Hercules High School in Pinole, California

“As a previous student of Hercules High School I would not suggest you send your child here. The lack of connection with the teachers/students is disheartening. The environment was disrespectful, at many times violent, and left much to be desired. It is unfortunate that such a nice neighborhood has such a disappointment for a high school. I strongly feel that this school does not prepare students for college either. In my opinion, there are only a few positive things to say in regards to Hercules High. As many have said before the drama, dance, and music departments shine. There are a handful of teachers who genuinely seem to want to make a difference in your child's life. Beyond that Hercules High needs a lot of improvement. I would look elsewhere if I was trying to give my child the best I could for the future of their education.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The teachers are always absent when the kids try to catch up with the material the teachers just jump to another chapter without reviewing where they stopped. The teachers are overwhelmed, they give out homework, but they hardly return it back to the kids. When I ask the kids how they did on a test they don t know until the progress reports come out if the kids get a C or a lower grade the teachers always answer it s because low test scores. The administration is also a mess, when a child needs to speak to a counselor or someone in the office, everyone is always rude, there is no politeness or manners. My kids will never return to this school unfortunately that leaves an open spot for an outsider to come here instead of our own children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The administration doesn't listen to the kids and what they have to say and they dont let the students know or teachers know when there is changes in policy. Hercules High needs new administration. Specially they need a new principal who knows and interprets student hand book as they are written. The person need to be able to admit the mistake they make.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We pulled our son out of Hercules after 2 years...just too many problems. While Principal Zak seems to be 'in touch' from afar, when you speak to him one-on-one with specific concerns, he falls flat. None of our (rather simple) concerns were dealt with, and he supports the teachers without fail. While loyalty is not a bad thing, it is necessary to admit when a certain teacher is getting many, many complaints and some change needs to happen. Discipline is a huge problem, even with the recent changes. My son was witnessing fights almost daily.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“my favorite school, i just switched out of pinole valley and this is way better. i heard administration just improved this year. bye”
This review was posted by a student.

“My son is new to this school this year. He is a good student getting a 'B' average or higher. I hear about so many kids in his class failing or barely passing with a 'D'. So many students not applying themselves. I think it is a reflection of their parents participation and lack of discipline with their child. The school is very good at letting partents know when their student is tardy or absent to class. It appears that most of the teachers grade on a scale as opposed to a curve. This requires the student to try even harder just to pass. My son has a friend that has gone to every class every day last quarter and is getting all 'F's' except in gym. He has students in his class wearing their iPod or playing with their PSP. Will parents change when they see their report card?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is basically an average or below average school. The racial diversity is really big in this school and some of the facility equipments are really old. The maintanece is just ok. It would be much better if all the people in that school care about their academic.”
This review was posted by a student.

“This is school is alright in academics but really need more extra extracurricular activities, police is there but only safeguard the outside the teacher need to be taught how to discipline their students cause most of the classes is outrages completely terrible and for an upper middle class city i expected better from the community please reconsider to send your teenager to another school.”
This review was posted by a other.

“the administration doesn't listen to the kids and what they have to say. and they dont let the students know or teachers know when there is a cancelation of something. Hercules High needs new administration.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Police are at most schools in the district. They are put there to protect the school from outside troublemakers. They are rarely needed as order is well kept by the faculty. About the academia being mediocre, I invite that parent to go and visit Richmond High School, Kennedy High School or De Anza High School to see their curriculum there. HMHS has challenging programs if a student actually tried to seek them out.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Personally, this school has had it's shares of downfalls, and negative happenings, but under Principal Zak, the school has improved. Students are now wearing their I.D.s (an occurrence most wouldn't think would ever happen), and the fight number is lessening. However, the school is lacking heart and some sensitivity from its administration. Nevertheless, HHS is home to some of the talented educators in the district. The music/drama department is also one of the best in the district.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I go to this school the only good ratings I beleave are here are from the teachers trying to make our school sound better then it is acting like they are aprents. Our text bools are old and our classes are slowed down so the students causing trouble can catch up. The principle tries to maintain order but thier is much to much racial unbalance and anger, and fighting. My gosh we have active on duty Police station in the school what does that tell you?”
This review was posted by a student.

“Horrible first impression. Disorganized, lack of leadership. Academia is mediocre at best. The one bright shining spot, apparently, is the drama/performing arts department”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Bad plain bad,so disappointed in an exspensive area to live yet the fighting and racial problems galore. Books out dated and old,Principle is trying.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an okay school. It has a great music program! Many of the teachers here are top notch...the main problem is the supply of books. I am currently using a 20 year old Algebra II book, thus I didn't do as good as I could have on my District test for the subject. All in all, the school isn't so bad. The new principal Mr. Zak has helped improved our school discipline wise.”
This review was posted by a student.

“If you want an overwhelming sense of racial separation, then attend Hercules High. The minority of students (around eleven percent and below on the graph) are the students that get picked on by the majority. The school is overcrowded. The teachers are average, but the music program is fantastic. There are different levels of orchestras, bands, choirs, dance programs and play groups. The new principle has improved the school a lot by making and enforcing rules. There have been a lot less fights. Hopefully the few good teachers, the great music and art programs and the new principle will pull the school together in the future.”
This review was posted by a student.

“There's been a lot of problems with Hercules High School since it's first opening in 2001. With the lack of needed textbooks and supplies, students are unable to learn and prepare for standardized testing, AP tests, and such. The music and drama department are doing excellent from their hard work and effort to fundraise their own money to pay for expenses. However, students do get the education they need, but it's not the best.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“This is a very disciplined school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school, and a great varity of classes”
This review was posted by a former student.

“This is a great school. The teachers are fantastic, and my child has great grades. Along with her love for sports,art,theatre,and leadership. It' fantastic!”
This review was posted by a parent.