State College Area High School in State College, Pennsylvania

“My daughters both attended the Delta program within the State College Area High School. It was a marvelous experience for all of us. This program believed in 'city as school,' 'students involved in learning' and 'open education.' Each daughter did things that suited her, and her interests, and abilities. We were involved in all the decisions they made about courses, or travel, or other experiences, as members of an advising 'team' Both went on to successful careers in college and life.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There are various issues between the administration and teachers to the point where faculty meetings teem with anxiety and other underlying emotions. There is little commonality or collaboration between many of the teachers, resulting in vast differences between one 10th grade subject class and another class that should be similar in course material. An elitism is also apparent, leaving any student who is not a 'star' in the dust. The students, however, are well-behaved and generally all great kids.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As an alumni of this school, I have been all over the nation. I can say without a doubt that State High is the very best that public education has to offer.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Not so much discipline, but it gives the student the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Great teachers and loads of different courses that a student can chose from. However, if you go to this school it is engraved in your brain that you will be going to Penn State as soon as you are out.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“And the high school teachers, by and large, are very very good. The proliferation of programs results in kids at the upper and lower ends being well accomodated. But there are many kids in the middle who remain virtually anonymous.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Serious adademics and serious extracurriculars.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“State College schools are absolutely wonderful. They have a great mix of demographics (more diverse than, say an urban area such as Philadephia - very surprising consider the rural location.) It has a terrific music and arts program - a Grammy Shool winner and for 2006 the jazz band is an 'Essentially Ellington' finalist (look it up on their web site www.scasd.org.) The has a new 'small school' initiative which is great since the high school enrollment is on the 'large' size. Just a great school district. I went to school in State College in the 1970's and I had 3 children in the district for the last 4 years (just moved for job-related reasons) and now that I've moved away, I wish were were back! A+!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Good school, cool teachers”
This review was posted by a student.

“State College High School is a great school, especially for advanced children who need a challenge. Their sports programs are very competitive and it is a very large populated school district.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“State High has pretty much everything you could want in a public school as far as academic options, quality of teaching and diverse student body. The drawbacks would be: aging physical plant (which is being addressed by the renovation), large student body, and a bit of academic elitism that may leave 'average' kids out in the cold. Overall, though, it's an outstanding high school.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I agree it's a good school if your child is motivated and above average. However, there is a lack of supervision and poor reporting which results in students being able to skip classes without any consequences. Individual needs are not taken into account if the student does not fit the mold of a future college student. The push is for everyone to attend a four year school, whether or not it's the right decision for the individual. This school is too focused on their rankings and numbers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Nice school, great teachers!!!”
This review was posted by a student.

“I think State College Area School District is wonderful and meets the needs of all students. The special education department is fantastic and provides the support needed to help students succeed. Although, some learning support teachers may want to over compensate for their students, most are wonderful and keep the students needs and goals in mind. I am very pleased with the education that my child is getting. The math department is fantastic and teaches the curriculum in innovative and exciting ways. I would not want to have my child go to any other school district. He fits in with the group he chooses. Every student is able to find a 'nitch' to fit into, if he or she chooses to. I am pleased and recommend the education that is provided by this school district to all.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a good school if your child fits the 'mold' of an average or above average kid. It is also a great school for budding young athletes. Although the special needs program is much better than other surrounding districts, there is still too little staff and administrators and teachers can be resistant to accommodations. Parents of children with special needs should bring advocates to all IEP meetings and be aware of their children's rights. If your child is uncomfortable with State High's atmosphere, they may do better at the district's Delta Program. This is an excellent program that gives student's many more choices. They are able to pick classes as if they were in a college environment and are encouraged to be creative and show individuality. This school also offers learning/emotional support.”
This review was posted by a parent.