Hillsboro High School

Posted: July 9, 2026

All my children have gone to Hillsboro, and the ones in college now were more than prepared to thrive in college. My kids' teachers have gone above and beyond, and the student body is diverse, interesting, and welcoming. The school has so many ways that kids can connect and get involved. Room for improvement in how admin engages parents and families - the principal needs to be more accessible. I have found teachers and assistant principals to be very accessible and helpful.

Posted: July 9, 2026

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Posted: January 15, 2026

This is very bad school unsafe place for the kids. Teachers not there all the time. It's a big miss..DON'T SEND YOUR CHILD THERE.

Posted: January 15, 2026

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Posted: March 7, 2025

The administration and some staff DO NOT like children! Beware! The principal, currently 24-2025, doesn’t even talk to parents or children she’s even told office personnel to make up something so she won’t have to meet with parents. I’ve reached out on more than one occasion to meet and she dodges parents every time. She makes up violations and consequences off the top of her head. Staff make fun of kids. No consequences. To make matters worse the principal is totally supported by her supervisor who also doesn’t return calls or meeting requests. There’s so many hidden issues. Teachers are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation from the principal. It’s disregarded like it’s no big deal.

Posted: March 7, 2025

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Posted: June 3, 2020

The score for this school unfairly depicts the hard work and outcomes that Hillsboro is actually known for. The I.B. program is incredible and students who elect to participate in the Diploma Programme, most go on to university more prepared than their peers from other top public and private schools. The social justice program and initiatives are changing how the city looks and feels about race, diversity, and opportunities. The building has undergone a $100 million dollar renovation and now has state of the art technology integration and a library and media center any school would envy. The athletics and arts programs are consistently competitive at the state level. In short, the people who judge this school by it's overall ranking are missing out on an incredible educational and community experience.

Posted: June 3, 2020

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Posted: January 20, 2018

Awesome school for children from all over and great subject choices and Counselors are very supportive.All staff is great

Posted: January 20, 2018

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Posted: July 24, 2017

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Posted: July 24, 2017

As a business partner who engages with students on a weekly basis, I can attest to the dedication and holistic love at learning that is present at Hillsboro High School.

Posted: November 23, 2015

Many of the teachers are very effective. They truly care about their students and are great mentors to them.

Posted: November 23, 2015

The students at Hillsboro are being accepted to well respected colleges and universities. The Class of 2014 seniors have been accepted to schools including: Vanderbilt University, Wake Forest, Emory University, University of Virginia, Sewanee, Rhodes College, Auburn University (including its Honors Program), University of Tennessee (including its Honors Program), College of Charleston, and Furman. Football players have signed full scholarships to University of Tennessee-Martin and basketball players have signed at four different schools so far.

Posted: June 29, 2015

I am a student that attends Hillsboro. I have been at Hillsboro for 1 year, and I am not impressed regarding the schools artistic programs (ex. music program, band, choir, theatre). My biggest concern is with the theatre department. If you youtube the Hillsboro Players (theatre department) you would see a multicultural and diverse group of students performing big hit shows and musicals. But for this school year there has been a new head director and assistant director that has totally contradicted the very reasons why I thought Hillsboro was so unique. They selected productions that don't showcase the cultural diversity of the student body. There has not been a ethnic main lead role for the entire school year. The directors also play favorites when choosing the cast of a new production. All I'm saying is that if you want to be involved in theatre department that has more cultural diversity I recommend NSA (Nashville School of the Arts).
Prior to attending Hillsboro I visited the school ,and absolutely loved it... at first. However, when I actually started to attend I realized that I was presented with a facade. If I would have known how discriminatory the artistic directors of the programs were I would have never chosen that school to try to further my acting abilities.
-From a Student's Prospective

