Needham Broughton High

Posted: August 20, 2026

Broughton tour and time to find classes

I have never been so unimaginably turned around, not knowing which way was up or down or what direction i was facing. I have never seen a single grade so big as the broughton freshman class. I should have brought a compass and a map although i would still probably get very lost. Even the teachers had no idea where some of the rooms were.

Posted: August 20, 2026

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Wouldn't recommend if you're low-income or minority. Most of my teachers were amazing. Truly better than a lot of my college professors. Still, there seems to be a "popular teachers click" that runs the school. All of their students are in dance, theatre, or student government, so they get all of the awards and credit that go to graduating seniors. Seems like the same people always get the same opportunities. Half of these are the teachers' favorites and the other half is the old money, preppy students who own houses on St. Mary's. These kids aren't overtly unfriendly, but if you don't fit into their circle, you're not getting in. Their friendships were formed before birth. The school seems to favor these kids subconsciously. Were they ever more qualified than others, or did they become more qualified than others because they were treated as such? A lot of them are big donors to the school, I'll put it that way. The boys in this group are the ones who make fun of kids with disabilities or who are minorities. They take in a few token friends as pets. If you eat at the cafeteria or take the bus, you're automatically typecast. Everyone who is popular ( on the homecoming court and qoh court) gets all the roles and all of the cred. They are seen as the only talented people in the school, more or less, and everyone else is discouraged from trying. The students mostly worship these kids, and if you dare acknowledge this issue, people will gaslight you.

Nobody uses the term preppy or old money, but everyone knows exactly who they are. These kids come from insanely rich families, they have their well-to-do accent, and they wear the same clothes. Different races and economic statuses aren't friends, which is really sad. I feel like they don't really encourage low-income minorities to try very hard, and the school has an issue with racism. I think if you fit into this demographic, you'd be better off at another school that sees you as an individual. I like that the school offers an off-site internship class in your senior year. The history department is also fantastic. The IB program seems insanely high-pressure, and the school in general has a very competitive atmosphere.

Still, there are a lot of truly caring teachers who don't judge you based on who your family is. The new principle does not seem to care about students and is aggressive. Some of the teachers are straight up coasting and there's a mix of hard classes and insanely easy classes.

Posted: March 27, 2024

I am the parent of 2 BHS graduates who were accepted into UNC and NC State, the 2 largest schools and both prestigious regionally and nationally. These schools accept < 20% of applicants. Their experience at a larger school on a block schedule similar to college courses readied them for college. They both took a variety of AP classes, and their friends in the IB program did well and were admitted to top-flight schools as well. Broughton is a real community, with families across the socio-economic spectrum, and recognizes students across all abilities with the prominent Caps on a Roll program. I found the teachers to be professional, engaging with parents, and supportive of students without hand-holding them.

Posted: March 27, 2024

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Posted: July 29, 2022

I teach at Broughton High School. The number of passionate educators I work with is above average. No one is in this career anymore for the “summers off” because it is simply not tenable so for teachers to stay in education in the current climate, being at a supportive school is critical. I left another school to teach here and feel much more supported in my efforts and find joy in teaching again.

I find the administration to be firm, fair, and engaged. I do not feel like many people in society understand what it is like to be a teacher in this current climate and feel my administrative team works to make staff feel valued and respected. The admins also care about supporting underserved students and have focused the school’s professional development around better serving those populations.

There is a divide between the students who are supported and those who are not. This is a symptom of schools being utilized far beyond their means. BHS is going beyond to support students who wish to take advantage. Students at BHS have access to a school-sponsored tutoring lab twice a week, the WELL, and a food and clothing pantry.

I’ve never taught at a school so seeped in traditions where the focus was on arts programming. It’s refreshing to see students being celebrated for what they create in arts and CTE classes.

If you really want to see the school and develop your own opinion, get approved as a sub or school volunteer. Nothing will show you the character and heart of a community like being involved in it.

