Best Huntsville High School? (Madison, Butler: apartments, contractor, clubhouse)

[ionlife]

Madison City is building a new high school to relieve the crowding. The school district is fabulous and will become even more so with the advent of a new school. I do wonder how that will affect the theater, band, and dance team programs as all the talent will be split and there is a divide between old Madison and New Madison City already. Also, will they grandfather in the current sophomores should the school be completed before 2012?

I have to say that the level of support in the Madison City school district is second to none. Great place to raise a family and send kids to school--

[3Djunkie]

I would like to thank all those who generalized the ENTIRE student body of Butler High School as violent, can't get a scholarship to save their lives, pant-sagging, no good people. I graduated from Butler in 2003. Honestly, the school only started to get to it's current state after I graduated. I assure you, there are several amongst my class who are in or graduated from college with scholarships. Of course we had our problems and it's not because the teachers did not try their hardest to educate. Grissom, Huntsville, and BJ will never understand the "dumping" of lower income students in their systems because "that's where all the poor kids go." The general location is major factor because I assure you, if Grissom were in a "ghetto" neighborhood, they would not be at the top of many lists either. Believe it or not, it is that kind of talk that discourages children from lower income communities to think they're worthless and downtrodden for life and they have only been spoon fed this since birth. It's about the student's own determination that gets them to school in the morning, homework done, and mind focused on the goals no matter the school. Students from these communities, I can guarantee do not have extra money to pay for expensive standardized exams nor the ability to retake them every year. It's the same story in any school system anywhere. I'll tell you what, most of those parents try as hard as they can to be there for their children. There's a list of things generalized about students from these communities I see time and time again. Sorry we all can't live in nice neighborhoods and attend the best schools, it just doesn't work that way. I graduated from what you all deem to be the worst of the worst, and guess what? I went on to college, graduated, and currently have TWO jobs related to my field.

To be on topic. No, I would not recommend Butler in it's current state. The additional point being, they are seriously discussing closing Butler as they did Stone Middle. This is my understanding from talking to my former teachers. I do not know much about Columbia, but if you're worried about the "riff-raff" as everyone makes them out to be, they want most of them transferred to Columbia (or Lee and Johnson). If I had to choose between the the top three I'd go with Huntsville if the child is particularly non-competitive as it's not as crazy there. Grissom is extremely competitive and if you're not up to par they do push you aside. This comes from many of my students and friends whom were Grissom graduates.

[deesonic]

3Djunkie - It's refreshing to have you on the boards. I appreciate your insight. I'm a Butler grad as well, although many years before you (c/o 91). Heck I'm even a Stone Middle alum. As I've said probably a dozen times in the umpteen other threads devoted to Grissom vs Bob Jones as the best high school, schools do not magically create smart and well-rounded kids without tirelessly involved parents. 9 times out of 10, kids who have parents who are very active in their education are going to turn out well regardless of where they go to school, even at Butler. My point is not that parents shouldn't be concerned about where their kids attend school though. You absolutely should be. But like 3D said, some us can't afford the $350K starter homes (including me) off County Line Road or in Hampton Cove and may have to settle with putting our kids in a Butler, Lee, or Johnson (and the feeder elementary and middle schools). Property values, school test scores, Ivy League scholarships, and athletic accomplishments won't amount to a hill of beans if parents are not involved in their child's education, even at Grissom or Bob Jones.

[Ang_256]

My daughter goes to Columbia HS and she likes it. Many of the kids are bus from Redstone Arsenal. I think that would be a great choice for you. If it do not work out you still have New Century, which is located in the same building. If I am not mistaken, Columbia and New century take some classes together. Good luck in what ever you choose.

[ionlife]

They are already on the bus to other schools in the Huntsville School District. And I read in the paper that a HSB member is actively looking at the stats for Huntsville schools that are very dismal... 42% of students in that district feel unsafe at school. That's awful.

I agree that motivated kids with caring parents CAN do well anywhere. Our child went to a low income school with very bizarre demographics and she did well in her primary grades BECAUSE we as parents were very involved. HOWEVER, I also know how difficult it is for the motivated student to cope in an environment that is hostile.

