Tell me about Herndon High

[Anonymous]

Dyslexia is poorly managed at every school in fcps.

[Anonymous]

How do they help those who are struggling in one subject?

[Anonymous]

In general, the more "needy" and "problem" kids there are, the more the administration's attention will be drawn to those immediate priorities.

Back in the early 2000s, Herndon and Hayfield were pretty similar. I think Hayfield is about the same as it was back then. Herndon has declined in it's objective stats (SAT scores, AP, etc.,).

We considered homes in Reston b/c we really like the area. But, HMS and HHS were both big concerns for us. In the end, we just could not get comfortable with it. We've heard of other people who landed in Ashburn who left HHS b/c of fights. Again, this is just a report here or there. Doesn't mean it wouldn't work out for you, OP. But, I do understand the desire to be in the Reston area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In general, the more "needy" and "problem" kids there are, the more the administration's attention will be drawn to those immediate priorities.

Back in the early 2000s, Herndon and Hayfield were pretty similar. I think Hayfield is about the same as it was back then. Herndon has declined in it's objective stats (SAT scores, AP, etc.,).

We considered homes in Reston b/c we really like the area. But, HMS and HHS were both big concerns for us. In the end, we just could not get comfortable with it. We've heard of other people who landed in Ashburn who left HHS b/c of fights. Again, this is just a report here or there. Doesn't mean it wouldn't work out for you, OP. But, I do understand the desire to be in the Reston area.

The consensus is that Herndon has taken a nose dive and South Lakes has improved. And of course there are small parts of Reston and Herndon zoned to Langley but that won't last forever.

[Anonymous]

My oldest graduated from herndon within the last 3 years and my youngest is there now. My oldest is doing very well in college and got in everywhere he wanted —he has friends that graduated from herndon and are all in the schools they wanted including UVA, William&Mary, VT, JMU and George Mason. There really is a feeling of a school within a school. My kids have never had any issues and there are some stand out faculty and staff members that have really impressed me.

[Anonymous]

The performing arts program is outstanding. You'll have a good experience if you hang out with the right people. Also, most of the renovation is complete.

[Anonymous]

Make sure they have permits to conceal before enrolling.

[Anonymous]

My kids did k-8 private and are at Herndon now. Yes, the school within a school is a thing. Graduates we know have gone onto UVA, William and Mary, Northwestern, JMU, Penn St, Florida, VT, WVU, Georgia, Miami, Tenn. I have not heard complaints about fights or other discipline issues. The school does seem to lack in spirit - low attendance to sporting events- compared to PVI. My kids have had some outstanding teachers, even during distance learning.

Standardized test scores are lower due to higher percentage of English learners. That does not mean the teachers are weak or that the more academic students are at a disadvantage. FCPS AP classes follow the same curriculum. There might be fewer sections of AP BC Calculus at Herndon, but they all fcps students are receiving the same instruction. If the rumors are true that colleges have to cap the number of students they can admit from one same school, then being a Herndon student might even give them an edge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids did k-8 private and are at Herndon now. Yes, the school within a school is a thing. Graduates we know have gone onto UVA, William and Mary, Northwestern, JMU, Penn St, Florida, VT, WVU, Georgia, Miami, Tenn. I have not heard complaints about fights or other discipline issues. The school does seem to lack in spirit - low attendance to sporting events- compared to PVI. My kids have had some outstanding teachers, even during distance learning.

Standardized test scores are lower due to higher percentage of English learners. That does not mean the teachers are weak or that the more academic students are at a disadvantage. FCPS AP classes follow the same curriculum. There might be fewer sections of AP BC Calculus at Herndon, but they all fcps students are receiving the same instruction. If the rumors are true that colleges have to cap the number of students they can admit from one same school, then being a Herndon student might even give them an edge.

That’s because only the wealthy white kids come to events.

[Anonymous]

It’s economically and culturally diverse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids did k-8 private and are at Herndon now. Yes, the school within a school is a thing. Graduates we know have gone onto UVA, William and Mary, Northwestern, JMU, Penn St, Florida, VT, WVU, Georgia, Miami, Tenn. I have not heard complaints about fights or other discipline issues. The school does seem to lack in spirit - low attendance to sporting events- compared to PVI. My kids have had some outstanding teachers, even during distance learning.

Standardized test scores are lower due to higher percentage of English learners. That does not mean the teachers are weak or that the more academic students are at a disadvantage. FCPS AP classes follow the same curriculum. There might be fewer sections of AP BC Calculus at Herndon, but they all fcps students are receiving the same instruction. If the rumors are true that colleges have to cap the number of students they can admit from one same school, then being a Herndon student might even give them an edge.

That’s because only the wealthy white kids come to events.

Parochial school — you can’t compare student spirit / participation with a public school. - parochial school alum of public school kids

[Anonymous]

It also has a good number of APs relative to other FCPS schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s economically and culturally diverse.

A net positive compared to other HS in the district.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you look at Great Schools ratings, make sure you filter for white and non low income.

How do you know op is white?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you look at Great Schools ratings, make sure you filter for white and non low income.

How do you know op is white?

DP — I think the point is that the higher SES and non Hispanic kids perform as well as kids at other HS schools. You can’t just look at the overall scores.