Research John Jay High School public Schools in Danbury, Connecticut

“I credit much of the success I had in college to my experiences at John Jay. Teachers are willing to go the extra mile for students who are willing to put in the effort. Heck, most of them go the extra mile just to help the kids who don't care about school at all! Some parents have a hard time transitioning from the middle school--where their children are essentially coddled--to the high school--where they are not. I've actually witnessed students who do not do their class reading assignments perform poorly, but then their parents call and complain about the teacher being too hard a grader! Not everyone is supposed to get an A. My art classes were also light years ahead of what other people in college had at their high schools.”

“The proof is in the pudding. I have two children in the school now and while the school is demanding both of my children are doing great. There are a ton of options for classes and after school activities.”

“As a student at JJHS I can say the decision by my parents to send me to this school was probably one of the greatest decisions they have ever made. The teachers are amazing and care about their students and there are plenty of opportunities to meet with them. The class sizes are a bit large but if you can be willing to meet with the teachers at extra-help (which is attended by almost everyone) or even participate actively in class you can get just as much out of class as you would if their were 10 kids in a class. The sports and extra-curricular are amazing and the kids are friendly and the school has it's own fun traditions that create an amazing learning environment. The parents will sometimes get too involved in the school's affairs which will get annoying though but being in a district that cares is great.”

“John Jay High School/Cross River is generally an excellent institution. For the most part, the teachers are excellent and really committed to the children. Moreover, the Principal, Rich Leprine, really cares about each and every student and is a wonderful advocate for them. The school serves a community of affluent, upper middle class people who have very high expectations for their children, and, therefore, their high school. The school does not disappoint: not only are academic expectations are very high, but students are expected to excel at extracurricular activities as well. There are always a few community members who publicly lament the high expectations and resulting pressure. Personally, I think John Jay has served my children's needs very well and prepared them nicely for college.”

“I attended John Jay high school and loved it. There were lots of rule, sure, but at the same time, they were pretty laid back and sometimes friendly;) Some people are not very smart, but that is canceled out by some very wonderful teachers. I loved JJ and i would recommend it to anyone. Yes, its like a private school- but we never had to wear uniforms and my parents certainly didn't pay $45,000 for tuition.”

“As a JJHS parent who moved to this school district based on the reputatation of the schools and the high school in particular, I am very disappointed with the high school. Compared with the personal attention and almost-private-school atmosphere at the middle school and elementary schools in the same district, the high school is impersonal and rule-oriented. The grading system (numerical grades vs. letter grades) seems designed to stress the students and emphasize test-taking over education. A number of the school's teachers are excellent however grading is inconsistent with some teachers seeming to take pride in breaking students' spirit by piling on homework and grading unreasonably. Not a school that seems to care about its students, but one whose administration has its own self-interested agenda.”

“As a student at John Jay, I am constantly impressed by the amount of voice students are given; students are actively encouraged to participate and become involved in the community. Students are encouraged to voice their opinions (even if their opinions differ from those of the administration) and prepare themselves for life in a democratic society. Students are driven and motivated, creating a positive, competitive (although still familial) learning environment. Most teachers at John Jay genuinely care about their charges and become mentors for students; again, I am HIGHLY impressed with the amount of control and voice students have at John Jay High School- this only prepares them all the better for life as active citizens of the world.”

“I attended John Jay High and I love it! Its a great setting the kids are nice and the teachers arn't boring. There is a lot to offer at John Jay and many kids take advange of their programs. There is theature, sports, and art/tech clubs. All and All its a great school to be in.”

“Academic programs solid, diminished a biot by classroom size and students per instructor. Special attention is nil and students who can't keep pace find there way to private schools where they can get the more personalized attention they require. John Jay is a pressure cooker with less vacation days and more homework time then it seems all other schools in Westchester. My general take is that the teachers feel like they are constantly being evaluated and that translates too inordinate pressure on the students. While it rates well and students are accomplished, some other schools in Westchester seem to surpass John Jay while still providing more normal annual vacations and days off.”

“This is a great school full of kids with college on their mind and teachers, coaches and parents who care!”

“I am a graduate of the Katonah-Lewisboro School District, attending from K - 12. John Jay High School has amazing teachers with great experience. They have AP classes that are available, which actually prepare you for college. The small classes sizes give the student individual attention and the teachers always make themselves available for after school help or free period help. Most student participate in sports or other after school activities such as Math Team, Photography, etc. Most parents are highly involved - they want to keep this school district in great condition with great academics with great teachers and great extracurricular activities. If you move to this area, your child or children will experience an education on many levels that are uncomparable anywhere else in the country!”

“Horribly unattractive buildings belie a good educational environment. Lots of students pursue the arts and sports.”

“I believe John Jay High is a great school for any level of learning for a child. There are many programs that allow students to discover new likings, or challenge themselves further. Being a student at John Jay, I've witnessed many amazing teachers, some which i have had the pleasure of learning from, who love what they do, and do it well. I have not once encountered a teacher who didn't stay after school to help a student with their struggles or concerns in class. If not known already, the John Jay sports teams are great, such as the lacrosse team who are going to state championships tomorrow, or the girls softball. Sports and after school activities are a great way to meet people and feel at place in a big school like JJ. They say JJ is one like a giant learning community, and i would agree with that 100%.”

“This school os pretty good. The teachers are mostly nice, and if you become friends with them, they are even nicer. Some of the teachers are very boring and don't teach well. But if you get good teachers, you will do well. Also I think the math ciriculum is horrible and boring. But there are many extracircular activities you could participate in.”

“One of the worst schools in Westchester county. NO DIVERSITY what so ever.”

“Wide variety of teaching skills from the very best to mediocre. They had a great principal in 2002 and lost him after one year-he was involved with the kids-tough on drugs- and the students considered him a friend. This is rare. The new principal is in the average category and stays away from the kids as much as he can. He is not social and the kids know it. Good school ovwerall but could be better.”

“A great school...I graduated in 1991 and felt very prepared for college. A great campus (which i understand has gotten better since i left) and gnerally a great teaching staff. Only one complaint, i was part of that 2% African American population -- A FEW teachers...Say again A FEW teachers were very discouraging to Black students. While they expected the best from most student they were quick to place you as a troubled or low achieving student. (I along with my best friend felt this all the time but we both went on to IVY Leauge school) But other teachers (read Mr. Adams)made up for the narrow minded views of a few. Bottom line if you want a great education you can't beat John Jay.”

“I graduated from John Jay in 1999. I received an excellent education. While I could complain about some things, I do believe it is among the best public high schools in the nation. Ample AP and honors courses are offered. The school does provide for creative thinking. Academic classes divide into non-Regents, Regents, and AP/Honors class. The regents classes of course will tend to teach toward the regents exams more, while the AP and Honors courses will assume students can score well on the regents use classtime to make students think critically about what they are learning. Any student with a parent willing to make a phone call can get into an AP or Honors class.”

“A good school if you are a traditional learner but not the best environment for divergent thinkers and creative types. Like many NY schools, JJHS teaches to NY state tests. The curriculum has tight parameters, guiding students to test with results that make the school and state look good. It doesn't really seem to be about the individual students or their education. No great math or science teachers. Somewhat inferior language department. No diversity. Still, the 'right' kids can go far. The 'left' are basically out of luck.”

“John Jay is a great school. I went there and would love to have my children go there.”

“The level of parent to teacher cooperation (at John Jay) is wonderful. The efforts of all parties (students, teachers, parents, administrative officials, etc.) are inspiring, everyone strives to give (receive) the best educational, and social experience possible. John Jay High, and the community in which it resides, produce exemplary young adults.”