Posted: June 29, 2015

I am a student that attends Hillsboro. I have been at Hillsboro for 1 year, and I am not impressed regarding the schools artistic programs (ex. music program, band, choir, theatre). My biggest issue is with the theatre department. If you youtube the Hillsboro Players (theatre department) you would see a multicultural and diverse group of students performing big hit shows and musicals. But for this school year there has been a new head director and assistant director that has totally contradicted the very reasons why I thought Hillsboro was so unique. They choose productions that don't showcase the cultural diversity of the student body. There has not been a ethnic main lead role for the entire school year. The directors also play favorites when choosing the cast of a new production. All I'm saying is that if you want to be involved in theatre department that has more cultural diversity I recommend NSA (Nashville School of the Arts).
Prior to attending Hillsboro I visited the school ,and absolutely loved it... at first. However, when I actually started to attend I realized that I was presented with a facade. If I would have known how discriminatory the artistic directors of the programs were I would have never chosen that school to try to further my acting abilities.

Posted: June 9, 2015

Posted: June 9, 2015

Posted: June 9, 2015

Posted: June 9, 2015

Just feel it's like any other school.I really don't have any thing to bad or good

Posted: December 4, 2014

I had a great experience during my visit to the enrollment office. We are new to the Nashville area. My daughter will be school-aged next year, so we needed to register for Kindergarten quickly in order to receive a student ID number for the School Options application (the deadline is today). We arrived to the school via public transport. I was pushing a stroller with my infant and holding the hand of my 4-year-old. It was cold and rainy, so we wanted to quickly enter the building but could not find an unlocked door where I could easily wheel in the stroller. Thankfully, the school's police officer was kind enough to help me carry the stroller up several steps to enter the building. He chatted with my daughter while walking us to the enrollment office and greeted cheery students along the way. One of these students was a confident young man with Downs Syndrome. I have a sibling who has Williams Syndrome, so the happy demeanor of this young man spoke volumes for me. The officer clearly has good rapport with the students. The ladies in the enrollment office were equally wonderful. They made themselves very accessible throughout our enrollment process, even providing a personal email.

Posted: November 12, 2014

I went to Hillsboro and graduated in 2011. I'm very excited in the changes that Hillsboro is making to became a better school for everyone. Its amazing how new leadership can take a school to new heights.

Posted: April 29, 2014

Hillsboro High School is a school that not only strives for academic rigor and excellence, it also has created a program where each and every student can find their passion. Hillsboro High School is a place where every student, no matter their interests, strengths, weaknesses, or background, can find a place where they feel like they belong. It is an amazing mixture of different races, socioeconomic backgrounds, and academic abilities. It is a place that teaches a teen how to be part of a world that is bigger than their own backyard while at the same time giving them a safe and secure learning environment. I would not want my three children at any other high school. It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of such nurturing, caring, challenging and exciting community!

Posted: April 29, 2014

I am a graduate of Hillsboro High School, Nashville, TN in 1960 and presently have a granddaughter attending. Of course there have been immense changes since I attended. Hillsboro now offers an International Baccalaureate Program which is a wonderful opportunity for the student body.

Posted: April 29, 2014

First year at Hillsboro and my tenth year as a teacher! Absolutely a great school for teachers, students, and parents! Love being a Burro!

Posted: April 29, 2014

Hillsboro High School is one of the best schools in Nashville. The IB Diploma Programme and the Interdisciplinary Science and Research program iare outstanding. The teachers, administrators, and faculty are AWESOME!

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro IB World School is absolutely our first choice over private and magnet schools because it offers our children what others cannot. The academic rigor of the IB Diploma Programme is unmatched and from what I hear from colleges and seniors, it sets our students apart from other students in AP focused schools. They are better thinkers, writers and have a world view that comes not only from their IB classes but also from being in school with kids who come from different backgrounds. Our kids can excel at what interests them whether that is sports, theatre, band, art and of course academics. I agree that the Interdisciplinary Science and Research program others wrote about is outstanding. My sophomore daughter is in it now and my rising freshman will enroll in it next year. They are not only doing amazing things in science in a hands on project based way, they are becoming well prepared for college in their research and writing skills. I truly love what this school has to offer and feel so fortunate that we automatically win the lottery just by living in zone. No wonder we have a waiting list! Go Burros!