If a student can do well in the hostile pond, then good for them. But I am glad my child doesn't have to cope with that problem. School is tough enough and being a teen is tough enough without adding the issues presently discussed at Butler.

And that is no reflection on the grads of that school. I admire your tenacity.

[deesonic]

ionlife, I think my point is being missed. I wasn't saying people should send their kids to Butler. Hell, I wouldn't send my kids to Butler. Your income afforded you better choices for your child and that's great.

My points were that a) the incessant debates over BJHS vs Grissom are unnecessary. They are both great schools, as is Huntsville High. b) Parenting has much more to do with how well children will do in school than the actual school environment. Many don't have the income required to buy homes in Madison and SE Huntsville, but blaming schools themselves for a child's education (or lack thereof) is unproductive. It's that kind of attitude that is infecting public school systems all over the country.

And when you say "42% of students in that district," what are you referring to? Which district? All of Huntsville? Butler?

[Charles]

I'm sure someone has asked this before, and it's probably been answered, but after looking at aerial photos of Butler High School and Grissom High school (both, I think, built around the same time, early 1970s) I notice neither school has any windows. What's up with that? Tornadoes? Lots of other schools have windows. So why is that?

[SherwoodSwimClub]

Originally Posted by wisebeard1

My girlfriend is moving to Huntsville Alabama with her 17 year old daughter. I'd like to see her daughter attend the best public high school in the district. I have heard there are some schools to avoid at all cost.
What is the safest school with the best learning environment?

Hello, I grew up in Huntsville, went to Huntsville High school, and college to UAHuntsville. After meeting my husband in college we lived in Sherwood Park for 5 years, then chose to move to Madison. Smaller community and one high school. Soon Madison will have 2 high schools. However all that aside, Bob Jones High was chosen as Newsweeks top 5% of high schools in America. Many criteria are judged ranging from test scores, free lunches, dropout rate, etc.
I know you asked about the "best" "Huntsville school for the 17 year old, may I respectfully suggest Bob Jones High School in Madison. Madison is the town to the west of Huntsville. The kids are friendly, many activities for a child to become involved in, the kids are used to getting new kids, so your child will not be the only one. This community is nice, about 47,000 people, high education level of parents, etc. This area is also a safe area with a low crime rate.
As far as safety is concerned, the high school has a school resource officer (madison police officer who is full time at the high school)and principal that are heavility involved with their teachers and student body. The principal is a strong, moral individual who has a great repor with not only his staff but the students as well. He runs this school and treats his staff and students as he would his wife, mother or own children. My children have been at the high school for 4 years and I currently have 3 in school there and thus far I have not heard of any unsafe practices nor any safety issues.
Bob Jones also offers an incredible amount of advanced placement classes as well as programs for aspiring engineers, health related fields, food science etc.

[SherwoodSwimClub]

I have to add my 2 cents about the Butler graduates. I am a Huntsville High grad and had many Butler friends. My Butler friends are some of the most hard working friends I have! I used to be an advisor for a sorority at UAHuntsville and our Butler girls were the hardest working girls and most involved girls we had out of the Huntsville, Grissom and Butler girls. No offense intended...just what I experienced.
Many of my friends lived in the still great subdivision of Sherwood Park. All the 650 homes now are zoned for Columbia. I do hear many good things about Columbia and their test scores look strong. I have also heard the powers that be, plan to close Butler. If on a tight financial budget I would honestly look into buying a home in sherwood park because of the community there, the activities offered via the pool and civic association, and schools.

[SherwoodSwimClub]

Originally Posted by Charles

I'm sure someone has asked this before, and it's probably been answered, but after looking at aerial photos of Butler High School and Grissom High school (both, I think, built around the same time, early 1970s) I notice neither school has any windows. What's up with that? Tornadoes? Lots of other schools have windows. So why is that?

Honestly, I think that must have been the trend when the schools were built. Not sure though.