Posted: July 29, 2022

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Posted: October 22, 2021

I like how the school deals with bullying. In one of my classes a group of kids absolutely hates my guts. I airdropped my friend a meme and it accidentally sent to the entire class. So then one of the kids renamed their iphone (my names)'s iphone and started sending everyone in the class but me photos of dead animals and extremely racist things. I knew this wasnt me and told everyone that it wasnt me doing it. Nobody believed me and the teacher asked if they could go through my phone a look at my cameraroll to prove it wasnt me. So I gladly let them and that cleared it up. So then my teacher called an administrator in and the administrator made sure everyone knew that they were going to track down whoever did that and deal with them. The kids also like to throw a soccer ball at my head in that class and the teacher took away the ball lol and contacted the kids parents. Thats the only experience ive had with "bullying" at this school. Overall I dont think theres very much bullying here and id definitely recommend this school!

Posted: October 22, 2021

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Posted: June 7, 2020

Posted: June 7, 2020

There are very committed and good teachers at this school, although of course not all of them. Special mention to the IB program teachers and coordinators, truly passionate and knowledgeable!

Posted: June 7, 2020

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Posted: June 7, 2020

My family re-located from Europe and my kids are attending this school. The environment is welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities to pursue your interests and thrive. Again, special mention to the IB diploma program, which was the main reason we chose this school. In my view it is quite misleading to give so much weight to some arbitrary equity index that does not tell you the whole picture. As a parent, I want to see what opportunities are there for my child and what he/she can achieve with work and interest. And there are plenty in this school, regardless of your background.

Posted: December 21, 2018

Posted: December 21, 2018

I can't imagine all the issues a public school administrator has to deal with, but I don't think this school's leadership is remarkable in any way. I don’t see any innovation in the classroom and subpar teachers are allowed to teach year after year.

Posted: December 21, 2018

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Posted: December 21, 2018

It depends on your child's track. I find that the IB program requires a lot of homework - and lots of it is "busy work"

Posted: December 21, 2018

Sadly, I have only encounted a hand full of caring and competent teachers. They are a lot of early in career teachers who are too immature to handle high school students. Additionally, I find a lot of teacher apathy.

Posted: December 21, 2018

Broughton is average. I think it’s mediocrity stems from the administration and the teachers. I would estimate that approximately 25% of my children’s teachers were exceptional. I found the rest to be immature, disengaged, and apathetic. This school may offer challenging classes that prepare students for success in college, but the onus in on the student. The teachers/administrators will do little to coach and support your child - I think they need better training. If it wouldn’t be so challenging to have my children move to a new school, I would remove them from Broughton. I regret sending my children to this school.

Posted: February 22, 2018

Teachers provide useful homework that helps students to develop their understandings and be enriched.

Posted: February 22, 2018

Teachers at Broughton are very effective. They work with all students to be effective, responsible, global citizens who are empowered to make a positive difference in their local-to-global communities. Teachers are passionate and engaged both with their students and their curriculum. Look into the data, and you’ll see that Broughton has high growth, demonstrating that students across all demographic categories and backgrounds are learning beyond what would be predicted in “average” circumstances. Teachers also are state, national, and global leaders as curriculum writers, workshop presenters, and assessors within the IB Diploma Programme. Teachers are well informed of international benchmarks, and they work diligently with students to reach them. Teachers have official “office hours,” and they are consistently available to help their students.

Posted: February 22, 2018

No other school requires service-learning as a graduation requirement. Additionally, students reflect on and learn from their service experiences in Caps Class (homeroom). Students also uphold an honor code that is enforced clearly to ensure their academic honesty.

Posted: February 22, 2018

The leadership at Broughton is very impressive. The current principal is brilliant, caring, and strong. She has brought in assistant principals who fit well with the Broughton vision of ensuring that students are responsible global citizens who make a positive difference. The school leadership empowers growth for students and teachers, and they are highly accessible and visible to students as they create a positive learning environment.

Posted: February 22, 2018

Broughton has an exceptional Special Programs department to work effectively with students who have learning challenges. The Honors, AP, and IB programs also enhance opportunities for advanced students. The variety of artistic, athletic, cocurricular, and academic programming supports all students in relation to their interests and skills.

Posted: February 22, 2018

Bullying is not tolerated at Broughton. Students who bully are subject to significant disciplinary action.

Posted: February 22, 2018

Broughton is a wonderful school. Students are appropriately challenged, and teachers work effectively to ensure their growth. The IB Diploma Programme is particularly strong and is one of the best in the USA. I strongly recommend Broughton to all prospective families!

