it's a very fun atmosphere! Most of the teachers are very good. As far as im concerned the safety of your child is in very good hands. Every sports team is very close like a family. They welcome you and invite you in like you've been going there forever. I've went to SH for 8 years and im sad to say that i will not be attending this year because of my parents. Send your child there. They'll have fun with the classes and atmosphere SH puts out, and it's very easy to be accepted there!!”

“As a veteran teacher at SHHS, I am excited about the direction the school is moving. Our new principal has really boosted teacher and student morale, and we've all benefitted from his leadership. Go Bears!”

“I have 3 children that have attended SHHS and they all loved it! They were all enrolled in the AP classes and learned so much in addition to having fun in classes and sports. The new principal has definitely made a difference in the program at SHHS. I just hope that he will stay there for a while to promote some stability. Thanks to all at SHHS!!”

“My child attends SHHS and I am very pleased with the teachers, principle and school. The one thing that is very upsetting is that this school is in desperate need of renovations, but this school never seems to have money. With all the taxpayers in Sherwood you would think that SH would receive some of that money for modifications. This, of course is not the schools fault.”

“This school is progressing yearly with the consistency in administration. Our principle has made discipline a priority and students know what to expect. The assistant principles follow the same strategy in policy. Firm but fair seems to be winning. I am a very pleased parent at Sylvan Hills High. My daughter is an 11th grader and I believe she is getting a superb education. She is in the pre-AP and AP classes but the teacher make all the difference. I think our group of teachers are some of the most dedicated and committed group of teachers. They go the extra mile for the student. The administrators and counselors also work tirelessly. I sub some at the school so I see the school in a close up way. I can say I am very pleased with what I see. Thanks for a job well done- Sylvan Hills High”