Hickory High School

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Overall, I would say that my experience at Hickory High School has been very poor. I feel that this is mostly due to the faculty and administration. Every year, they crack down harder and harder on simple things, such as phones in the hallway, but ignore larger issues, such as teachers treating students unfairly. There have even been several reports of an assistant principle acting incredibly inappropriately with students in a sexual manner at school functions such as the ring dance and assemblies. I have had several friends complain to me about teachers not letting them have water bottles on their desk, giving an unreasonable amount of work in a short amount of time, etc... Granted, not every one here is bad. A good number of faculty like the guidance counselors always seem happy to see students and willing to help, bu unfortunately, most of the upper admin, I would say, has been unreasonable to say the least. There are limitations to the bathrooms, and that's assuming they are open to begin with. There are 4 boys' bathrooms in the school, and most of the time, 3 of them are closed with the last being watched at all times. The food is absolutely disgusting, and there are rumors that a few students got food poisoning from spoiled milk that the school sells with lunch. If you look into the ceiling, you can see the ventilation is covered in thick dust, which can be problematic for some students with breathing disabilities. Students are required to attend an advisory class to teach them about bullying and help them to make new friends. This itself is not an issue, however almost every student, and most teachers, have complained that nobody, student or teacher, wants to be there, and that it's not working and that they should stop. However, faculty seemingly either never listened or never cared.

Posted: January 6, 2025

Posted: January 6, 2025

Posted: January 6, 2025

Posted: January 6, 2025

Posted: January 6, 2025

Posted: January 6, 2025

The administration cares very little about students as a whole but there are a specific few groups that they like. The specific groups of students often get away with vaping in the school and being blatantly racist to peers. The administration also cares very little about the quality of their school counselors, while yes the school counselors have a large load they should still be able to schedule student’s classes and at least one of them has shown an inability to do so for multiple students (more often than not female). The administration also doesn’t care about working students as shown in the recent change to the delay schedule which students weren’t notified about at all.

Posted: January 6, 2025

Posted: January 6, 2025

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

This school is the closest thing to a dictatorship you will be able to find in the United States. From what my son describes the school is essentially a prison with no culturural diversity, the student body is extremely racist and hateful to minority races, and it has become so normalized in this school that students rarely receive repercussions for racist remarks or actions. The administrators and staff do a poor job of reaching out and informing students and parents of event’s happening at the school (ex. Prom/ ring dance.) The teachers are flat out lazy and do a poor job of giving students a proper education and not busy work for 90 minutes. School is supposed to be a place where students can learn and have fun and make positive memories but to me it seems like my son hates this school
More than anything, He states that teachers will take phones from students even with it being in their pockets which is just unprofessional for 1, and it’s unacceptable, there is no reason to be looking at students groin regions to reprimand a phone from a student. Overall this school is filled with unprofessional staff and I would recommend saving your money to find a different school district.

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: November 29, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2023

Its really fun to hang out with my friends

Posted: August 14, 2023

Posted: August 14, 2023

Posted: August 14, 2023

Posted: August 14, 2023

Posted: August 14, 2023

A lot of the teachers that work there are horrible and when you talk to any administration they don't do anything about it. Some teachers leave the class and never come back and don't teach one thing and then including me fail the class because they dont teach one thing. spussificly Econ and Personal Finance.

Posted: August 14, 2023

Posted: August 14, 2023

Posted: August 14, 2023

Posted: July 19, 2023

Posted: July 19, 2023

Posted: July 19, 2023

Posted: July 19, 2023

Posted: July 19, 2023

Wonderful school, Both of my kids went here and it was a welcoming and wonderful school. I do not know where these other parents have some of these negative reviews. Maybe because their kids were not engaged in the school.

Posted: July 19, 2023

Posted: July 19, 2023

Posted: July 19, 2023

Posted: November 30, 2021

We moved here in 2016 (military), this school is rated very high on paper. However, the programs and culture of the school is very behind the curve. Coming from a neighboring state of MD in comparison, found the school programs, academia to be lacking in many areas. First, let me say racism and other minority group harassment run rampant through the school and seem to be widely accepted. It clearly is a reflection of the culture of the area, and was disappointing to find out that we payed 100K more for our home in this school district for such a backwoods mindset. Second, for a school that has so many students, it lacks in on hands learning such as funding for field trips, funding for stem programs, or gifted programs. I now have two children in this school and I don't think they ever had a field trip or if they did it was one. They are both in honors and AP courses yet even those classes are mundane and not as challenging or exciting as they should be with fast learning students. Athletics... with sooo many students the athletics department is terrible. The middle schools and high schools don't coordinate at all. There is zero mentorship from the high school students to the middle school for athletics. There are so many students that are interested in sports yet they only support JV and Varsity teams, when clearly there could be a freshman team as well. There is zero fund raising other than asking for handouts. There is no sports boosters clubs that I know of and seems to be a trend of one coach that coaches multiple sports and teams. Funding in this department is very below par. Neither of my kids participate in music anymore... middle school ruined their passion for it. There is no school spirit, I am not sure why they even have spirit week. I can't speak to other schools in Chesapeake, but I have heard better reports from parents that have students in Greenbrier. I will throw one positive in the mix, there are few teachers that are attentive and genuinely care for their students, and I love my kids guidance counselor, but that doesn't compare to the overall negative encounters Good luck in your search, dont' fall for the overrated numbers! We are looking forward to graduations and moving.

