Northumberland High School

Posted: January 13, 2026

Overall, my experience at Northumberland High School has been disappointing. While the school has potential, it consistently falls short in areas that matter most to students.

Learning often feels uninspiring, with limited engagement or excitement in the classroom. Many lessons feel repetitive or rushed, and students are frequently focused on just getting through the material rather than truly understanding it. This makes it hard to stay motivated or interested in learning.

Teaching quality is inconsistent. While a few teachers genuinely care and try to help students succeed, many seem burned out or disconnected. Communication can be poor, and some teachers are not very supportive or approachable when students need help.

Social-emotional support is lacking. Mental health concerns do not always feel taken seriously, and students are often left to handle stress and personal issues on their own. Counseling resources feel limited, and follow-through is weak.

Special education services also need improvement. Accommodations are not always applied consistently, and students who need extra support often have to advocate for themselves repeatedly.

Safety and discipline feel uneven. While major issues are addressed, there is a sense of favoritism and inconsistent enforcement of rules, which creates frustration and distrust among students.

Family engagement is minimal. Parents are not always kept in the loop, and communication between the school and families could be much stronger.

Overall, Northumberland High School does the bare minimum but does not foster a supportive, motivating, or student-centered environment. Significant changes would be needed before I could recommend it.

Posted: January 13, 2026

Posted: January 13, 2026

Posted: January 13, 2026

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Posted: January 13, 2026

Posted: January 13, 2026

Posted: July 18, 2023

Status quo superintendent
No one else to find replacement
Low low standards for teachers with minimum
education
Will hire anyone!
Get raises for just showing up and no REQUIREMENT
for continuing education to justify raises
Financial mismanagement !!!
Records and standings say it all

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

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Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: May 5, 2021

This school and it’s employees have been some of the worst people to come in contact with for any issues that arise. It seems that no matter who is in charge or who you talk to, they are accustomed to do the bare minimum and get anything they can off their backs. I not only attended this school for years but have constantly had to return for issues regarding my younger brothers during this year and past years. I have dealt with Burns- the current principal, Hicks- current assistant principal (formerly principal of the VoTech school/summer school), former counselors, Boon (former resource officer), Jesse Lee- current resource and many other teachers/advocates associated with the school. Each and every one has been a great disappointment to the full extent. Each will be friendly for the sake of their reputation and when an issue arises, they make sure all the blame is off of them and have always blamed the student or made the student accommodate to the problematic student or issue. It is disheartening to know that this school is held in such high regard but little is spoken about the day-to-day problems that they fail to deal with properly. I do not believe they care about the students. Thievery is dealt with, again, the bare minimum just so they can say they ‘tried’ and bullying is just as bad. Some teachers themselves are known for their manipulation and bullying towards students but because of their ‘status’ or ‘history’ at the school, are treated at a much better standard and get away with it. Having had the opportunity to travel most of my life, I can say with the utmost certainty that this is the worst school I have attended and the worst staff I have not had the pleasure of meeting.

The cafeteria food is not the worst.
Bullying is not dealt with well; along with robbery, threats, etc.
Many students are wrongfully dealt with whether they were the issue or not.
Depending on the teacher, homework and/or help with homework is decent.
Leadership is poor and as stated above, they do the minimum effort it takes to run a school and make their reputation at least look better than surrounding schools so it makes the school as a whole seem like a better option for your children.

Posted: May 5, 2021

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Posted: September 22, 2014

My son is in his second year at NHS and absolutely loves it. I've been very impressed with the staff and how the school, and school system, is operated. Very friendly and professional. As a native who attended school in a neighboring county, I have seen the Northumberland system leapfrog it's neighbors in terms of facilities and quality of education. There seems to be good morale and good behavior within the student body. The new school(s) (2009-ish?) and the total transformation bring to mind the Oldsmobile tag line, "this isn't your father's Northumberland high school."

Posted: March 22, 2010

I am a former student of nhs, i only attended for a few months. Northumberland high is by far the best school i have ever been to, and that was before the new school was built.And, what a great baseball team!

Posted: September 23, 2009