Sparkman High School

Posted: September 25, 2025

As a current student at this school, I feel unsafe, like walking through a prison, metal detectors that don't do anything, as people still sneak in blades and vapes, or pens, the random k9 searches don't do anything either, and we have been in lockdown mode 2 times already this year, thankfully both from medical accidents, but I am scared, the food isn't sustaining, its stale cold pizza, wet chicken sandwiches because they haven't been defrosted, soggy pastas, so on, they don't give us breakfast if we miss it because the buses are too slow unloading, as they are overstuffed with kids and they only release two at a time, I've been jumped at with a blade once because the metal detectors didn't pick it up, almost every bathroom stall door in the girls room are broken and have been since my sophomore year, roaches dead everywhere, rats in the gym bleachers, this isn't a concerned parent, or an admin of the school posting fake 5/5 stars, this is coming from a student, a child in this school, that they don't care for in the slightest, and I plan on dropping out because I don't want this school to give me my diploma, I want out of here as soon as I can legally. not to mention, the staff act all buddy buddy with the students who cause problems, so they get away with bullying and such, yet hate the bullied kids, favoritism is unmatched here.

Posted: September 25, 2025

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Posted: December 13, 2024

I would rate this school a o star but it was required to fill out that part, but anyway this school is a waste of time they dont care for your kids and just work for their paychecks bad school

Posted: December 13, 2024

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Posted: November 22, 2023

The school's administration does not provide a safe environment for the children nor do they care about the well-being of individual students. They will mistreat a child or make them seem like a problem because they have a mental health issue.

Posted: November 22, 2023

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Posted: January 13, 2023

Sparkman High School has wonderful teachers that are willing to go above and beyond for their students.

Posted: January 13, 2023

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Posted: July 15, 2021

My child graduated from Sparkman four years ago. Four years later he has graduated from college with honors. Many of his classmates from Sparkman have done the same thing. Success after high school is not the only way to evaluate a high school, but in this case, Sparkman seems to have done a very good job preparing its graduates for success in college. The AP credits he earned at Sparkman allowed him to move ahead a semester at college.

Posted: July 15, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Amazing! All four years I’ve attended have made me into an awesome person. I can definitely say it’s not just a school, it’s home. I will forever be a Sparkman Senator! I bleed black and red. C/O 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: March 15, 2017

Nope. Take it from a bullying victim. I wouldn't necessarily blame the school for this, however. I would blame those kids' parents (in part).

Posted: March 15, 2017

I didn't have any interaction with students with learning differences. I have to point out that maybe I should have- aren't they supposed to be educated as much as possible with students without learning differences?

Posted: March 15, 2017

I didn't have a whole lot of interaction with the leadership. I can't say if that means it was effective or not.

Posted: March 15, 2017

I have to disagree here. I went to school with some mean students. I would use plenty of words to describe them that do NOT include integrity, compassion, and respect.

Posted: March 15, 2017

I had many great teachers. I don't know how many of them are still there but I am willing to bet at least some of them are. Great doesn't mean they pass you; often times my best teachers were the ones that challenged me.

Posted: March 15, 2017

If anything I was not given enough homework (or it was too easy). Homework is repeating what we learned in class, and repetition is how I learned.

Posted: March 15, 2017

I went to this school over ten years ago and I'm sure a lot of things have changed; however, compared to many of the schools in the area, this school provided me with a quality education (despite my best efforts). I did not enjoy high school. I fought my parents and teachers every step of the way. I might have even disagreed with some of the things that I was being taught. I now realize that there simply isn't a school that will teach your kids exactly how you (parents) would like. There will always be something to disagree on whether it is class subject matter or discipline. Keeping that in mind, I would still say I went to a good school. I felt safe. I graduated and was (mostly) ready for college.

Posted: April 6, 2016

Posted: April 6, 2016

Posted: April 6, 2016

Posted: April 6, 2016

Great school that has the complete package! They have great teachers and administration! They have a great band program also!