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2021

I am now a senior attending Hickory High- or attending online at least. My experience at this school the past 4 years was both good and awful. Reflecting on my freshman year-junior year, it made me realize how terrible my mental state was during that time. Here is a list I can think of while attending Hickory High:

Cons:
-countless cases of teachers bullying their students (AND OTHER TEACHERS) based off of their inability to learn or their sexually.
-over population within the school leading to more cliques.
-very inappropriate language and exercises from gym teachers.
-EXTREMELY unfair treatment to those with medical issues relating to absences in school.
-don’t get me started on the unfair dress code policy on woman rather than the men.
-SCA is mainly just a group of people who has kissed the most butt, and is extremely unfair to those who actually make an attempt.
-No school spirit / Bullying is awful.
-The art department as well as the chorus department is extremely underfunded which takes away so many opportunities for those students.
-honors and regular classes are not consistent at all. Most of the time it ends with the regular classes being more difficult than the honors.
-Most of the guidance councilors don’t care about helping you in what ever field whether its ranging from classes -assault-to domestic abuse. (Don’t get me wrong, there are a few good ones)
-Staff are very rude to students who need assistance, or are walking the halls to another class.

Pros:
-The teachers that actually care about teaching you usually end with very strong relationships with their students.
-School Bus transportation is very consistent.
-School Clinic is always the best- even when you are just trying to calm down from any sort of anxiety.
-The cafeteria staff are always so kind to you when checking out.
-Parking lot is very spacious, and I like how they are allowing students to paint their parking spots.

Posted: April 28, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2021

Posted: March 19, 2021

If you like to be part of a click of very entitled kids then this is the school for you. I have had three kids go to this school and I regret it. If you want your kids to be accepted into clubs like SCA or be on a sports team, you best start kissing a$$ and be very involved in the PTA. Ridiculously entitled kids and zero school spirit as compared to other more diverse high schools. -

Posted: March 19, 2021

Posted: March 19, 2021

Posted: March 19, 2021

Posted: March 19, 2021

Posted: March 19, 2021

Posted: March 19, 2021

Posted: March 19, 2021

Posted: August 27, 2019

They overload the children to a point of strong anxiety. They don’t care about the students feelings

Posted: August 27, 2019

Some are good some are bad. Some you can tell hate the children and some you can tell actually enjoy teaching

Posted: August 27, 2019

No, none of the students have any respect for any of the other students. Hickory is a very toxic environment

Posted: August 27, 2019

I struggle in school because I have a hard time comprehending things fast and the learning and curriculum is at a very fast pace and I cannot retain any sort of information

Posted: August 27, 2019

We don’t really have bullying per say. It’s just people are so judge mental and clique-y and it’s not a fun place to be. It’s a very toxic environment, something another assembly can’t fix

Posted: August 27, 2019

It’s a very toxic place. People think they’re better then everyone there. They’re so judge mental about certain issues. Peoples are homophobic and racist. I do not like going there. People make fun of certain issues like depression and anxiety. They judge others for what they wear. I don’t like going to a place where I have to feel like I have to change what I wear over fear of being judged. It’s very clique-y. Certain people think they’re above others. People make fun of lgbtq+ people. It’s not a great place and I don’t recommend it.

Posted: February 28, 2019

Its apparent that this parent was not happy with their kids consequences. Mr. Carter is very fair and the most respected administrator at Hickory High School. These parents are shallow Discipline starts at home video games are not parenting

Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: October 11, 2018

It needs organization, Teachers are great, administration lacks structure and compassion

Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2017

Posted: September 17, 2017

Posted: September 17, 2017

Posted: September 17, 2017

Posted: September 17, 2017

Posted: September 17, 2017

Posted: September 17, 2017

I have a senior at HHS and have good experiences throughout his 4 years. The teachers and the staff care for our students and always communicate timely and effectively with me as a parent. I'm so glad we moved from VB in 2010 to attend Hickory schools.

