Research Bethel High School public Schools in Williamsburg, Virginia

“The guidance counselor's are pathetic. They have no clue as to what is going on and never return phone calls.”

“I attend Bethel, and the school gets an 'average' in my opinion. The halls are overcrowded, there is a slight roach problem, and the school focuses to much on sports, but overall, its an alright school.”

“I actually graduated from this school many years ago and have had now three of my children attend i am very disappointed in the this school it is very dirty and unkept it is overcrowded and in need of serious renovation.Teachers donot seem to want any parental involvement.Guidance has no idea what is going on half the time and are very disorganized.And if you ask a question you are directed to every dept beside what you need.As a alumni of this school i know this could be much better and is unfortunate that it has declined so much over the years.”

“I feel Bethel is grossly overcrowded and a lot of the teachers do not seem enthusiastic about being teachers. Also, a lot of students are falling through the cracks and not getting the help the need.”

“BHS is overcrowded and the building needs renovating. There are not enough classrooms or lockers for each student. I am concerned for the school's safety, as well.”

“This school is horrible, the run-down broken facilities, apathetic teachers and students.”

“In the school newspaper, one of our more foward students sent a letter pointing out all the obvious problems (over-crowding, new faculty buildings taking priority over bigger halls or new classrooms) and Mr. Bailey gave a bunch of empty answers. I had a downpour in the middle of the room interupting my Government class and he wants a new office. The only thing I see in this low funded school are its computer and animation courses and the few great teachers that make this window facility bearable.”

“Our school might be over crowded but look at the kids who graduated from the school with pretty good scholarship.And the teachers do tell your child that they are failing they just dont tell parents.And your child is the reason why they always get in trouble with teachers. I dont care what nobody says Our school is one of the best school in VA.”

“this is a very low funded school. there are some music and art programs though”

“Bethel High is comparatively a good school in the Hampton System. I would rate this school on the same level as Kecoughtan. With continued hard work from students, parents and teachers; I believe it could out rank some of the schools in York County. They have a great Art program, Especially animation. The level of available extra-curricular classes are outstanding. The school offers so much to the student, and the staff is very helpful and friendly. I highly recommend this school for new students coming to the area.”

“An overcrowded urban school. The administration and faculity are too busy with discipline issues to focus on education. Facilities are in poor repair and school lacks technology”

“This is a terrible school to allow you child to attend. I feel that they do not give my children all that they deserve. The teachers to student relationship is bad and I don't feel like bethel is safe.The only reason I allow my child to stay is because I can't afford to enroll them into a better, more prestigious, private school. If this school wants to improve they better start with their teachers and principal first.”

“Both of my children have attended Bethel and I was and am very pleased with the quality of education that they have received. The faculty and staff have encouraged my children to excel. I agree that the school is overcrowded and in need of repairs. As to parent involvement, I have never had a problem being involved at Bethel. Every teacher has provided a means for me to check on my student's progress throughout the term and have encouraged me to stay in touch. My children have also encouraged me to be involved. During the past six years, I've not been exposed to the out-of control environment mentioned in some the reviews. Overall this is a good school. Which is probably why it is overcrowded.”

“The overcrowding problem is nothing new; it's been that way for years. It's not an ideal situation, but it's tolerable. As for discipline, as a BHS grad from several years ago, stick to Honors and AP classes and you'll avoid most of the problems with out of control students. Beyond that, academically some of the honors and most of the AP classes are very strong. The AP classes in particular left me well-prepared for college, and considering I went on to attend William & Mary, that's saying something. Plenty of opportunities for student involvement exist; just put yourself out there and join things you're interested in. Makes the four years that much more rewarding.”

“Bethel High is a great academic school. I attend Bethel and unless you are on the boys varsity basketball team, you have to work very very hard to recieve a good grade. The athletes at Bethel hardly have to come to school to pass any class. The school is very overcrowed and annoying when you try to get to class on time; other than those problems, Bethel is alright.”

“Unless you are working with athletics the opportunities for parent involvement are limited. This may be an effect of the overcrowding, but I really do not think so. I have one child that is a honors student and one that is not. The differences in teacher feedback is astounding. If Bethel is supposed to provide the highest quality public school education in Hampton, we are in serious trouble.”

“The faculty and staff are some of the best in the area. However, due to an increase in residential development, the school has become overcrowded. The lack of discipline displayed by some of the students is not the fault of the administrators or faculty, but the result of poor parenting at home. Overall, I think the school is great and would be better if it were not so crowded.”

“The school may be over populated but the school still has a good learning environment. The school's sport teams are better than any other high school. Bethel is a great school!”

“This school at best, is marginally acceptable. Overcrowded, crumbling building. The atmosphere does not encourage learning. Unless you choose honors or AP classes, you are subjected to a myriad of undisciplined peers who could care less about education. I place the burden of fault in regard to the quality of this school onto overcrowding, poor administration, and lack of public voice and proper leadership within the board of education. This school truly needs to be separated into two schools. It is the largest school in the area, and it continues growing through rapid suburban developments nearby. Nevertheless, there are some good teachers here, and they would be even better if the aforementioned solutions could be implemented.”

“Coming from up North where the schools in Hillsborough New Jersey are the best, when I moved here and my daughter started High School, I couldn't believe there was no parent- teacher meeting nights. They tell you your child is doing bad at the end where it is hard for you to do anything about it. This school is also bad where some of the teachers don't communicate with you at all. I do not recommend this school or any schools in Virginia. I cannot wait to leave here.”

“A school that is almost out of control. Discipline is minimal, behavior of the students marginal at best, and the resident police officer is often called to classrooms to control students.”