Indian River High School

1969 Braves Trail

School District

Chesapeake Public Schools
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Chesapeake Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on January 11, 2025

My sister and I were both students at the school she had it worse than I did because she was special needs high functioning. Teachers were very dismissive, facilities dirty lunch disgusting and expensive for disgusting food. Staff would come up with rules out of nowhere just to I don't know bother us. The fact that we had to buy gym shorts was so stupid but they didn't have sweats for winter and they still made us wear the shorts during winter time. Had an English teacher her entire curriculum was circled by black segregation it was the most boring material I have ever read for an entire semester she made us read the book watch the play watch the black and white movie and then watch the colored movie and write a report on each one. I love reading and this was one of the most boring books I've ever read in my life. And it wasn't teaching it was read this then take the test watch this then take the test. My sister who graduated with honors the guidance counselor kept trying to get her to graduate with a certificate of completion instead of a diploma and freshman classes she didn't need to take, they tried taking advantage that my mother Puerto Rican woman did not understand a lot of the paperwork so I had to go and fix it. All this to say I can't wait for Virginia to get on board with school choice where the money follows the student not where you live. PS. Yes there were a couple of teachers that were very nice but you can see that it was getting beaten out of them.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2024

Bad BAD BAD BAD this school. The whole staff is lazy establishment is terrible. Please don’t send your kids here if you don’t have to.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2023

My kids and I love this school. They love the teachers and administration at this school.
Submitted by other on June 05, 2023

Principal never emailed back after many attempts. Staff taking tickets at basball games. Ladies taking tickets at baseball games are extremely rude and I professional. I can’t imagine my kids having to deal with no feedback and unprofessional teachers all day.
Submitted by other on November 14, 2019

I am not impressed with the Indian River facility and staff. It is unfortunate because I am an IRHS graduate and alumnus. While I do not have children my nieces and nephews all attended IR. The last one will graduate in 2020. In short, they are guarded and rude. I have attended school functions for the past 7 years. I have seen the principle (Mrs. Dunbar) on numerous occasion. I smile and say hello and she looks right thorough me. Her rudeness is exhibited by her staff. The same thing has happened when with the assistant principles. I find them uncaring and unapproachable. When I see Mr. Frye at event he still speaks. He genuinely cared about the students and community. I understand the safety and welfare of the children should take priority. BUT, if you have seen the same person at events for the past 7 years it might be a good precautionary measure to have a casual conversation. Blank stares and unresponsiveness only goes so far. Has the school system changed this much over the years? These people cannot be properly training our children for the next phase in life. This goes beyond administering a curriculum and attempting to get satisfactory SOL passing percentages.
Submitted by student on May 18, 2018

I would not recommend this school to anyone. The school administration was horrible to me and only supported those doing poor in school. Although I got good grades, I was very depressed and I was made fun of by the administration and some teachers. I've never heard of a school more childish and my college friends were appalled when I told them stories. I'm not sure why the counselor did not once talk to me about events that happened while I attended Indian River, but I can say that the people that go to this school are the most disrespectful and trashy individuals, and the administration alike.
Submitted by teacher on October 21, 2017

As a teacher at this school for 30+ years, after teaching at three or more other schools, I found the administration supported students, parents, teachers, community who deserved it. No one groups was supported above the others. (Presently retired)
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2017

New Principal 2 years ago. Has made positive changes, weeding out bad teachers, implementing other CPHS ways, working very hard to overcome it's bad reputation. BUT, the Athletic Director is holding the school back, he should have retired several years ago. Where are the partnerships with the car dealerships on Military Hwy to help Athletics financially? Other HS's have vinyl banners up to show whom they partner with. Not us. The job has out-grown his capabilities. Be involved and volunteer, you will meet great teachers, get to know Administration, and meet great parents. We did.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2017

Great school, family feel, the remodel has really helped!
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2017

Many may talk bad about this school but it is what you put into it. My child has excelled here and has experienced diversity that will be a positive mark in her life going forward. Be active, Volunteer!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2016

I was impressed by the dedication and support of my daughter’s teachers and the school’s administrators throughout her enrollment at Indian River. In particular, Assistant Principals Harding and Joppy were extremely helpful as was the special education department (my daughter has some mild disabilities; her case manager was always proactive and communicative). The choral and drama departments are excellent and Principal Dunbar was often in attendance at performances. The teachers who we met were personable and clearly cared about their students' welfare and education. The front office staff and guidance department were also supportive and responsive – overall, the environment at Indian River is welcoming and friendly, but it's clear that education and discipline are priorities. The staff and faculty do their utmost to prepare students for the next step in their lives, whether it's college, the military, or employment. I was quite pleased with my daughter’s experience at Indian River.
Submitted by student on November 01, 2014

Indian River High School has only had positive effects on me as a person, as a student, and as a rising adult. This school's teaching staff is highly dedicated, to say the least. Central, I believe, to what makes this school among the highest caliber is that it mirrors the real world. It not only teaches one how to take a standardized test, but how to live in an unpredictible and complex world. Students at this school almost always have a desire to learn. This school not only appreciates originality, but also encourages it. I have never felt prosecuted for the person that I am and anyone here will be able to tell you the same thing. Coming from Greenbrier Middle School, I was accostomed to a controlling, limiting environment. Upon the first few days as a freshmen at this school I realized that the student body and teachers were open to helping me, whether it was with helping me understand a math lesson or with helping me with a private matter. I feel lucky to go to this school. Many of my friends from my middle school went to Oscar Smith and constantly tell me about how unfortunate they feel to be there. As for me, I feel blessed to be a Brave. Never have I felt so lucky.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2014

Indian River is the most terrible high school in chesapeake! Literally!!! My daughter went to Indian River for her freshman year and she came home crying everyday. I finally transferred her to Oscar smith and she is now a rising junior! She loves it there!!!! If you are a parent looking for a high school go check out OSCAR SMITH HIGH SCHOOL!!!!!
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2013

Indian River is a fantastic high school with a dedicated teaching staff. I had a child graduate from there in 2008 & I currently have a freshman enrolled there. The sports and orchestra programs are terrific at Indian River and the students get a chance to stay active and form great friendships. We love Indian River high school. Go Braves!!!