Posted: September 13, 2017

Posted: September 13, 2017

Posted: September 13, 2017

I have always had good experiences with the teachers at this school. The principal however is the worst I have ever seen. She is cold hearted and cares very little for the well being of her students. This is only her second year at this school and she grows more unpopular by the day. Hopefully her time at this above average school will be short.

Posted: September 13, 2017

Posted: September 13, 2017

Posted: September 13, 2017

Posted: September 13, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

My daughter has a disability and they work with us very closely to ensure she is on track with the right classes, working toward a standard diploma. They are not giving up on her!

Posted: January 13, 2017

I have two children at HHS. One is a senior and the other a sophomore. This year a new principal arrived and it has been like a breath of fresh air. Our last three years under the old administration was tolerable at best. Support for the students, teachers and parents was severely lacking from the top administrator and frustration trickled down. Thankfully, the new principal and a PTSA that is caring, communicative, and active has turned that around. Teachers no longer fear retribution and students (while disagreeing with dress code rules) and their activities are finally getting the positive attention and feedback they deserve. My children have had some very good teachers. There are a few that have been lackluster, but the prior administration was known for restraining the faculty's teaching abilities. HHS is quickly earning its fantastic reputation back. The one area that does need a complete overhaul is their counseling dept. -- college counseling has been lackluster for years. Advertising scholarships, getting colleges to come visit, etc. drastically needs improvement. Information should be given to students their junior year (not in Nov/Dec of their senior year)! Better yet, start explaining the process in their sophomore year. They did add a college counselor this year, but he only comes 1x or 2x a week -- no way able to see over 400 seniors before applications are due. The counseling department rates a 1 star. The rest of the school rates a 4 and with the positive changes happening this year could be moved to 5 stars before my sophomore graduates in two years.

Posted: January 13, 2017

Those cases that are presented brought to the attention of the administration are handled.

Posted: January 13, 2017

They have a strong program for those who need additional help.

Posted: January 13, 2017

New principal (2016-17) has definitely had a positive effect on the atmosphere in the classroom and student functions.

Posted: January 13, 2017

The school is good at developing these characteristics in students who already exhibit these characteristics. However, they struggle to encourage and set an example for those who are not already strong. This will change with the new administration. The last principal did not show true respect or compassion and lacked integrity, therefore setting a bad example for the students.

Posted: January 13, 2017

We have had some excellent teachers at the school. Out of 41 different teachers that my two children have had all but three teachers have been worthwhile.

Posted: January 13, 2017

My children have been taking honors and AP courses. I feel the amount of homework has been appropriate. That said, I do think that the requirement to have one project due a quarter for some classes is absurd for some courses. Seeing my child spend an hour coloring cells and gluing (and getting graded on that coloring) is not what I call productive homework.

Posted: August 8, 2016

Posted: August 8, 2016

Posted: August 8, 2016

Posted: August 8, 2016

The school administration for Chesapeake public schools is the most closed minded group of individuals I have ever encountered. They have zero regard for the well being of their students or of the students' guardians.

Posted: March 9, 2015

Like all families moving to a new school district we did our "homework" and researched the area for the best schools. Hickory continued to come to the top of the list and we chose a home based on those findings and word of mouth from others living in the area. However, upon enrolling we came to find out that although Hickory looks good on paper it is not necessarily any better than other high schools in the district. Hickory offers a nice campus with many academic options but it lacks a "thinking outside the box" mentality and diversity.

Posted: August 13, 2014

I love Hickory High School. I have two children in attendance and have finally found a place where I want to stay and let my kids graduate. It is not perfect but neither are my kids. I am very thankful for HIckory!

Posted: October 2, 2013

Hickory High School has a great group of students and teachers. The parent involvement is spectacular. The building looks normal from the outside but inside you will notice an amazing space. It's design lets in tons of natural light and the halls are clean and bright. You can see natural elements from every direction with the open air courtyard. Everyone at Hickory always seems so bright and cheerful even when you are the parent who didn't know what you were supposed to do. They help out, get it all fixed and your student is taken care of. The amazing thing is how well prepared my child seems. She knows exactly what's expected of her starting now as a freshmen and what she needs to do over the next 4 years. We are really excited to be at Hickory!

Posted: January 23, 2013

I had two children graduate from Hickory in the past four years. Both were in the top ten of their class. The decline in quality of education here is HORRIBLE. A few years ago, Hickory was the top school in the area, but a new principal took over and she does not seem to 'get it'. The guidance department is a joke. Both of my children got into highly competitive collages with zero help from thier guidance counselors. In fact, I'm pretty sure neither of them even knew who their guidance counselor is!