Posted: March 29, 2016

Posted: March 29, 2016

Posted: March 29, 2016

Posted: March 29, 2016

Met with the Spanish teacher, counselor, and the principal in reference to a lesson taught in Spanish class that was concerning to us. I won't get to in depth but we did not like how part of the lesson was one sided on immigration and how they should not be judgmental on people crossing the border and how they are just looking for a better life. To make a long story short we voiced our concerns that if a student is expected to make an informed opinion on a subject that both sides of the argument should be presented. That not all people who cross the border come to have a better life some come to avoid crimes that they committed in their country, some come to traffic drugs, and others come for reasons other than providing a better living for their families. Well the Principal Mr. Shaw was condescending and made light of our concerns and stated that we were the only parents that had problems with this, which my response was well maybe other parents don't pay attention to what their kids are taught. He also compared current immigration issue with the colonization of the America's by Europeans. The Spanish teacher denied injecting her personal opinion in the lesson even though she stated her goal was to change stereo types with what she felt was correct. She also stated that she took her information form a documentary that we requested she provide 3 weeks before the meeting but she was reluctant to provide until the meeting. Titled "The other side of immigration" directed by Roy Germano. This documentary is basically the typical poor immigrant wants a better life and America should capitulate. So called educators always complain parents don't get involved and that's why students don't do well. This is an example of how educators at Sparkman High School don't care to hear from the parents unless you agree with their way of thinking. I am thinking of moving my daughter out of Sparkman High School because the principal does not care to hear what parents concerns are.

Posted: February 16, 2016

Good experience with Sparkman. My daughter is receiving a quality education. She has found friends with good values. She has had teachers who care about her actually learning subjects. There are great parents who truly care about the welfare of the school. Fabulous band and cheer team. Plenty of clubs and extra curricular activities for those interested in being involved.

Posted: June 30, 2015

Posted: February 8, 2015

I absolutely love this school. The school offers a plethora of academic programs and beneficial activities. The teachers, staff, and administration work very hard. Although each of my children have different talents, all of them excelled at Sparkman HS. Within the past 6 years, our kids enjoyed and benefitted from the school's Journalism Program, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Cheerleading, JROTC, Engineering Program, Choir, Medical Academy, FBLA and sports. The current career counselor, Dr. Clanton, is exceptional. Mr. Campbell, the current principal is a very kind and compassion administrator. Like the majority of the teachers and staff, he really cares about the students. He's approachable, fair, and a supports programs that benefit the students and the school. The kids and parents appreciate his sincerity and drive.

Posted: January 16, 2015

Sparkman High is a great school, with a capacity problem. The school has nationally recognized programs and offers engineering and Medical programs. I disagree with the comments that teachers don t care about the students. This school is like any other, where parental involvement is critical to a successful education. Two of my daughters graduated from Sparkman (2012, and 2013) and are doing extremely well in college (Nursing Major). They both attribute their readiness to the AP courses and medical academy that Sparkman offered.

Posted: September 30, 2014

Oh my where to start with SHS? First off if there were a zero or negative star option, that would of been my choice. The administration cares nothing about your child. Zero. Nothing. They care only about grant money from the state of Alabama. If your child struggles, they let them struggle. They truly want to push them to leave. Leave, so the grant money continues. This school is beyond at risk. I am so hopeful for a new high school in the area, I would build it myself. Elementary schools and middle schools in this area are superb. Hence we chose this district to live, SHS has changed my outlook on this. They need to make serious changes. While there are a few good teachers, those poor unfortunate souls are under the rules of the idiocy that is the administration. The assistant principal needs to find another career and if you have ever had the displeasure of meeting her you'd agree. So in closing, if you're new to the area, please reconsider moving into the SHS district. If I save one family from this horrendous school I will feel this review was worth my time. Because as it stands, that's the only reason I write, to save you from SHS. Please STAY AWAY.

Posted: August 28, 2014

Sparkman is a great school! There are plenty of opportunities for students to excel academically and socially. The school has numerous clubs, nationally recognized organizations, academic programs and athletic groups. There are plenty of avenues to excel academically. However, it requires proactive planning, determination, perseverance, parental involvement, and personal accountability.

Posted: May 19, 2014

As a current student of Sparkman, reading the comments makes me feel uneasy. The rumors and the lies spread about Sparkman being a bad school are clearly over exaggerated. Its just like every other school, actually better. The large variety of classes (AP, Honors, Foriegn Laugage, Shop, Tech, Medical Academy, Journalism, etc), the diversity, and the sense of unity is what makes us different. Yes the football team may lose, but there are other sports that are very successful. What matters is.. everyone is doing what the enjoy and the students support them. No they're aren't gangs, violence and sex everywhere. If you're really concerned about how your child will react in the enviorment of this school it all depends them. At Sparkman i feel safe. Really i all depends on your child, how they act and who they hang around. They have their own way of 'handling' Sparkman. Sparkman is a shot of real life not as in bad thing but good.

Posted: March 27, 2014

Transferred to area. Like Engineering Acad. & AP teachers! Mr. Maddox & Ms. Simon = Grade A+. Blown away by Dr. Clanton, College Coach, A+. WELL-versed & specific in recommendations for college/scholarships. We all breathed a major sigh of relief. Haven't met/seen any of the administrators & don't know about parent involvement. This is why I'm giving a 4 instead of a 5.

