Research Milford High School public Schools in Manchester, New Hampshire

“I often feel like parents are actively discouraged from school involvement. My daughter's IEP is rarely followed. There are some outstandingly wonderful teachers there, but there are some outstandingly horrible ones, as well. More needs to be done to prevent criminal activity at the school. There needs to be a metal detector as some kids bring in weapons. Gangs are active there, although a recent newspaper story where only hand selected students were allowed to be interviewed made it sound like all is hunky dory at the school. Education is like dirt. You can take it and grow pretty flowers in it or you can just throw cold water on it and make mud. I'm not sure what Milford tries to nurture--but unless they get rid of the gangs and criminals in the school, it's not going to be pretty.”

“As a senior graduating in June of '08, I have to say that attending Milford was a great experience. The Applied Technology Opens many doors for students including internships if the student is willing to take advantage of it. The teachers at Milford are all qualified and provided me with a great education that I will continue to build this coming fall at UNH.”

“Milford High School is a great school with a great Applied Technology Center!”

“As a parent of a student who graduated last year I have to say that Milford High School has a great program available to the students. The students have to take advantage of what is being offered. If there is something that is not available the school administration will work with you to get that program. The administration is very willing to work with the students that want to learn.”

“I was a student at Milford High School but recently transferred for several reasons. 1-There was zero diversity at this school. 2- Some teachers were quite ignorant. This school is tiny and offers very little culture for a students life. If a student attended this school and never left Milford, they would probably live a boring, sheltered life. I suggest not going to this school, because I had a bad learning environment when I did.”

“As a conscientious parent, I am extremely pleased with the staff and their commitment to discipline, education, and creating a healthy learning environment. For a middle class town, Milford really puts a tremendous amount of emphasis on quality of education!”

“As a parent and educator (not in Milford) I am often asked what I think of the Milford School System. I have always been pleased with my son's education. My son is a sophmore. While he has many talents, writing has always been difficult for him. Teachers have taken extra time to work individually with him. Although we have seen improvement, he still has a way to go. I had wanted him to sign up for the essay writing course his sophomore or junior year. I mentioned this to his guidance counselor and discovered that it was only offered to seniors since they used it to write their senior essay. I thought my son would benefit from taking it sooner to help hone his skills. The counselor took my concerns to the staff and now the class is offered to juniors as well. I guess voices are heard in Milford!”

“This school has been a huge disapointment! My children have not been treated with any consideration or mutual respect;it's almost as though the attitude is 'I am the adult.Therefore, I am never wrong and will not ever admit my mistakes.' I have asked for support from the principal on a small issue and was immediately told 'it's your problem.' The school has created an adversarial situation between my family and themselves. I absolutely feel as though they do not believe that 'it takes a village to raise a child.'”

“What is spectacular about Milford High from my children's point of view is the overall attitude of respect & caring, students for students, staff for students, staff for staff, that creates a calm & happy atmosphere in general throughout the school. This has to be in large part due to the modus operandi of the principal, Dr. Brad Craven: relaxed, totally involved with the staff and students, so that everyone here appears to have a sense that they know everyone & that everyone knows them. I think this non-cliquey atmsphere enables all students to do their best, whatever that may be, & to learn to locate ther own strengths in life, instead of struggling to fulfill others' ideas of what those strengths should be. I have one child who is not typical, & one who is very all-round gifted, and both say they are very happy with the system.”