Honestly, on an overall stand point, this school is only good for it's test scores. But honestly, all school in Fremont are generally like this because, let's face it, Fremont is a college mill. Also, the math teachers and the English department were pretty good. I think this school is mediocre at best.
One of the qualms I had were the vice principal at the time (Ms. Hamilton) who I believe is now principle. I honestly think that is worse, because she was a mean woman. I remember in eighth grade I had to get permission for a Mission High School dance for so I could go with my then ninth grade boyfriend, and she straight up told me she would not sign it because of her own personal beliefs (even when my parents signed it; also, this was NOT an issue at any other junior high schools). I also once was walking to my PE class to stand on a number I was assigned to, and the pledge of allegiance started. I thought it would be okay to walk to my number first and then stand since there was a punishment if we were late, but apparently not. I remember being pulled harshly from this mean woman and then being forced to sit in her office for almost an hour when the only thing she told me was to show respect for the flag and stop walking next time. Like, what?! She just pulled me from physical activity to tell me that simple sentence? She couldn't just tell me that outside after the pledge?! All I thought was that it was my own right to not say the pledge of allegiance or even do that if I didn't want to (do not get me wrong, I love America, but it was just better if I just walked 30 more feet before I stopped).
Another qualm I had was when I had Mrs. Carter for a science class. I remember she made us research one science job that we may want in the future. Then, we had to share our research. I wanted to be a meteorologist at the time, and I shared that and just mentioned that they make good money. I remember she blatantly said, "That's not a lot of money; you're not going to get very far there" in a very demeaning tone, as if I was stupid. I also think she was just very demeaning towards students in general. Way to crush dreams, Mrs. Carter! Probably not the best way to go if you want to inspire children to go into the science field!
I was not a bad kid, but I did get suspended from this school once (so much lol when I look back at it). But I felt the punishment for the crime did not match, and I was treated like the worst person even though I had a 3.8+ GPA while in honors classes my entire time of being there. Even my parents said the vice principal was a complete witch. So, I guess I have some biased inclination to really despise this school.
After this experience, I turned out to be a good student overall. I was a student who had many ASB positions in high school and was my high school's (AHS) student rep for FUSD one year. I ended up going to Cal Poly SLO and I am in the honors program. I have had multiple internships and I am making really good money right now at a reputable tech company in the SIlicon Valley, before my senior year. So, despite the ridicule I received as a student from this place, I still succeeded. I don't think that this school contributed to my academic success at all, and probably hindered me from becoming a more confident student at the time. Even though I did say the English and math department were up to par, I would still give this school a one star because of the treatment I received when I was young. I would not recommend at all. read more