Posted: March 7, 2014

I literally laughed out loud after reading the good reviews on this school. Sparkman is full of drugs, violence and everything else a parent would not want their kid to be around. The administration is worried about where the next gang initiation will be as opposed to the academic excdllence of the student population. One would think that with a such a large number of students coming that the football team woud be good. This is not the case at all. Parents, only send your kid to Sparkman if you don't love them. -former student. I do not allow my kids to drive within a 2-mile radius of that "school".

Posted: January 27, 2014

Most people writing reviews are administration, wanting to keep people at Sparkman by giving it 5 stars. I promise you every family I know that sends their child to Sparkman has no choice. It's overcrowded, filled with violence, and honestly they dumb down the material for everyone else that way the football players don't get cut from the team. If you think sports and popularity is what we should base reviews off of, be my guest. You aren't going to get the attention you need as a student for EDUCATION. One of the many reasons my mom pulled me out was, aside from the excessive violence, I wasn't getting the attention I deserved from teachers due to troublemakers. A lot was not done for these problem children. Save yourself time, money, and peace of mind...don't send your children to SHS. (If you though Sparkman Middle was bad, hold on tight.)

Posted: October 26, 2013

This is an excellent school. This school encourages and monitor students' progress toward meeting grade-level standard. However, with any school, parental involvement is essential. Due to the population of the area, the school has seen an increase in enrollment. At this time, SHS is one of the largest schools in the state. While the school board seeks to rectify this issue, the school continues to grow. The school caters to a wide variety of educational needs. For instance, they have curriculum specifically catered to students interested in engineering, medicine, and business. They also offer curriculum geared towards students who are interested in learning a trade by partnering with a community college. The school has several extra-curricular activities that include music, band, football, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, ROTC, debate clubs, drama clubs, business clubs and much more.

Posted: August 16, 2013

Other than a few school sport pep rally cutbacks, my school is headed in the right direction. I would recommend this school over any other public school in North Alabama.

Posted: August 6, 2013

While there is an issue of overcrowding, being a Sparkman Senator is a great opportunity for students who love to get involved in their school and community. I sing the highest praises for the Newspaper and Medical Academy programs, and Dr. Clanton is an invaluable resource when preparing for college. I truly believe the reason I so enjoy attending SHS is because of the benefits of being involved in programs and advanced classes; it truly makes the difference.

Posted: August 6, 2013

My school is great, because they are headed in the right direction. Money has held our school back in capital improvement projects, but our new principal and the teachers and staff at the school really put their hearts into the school and into making it better. Any school that is willing to bring about change and try to make the school always better, deserves maximum support from it's community.

Posted: August 5, 2013

Sparkman High School is a wonderful school full of opportunities for students in activities ranging from academic and athletics to service, career and fine arts organizations. It is a large school, but the size affords so many opportunities that smaller schools can't offer. AP and Pre-AP Courses and 7 learning Academies: Medical, Physics/Engineering, Construction, Mass Media/Journalism, Business, JROTC, and Photography! Sparkman is now under the leadership of a new principal who is going to make significant improvements in morale, perception and curriculum, bringing Sparkman High School into a new era of achievement and excellence. It is a great time to be a Sparkman Senator!

Posted: July 29, 2013

Sparkman is an amazing school with awesome teachers and great classes. It gets a bad rap in the community, but this school has very high scores and pulls in a huge amount of scholarship money each year!

Posted: June 14, 2013

Dr. Clanton, the College & Career Counselor, changed Sparkman High School! Her passion for helping students & challenging them to be their best touched my life in a major way. As a sophomore, I planned to go to work after h.s. Dr. C showed me HOW to prepare for college, get scholarships and aim high. I never had that before. She changed my life in a good way! Everyone is talking about scholarships and college. We love you Dr. Clanton

Posted: March 5, 2012

Sparkman... in a word? Rollercoaster. teachers are off and on about how well they cover certain curriculum and its been my experiance for a teacher to tell us to "teach" ourselves certain chapters in Chemistry. Also as a medical student ive enjoyed visiting the hospital but my teachers have been consistenly uncooperative in commuinication and helping me excel as a student. I enjoy all my friends i have made here but one thing is for certain, if teachers would work harder to push students and help them excel in areas that they enjoy then this would be a top noched school. WOULD being the key word. So any teachers reading this, help your students and be understanding towards them as this makes all the difference in the world.