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro is truly the best high school in Nashville. All students, regardless of their color, background, socio-economic standing or IQ, succeed here. The rigor of our IB Diploma Programme rivals that of any school in the nation. Our exceptional ed program is outstanding and strives to help students with learning differences succeed in and out of the classroom. We partner with Vanderbilt University to offer a four year Interdisciplinary Science and Research program that is comparable to many college and graduate level courses. Our International Business and Communications Academy teaches students all about running their own business through our student-run coffee shop and allows students to become a broadcaster in our very popular media productions course. Our students excel academically, athletically, and artistically. Our teachers are top notch and truly love what they do and care about each and every student. Our principals are firm, fair and forward thinking and most importantly, they love kids. Hillsboro prepares kids for college, teaches them to respect others unlike themselves, allows them to grow and try new things and readies them for life outside of school.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Our son is a freshman at HHS. He has loved being involved in the Interdisciplinary Science and Research Program - connected to Vanderbilt University. He is a good student, but has been stretched and grown tremendously through this program and his other honors classes. As a freshman, he even has one AP class. We love that HHS is a neighborhood school. It has a diverse student body. We see the teachers and the staff reaching for excellence on behalf of their students. We have been very happy with our son's experience so far at HHS.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro IB World School is an excellent high school. With an ecclectic mix of students and teachers along with challenging academic programs, students graduate with a great world view and are ready for whatever the world has to offer. With so many choices in the Nashville area, I can honestly say I am proud to recommend Hillsboro.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro High School is Nashville's best kept secret! My son has had amazing learning opportunities, teachers who really care about his development as a person and not just a student, and all in an amazing atmosphere of diversity. I am confident that my son will be well prepared for forther academics in college, as well as for live in an increasingly diverse global society.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro IB World School is one of the great schools in Nashville and some would argue in the state of Tennesse. The faculty and staff are wonderful and the adminstration has done a wonderful job changing the climate and culture of the school. This school is moving in the right directions and it can be seen throughout the faculty , staff, and students.

Posted: April 28, 2014

As a teacher and a parent, I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised of how AWESOME Hillsboro is! The teachers, administrators, and faculty are top notch! They genuinely want the best for the students. There are so many opportunities between sports, clubs, band, drama, academics, etc. TOP NOTCH DRAMA Department! For parents concerned about pick-up so early afterschool at 2pm, there are so many safe places for students to go Walking distance to the Green Hills Public Library Teen Spaces and walking distance to the YMCA. This is my first year here as a parent and a teacher and I m so excited for the future of this school! #goburros

Posted: April 28, 2014

This is our first year at Hillsboro, and we have been impressed with the academics, the extracurriculars, the parent involvement, and all the "extras" that the school provides to make it a loving community. Those extras include parent meetings on how to maximize college scholarships, after-school and weekend "blitzes" to help kids prepare for IB, EOC, and AP exams, and social events like the annual Burro Bash. Our son is getting a fantastic education and has access to high-level coursework that will give him college credit. He will enter the IB Academy next year, and we are excited about the opportunities that will afford him. The Interdisciplinary Science and Research program has been amazing - Dr. Swartz is top-notch - as has his AP Human Geography class with Mr. Bahan. Way to go Hillsboro! We love you! #goburros

Posted: April 28, 2014

HIllsboro High School is a great learning community. The teachers, staff and families are involved and committed to providing excellent education for all kinds of learners and students. There is something for everyone. The arts programs--music, theater and visual are outstanding. There are many opportunities for students to shine in sports and clubs. The prestigious iB program expands every year. The PTSO provides incredible support in every way. The diversity of the student body is a plus.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro High School is a wonderful school with engaging and caring staff that puts your students needs first. The teachers have always been willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your child is receiving a well rounded and global world education. We entered the lottery for Hillsboro and our child was lucky enough to get in. The Interdisciplinary Science and Research curriculum along with the AP curriculum is preparing my child for the rigors of life and positioned them to excel in a college atmosphere.

Posted: April 28, 2014

My child goes to HIllsboro and she loves it. She was at another school last year but the transition was smooth and she has ejoyed HHS. Nothging but good things to say.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro IB World School is one of the best high schools in Nashville - and one of the most challenging in the state of Tennessee according to a recent Washington Post article. We turned down spots at two academic magnet schools to keep our daughter at our neighborhood school and have not been disappointed. The rigorous academics combined with the strong community support of teachers, parents and students has provided our daughter with the skills she needs to succeed in life. We love Hillsboro!