Posted: September 15, 2017

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Posted: September 15, 2017

My husband and I are thoroughly impressed with each one of our child's teachers. They all seemed organized and passionate in their field with a genuine desire to see our kids succeed. Honestly, we were heavily considering private school for our child, but after meeting the teachers and better understanding the curriculum and expectations of their students, we have full confidence that she is going to get an excellent education at BHS.

Posted: September 12, 2017

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Posted: September 12, 2017

It's all about the people and the teachers and staff at Broughton are wonderful and truly care about and advocate for the students every day. My son was nurtured and cared for and encouraged and he loved the traditions and activities offered.

Posted: September 12, 2017

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Posted: September 8, 2017

Four years ago we moved to Raleigh to specifically attend Broughton High School. Our reason for selecting Broughton was based on the outstanding academic opportunities, the "old school" high school traditions and the exceptional faculty. Broughton High School and its faculty and staff have exceeded our expectations!!

Posted: September 8, 2017

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Posted: September 7, 2017

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BHS is a strong community school focused on teaching and learning! There are many activities for students to be involved with and connected to.

Posted: January 18, 2017

Not a lot of "bullying" per se, because of the cliques which people never extend out of. With kids who openly look sad and alone though, like they've been made fun of or don't have their own little clique, they're not noticed really. It's high school, man. However, I hear "Caps Camp" can help you make friends before the school year, although I never went.

Posted: January 18, 2017

I don't have any experience witnessing this personally.

Posted: January 18, 2017

I've never seen any administration my entire time there except when I came to the office, and as I've said before the only people who care are the few teachers, but most don't. This school is also highly known for its cliques, which wasn't a big problem when I was a student, but it definitely means nobody is reaching out outside of their group.

Posted: January 18, 2017

Are you kidding me? Kids badmouth teachers to their face, most kids are on their phone the whole class, nothing is enforced (except by a few good teachers who try).

Posted: January 18, 2017

Some are, some aren't. You can really get away with doing a poor job as a teacher, so you'll definitely know when you get someone who cares or not. It's about 50/50, but that's not the way it should be.

Posted: January 18, 2017

This really depends on the teacher. Some really care and provide good assignments that prepare you for the upcoming tests and next class, others give little to no homework, and all the in class work is just obvious busywork. Mostly, homework is nonexistent and if you don't do it most teachers either don't find out or don't care. I really appreciated the few that cared to present assignments that helped me out and didn't half ass their job.

Posted: January 18, 2017

quarter-assing the work, full exaggerating the achievements. Total mess

Posted: November 18, 2016

love this school! great programs and community atmosphere.

Posted: November 18, 2016

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Posted: November 12, 2015

Not all the teachers are the same. There are wonderful teachers with amazing strategies and others who barely keep up with their workload.

Posted: November 12, 2015

It surely depends on the choice of classes. My junior has had very challenging classes all the years and is working herself to death although she is a very bright kid. There is so much stupid busy work. But this is not the schools fault. This is part of the curriculum, part of the system of "learning by repetition".

Posted: November 12, 2015

At Broughton students must fulfill community service hours each school year. Academic honesty is strongly required. There are non-cheating contracts between teachers and students.

Posted: November 12, 2015

Teachers and staff care about students and are available to support. Lots of challenging classes for academically strong kids. Variety of clubs and sports.

Posted: September 11, 2015

My daughter is a junior and she has gotten all the classes she wants - arts, multiple APs, honors, whatever level she needs. She has a parking spot. She has not witnessed any bullying or harrassment.
We get a good feeling at Broughton.
The principal is great and I hope he stays 7 more years until our youngest graduates - he attends even small evening events to support his students and directs traffic as the buses leave the loop. He's well respected and has a good relationship but sets expectations for behavior.
The teachers seem to care and are qualified.
Socially, one could get a little lost in a large school like this. The kids need to join something to feel they fit in. But from the parent perspective, this is a great college prep school with a historic atmosphere without being too much pressure.

Posted: September 11, 2015

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Posted: March 5, 2013

My son had high hopes that Broughton would uphold the reputation it boasts. He was excited and ready to be challenged by a rigorous courseload and enriched curiculum. However, his expectations were deflated by complacent teachers and lack of school leadership. My son is in all honors classes where more than half of his teachers fail to evaluate assessments until the end of the semester. To compensate they resort to extra credit assignments for poor student performance. The school environment seems all well-intended. However, I would not recommend this school if your child is a "true" academic. A serious student will not enjoy the learning experience.