Posted: April 28, 2014

My son is a sophomore at Hillsboro High. He is in the IB Program and is challenged academically which is what we wanted from a public school! His teachers are supportive, firm, and always responsive to me when needed. The teachers in the AP and Honors courses seem to love their teaching jobs, understand the diversity of the teenage mind/drive/distraction, and encourage them to 'get on board'! We've loved the experience in Band and IB and wouldn't consider going anywhere else in Nashville for his education!

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro High School My granddaughter is a freshman at Hillsboro. She is in the ISR program. It is a wonderful school. I have been very pleased with the leadership and teacher involment in her life.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro High School is fabulous! Like a prior review. We call it Nashville's best kept secret. The administration and faculty are amazing. We are very happy to be there.

Posted: April 28, 2014

This is a classic high school in one of the most coveted areas in Nashville. The IB and Academy programs set them apart from the rest. Hillsboro teachers go above and beyond to help their students succeed by staying after school for free tutoring...and sometimes by having weekend review classes ( Saturday School) . The staff and faculty work together to create an environment for achievement...which is evident in the scholarships earned by last years graduating class! Since this school is not our "zoned" school...Hillsboro was a choice for us. One we are glad we made.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Truth be told Hillsboro High School is my Alma matre. Todays Hillsboro has significantly higher academic rigor. The IB diploma is second to none. The student body is spirited and socially aware. The teachers are challenging and inspiring. The fantastic administration can balance the safety of the students and teacher accountabilty with the breadth of student life.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro High School has been amazing for our children! We bought our home 11 years ago to specifically be zoned for Hillsboro! It has gotten better and better every single year!

Posted: April 28, 2014

Hillsboro High School - great options for different kinds of learners; good AP choices, Vanderbilt Interdisciplinary Science and Research option, many excellent teachers who are invested in the students, the IB Programme all work together to make HHS a great school!

Posted: April 27, 2014

Hillsboro International Baccalaureate World School is the best school in the Metropolitan Nashville Public School system. Hillsboro serve a diverse student population and earn honors at the level of the academic magnet schools in our system. Hillsboro was recently rated by the Washington Post as the 8th most rigourous school in Tennessee placing the school in the top one tenth of 1 percent of schools in our state. The International Baccalaurate Diploma, Middle Years, and Career Related Certificate Programmes make Hillsboro uniquely qualified to serve the needs of all students.

Posted: April 27, 2014

This is a great school! The large diversity among students allows every individual to interact with people unlike themselves. This, along with the coursework and incredible teachers, encourages students to be more well rounded and successful in the real world.

Posted: April 27, 2014

There are two things which make Hillsboro a fantastic school. The first are the teachers. Hillsboro's culture is one of always improving- it's a place where successful teachers want to come, and it's a place where teachers help each other improve. That's something which can't be said of every school. The second is everything that goes on outside of the classroom. Hillsboro has fantastic extra-curricular opportunities- in the theater department, with music, with academic competitions, with athletics- students have a chance to develop as a complete individual, which is something which can't be said of most schools in the Tennessee. That's what makes Hillsboro special- not only does Hillsboro have a solid academic foundation and pathway, but students have the chance to be whoever they choose to be. There are places Hillsboro can improve- It's come a long way in the past 4 years, and there are still improvements to be made. But it has everything in place to continue to become an even more impressive institution.

Posted: April 27, 2014

Hillsboro High School is a wonderful high school in Nashville. It is an IB recognized school that also offers a science and business academy. The administration and teachers care about the students and the diverse student body collaborate through the arts, sports and other events throughout the year. I believe Hillsboro High School's best days are ahead and if your student has the opportunity to visit and see what Hillsboro is all about, I believe they will agree.

Posted: April 6, 2014

hillsboro is a great school, im a foreign parent and i didnt know what school would be good for my child, i didnt know anything about the schools here, i didnt know what was bad, what was good. i wanted the best for my child. i wanted her to have the best future. there were so many options for us like overton, cane ridge, hillwood, but out of all we picked hillsboro because they have all the classes my child wants to take and its honestly not that bad of a school that everyone makes it seem like the tecahers always call me when my child is failing something and im always involved in my daughters school . take your child to hillsboro you wont regret it

Posted: February 17, 2013

I have attended private school my whole life and really needed a change into something more realistic. I felt unique and like someone that could be anything they wanted to be. I love Hillsboro and plan to stay there till i graduate. It is public so it does have its problems but so does every school. I highly recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: October 12, 2012

As a private school convert from Nasville's best private schools, I reluctantly let my daughter attend Hillsboro as she had asked so that she could experience a more "normal, less elitist" environment. 3 years later we are happy with her experience, with the academic rigor(all college level courses and IB program), as well as the fired up faculty and of course Dr Terry Shrader. Now we have our kids in Percy Priest, JT Moore, and Hillsboro High School and the experience has exceeded our expectation. For those looking for a great school, offering rigorous academics, an engaged faculty and high parent involvement, be assured that you need not spend 20,000 a year...been there, done that. You will definately get a prettier campus... but, thankfully, that is not the measure of the best educational practices.

Posted: August 16, 2012

I have a junior at Hillsboro who, along with his eclectic group of friends, is experiencing a rigorous academic environment along with great teachers and extracurricular activities. He will graduate with college credit. The Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) course he is taking can easily be compared to a college-level lab. The energy in the school is upbeat. Teachers are motivated and excited to come to work. Dr. Shrader is passionate about Hillsboro, has high expectations of his teachers and leads by example with an incredible work ethic. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to have your kids at HHS, don t pass it up. Our kids, and those from privates and magnets will be attending the same univerisities!

Posted: July 12, 2012

Hillsboro HIgh School has new leadership the past two years and is poised to show even greater success in the coming years. The new principal, Dr. Terry Shrader is striving to put great teachers in each position at the school whether it be in the esteemed Academy of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or in the Freshman Academy (which has a new principal who is a former fabulous science teacher at JT Moore) or in the Academy of Global Health and Science or the Academy of Business and Communications. Vanderbilt has two programs in which students may participate either on or off campus. The Confucius Institute has a Confucius Classroom at the school. The Academy of the IB Diploma Programme had a 100% graduation rate for 2011's graduating class, an average ACT score of 25 and an average of $46,000 per student in scholarship monies for college. This is quite impressive in light of the fact that anyone may enjoy the benefits of this academy without any type of entrance testing. A student who will work hard is welcome to be a part of this program. The school has students who turned down magnet school spots as well as transfers from private schools.

Posted: June 13, 2012

My daughter attended her freshman yr 2011/12 here and it was a nightmare! Only one teacher, biology seemed to know how to teach. The office was unprofessional, teachers cuss,students are out of control and when sent to in school susp. They hang out in the auditorium listen to iPod and on phones. Dr Schrader, all talk along with 4 other principals for each grade, yes it takes 5 to run this disorganized school. When tried to get a new book for my daughter, after stolen I had to argue with them to get pay for another. They first refused due to it being the last semester, really umm have they heard of studying for finals!! If you have an option don't send your child here!!

Posted: August 8, 2011

Hillsboro remains at the very top of the academic ladder and has remained there for years....Very high percentages of graduates go on to college, many alumni are disinguished citizens priviledge attending here. To that parent: I'm sorry to say, but Hillsboro is not the best who gave the negative, it is principals NOT principles!

Posted: December 2, 2010

My daughter is a transfer student from Harpeth Hall Girls School to the Hillsboro International Baccalaureate program. I volunteer in the Visual Arts department and am in regular communication with school administrators. Teachers and department leaders participate regularly in continued IB training. I am in the classroom 1-4 times weekly and can assure you that students who participate in the AP and IB programs can stand up to any program in Nashville. Our school and families are working hard to gain the same positive attention locally that we enjoy nationally.

Posted: December 16, 2009

Posted: April 16, 2009