Danbury High School

43 Clapboard Ridge Road

School District

Danbury
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

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 parent on January 07, 2025

I never write reviews, but I feel I need to after all Danbury high school has done for my son....Yes Danbury High School is a very big school. But they have amazing programs especially for kids with special needs. My son has high functioning autism, language processing disorder and ADHD. I can tell you from experience with dealing previously when he was younger with top public schools in Westchester that for years we would have to fight for every accommodation and finally gave up and put him in a private school for six years. When moving to a new house in Danbury, he begged us to try the high school because of the sports and some of his friends that went there. I was so reluctant giving his needs and what we went through when he was in 1st and 2nd grade. But I gave in thinking if doesn't support his needs, we will put him back in a private school. That was in ninth grade. He is now a senior at Danbury! I am so thankful for all of the support and guidance the Special Ed Department has given my son and our Family. We have never had to fight for any accommodation that was needed for him. If something wasn’t working or we had a concern or problem, it was always addressed and fixed…..He has been accepted into every college that he has applied for. I’m so grateful to them!
Submitted by other on December 29, 2023

Best school I have ever attended woooooo! Go DHS YOUR THE BEST!!! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2023

This school provides teachers with no support no materials and no healthy boundaries. Admin lacks empathy and understanding. The students here do not care about education and because of the poor education standards, they will never receive the education they deserve. Teachers here are very clique and will betray you at any moment. Some students are sweet, while the others just need structure, but the school and admin fail to do that. This is also a very underfunded school, they do not provide students nor teachers with basic essentials like pencils or colored paper sharpener or speakers for the classroom.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2022

I am not happy with some of the staff at DHS, female staff have such a nasty and rude attitude. I hate when I have to call with questions because they are rude and most of the time they just have an answering machine to accept messages also the nurse has an awful attitude, my daughter had to go to the nurse on two separate occasions because she didn't feel good and my daughter said, mom the next time I feel bad, I'm not going to the nurse because she's so mean, I rather just hold the pain until I get home.
Submitted by other on June 20, 2022

Terrible administration... If you're looking to work here please look elsewhere. This school gives no resources to teachers and constantly micromanages.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2020

Very good school. Yes, it’s large, but there is so much available. Great staff as well.
Submitted by other on June 28, 2020

School is extremely over crowded. Students do not get the attention needed. Bullying and fights are an issue.
Submitted by other on August 16, 2019

Amazing school, amazing people, amazing teachers. They always look down upon Danbury High but it truly is a great school.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2017

Teachers focus more on the students.Stop with early dismissal.Helps us to learn more.Helps us to stop the bullying.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2017

My son attended over the last 4 years, had great teachers, administrators and coaches. He had a full high school experience and was accepted into top colleges and is now admitted to an IVY League University. He is one of many students already admitted to top colleges. As parents, we attribute his success to this hidden gem in Danbury. I will send all my children here.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2015

Danbury High School is a good school where your student can definitely get a decent education. They will have to work for it though because with roughly 3,000 students, the few counselors they have are spread far too thin to be able to individually help every student. Most of the teachers are good and genuinely care about the students, but there are some that should probably be replaced. You will need to work with your student to help them understand the difference and, if they get a "bad" teacher, help them learn to cope with the additional challenges. There are occasional fights, but definitely not "every day" and always pretty easy to avoid if you want to stay out of trouble. The cafeteria is mediocre, but with multiple "stations" (i.e. sandwich, burgers, pizza, hot lunch), the kids can usually find something to eat. Lots of extra-curriculars (theater, music, sports), very diverse categories of courses available (culinary arts, languages, theater, art, graphic design, photography, programming, robotics, trades, honors level, AP, etc). Athletic programs are well run and they have trainers on hand in case of injury and secondary insurance to cover anything not covered by your medical coverage. The school has a LOT to offer, but you have to be willing to take the time to find out what is available and either go after it or make it known that you want it. If you sit back and expect it to be handed to you, you will end up with a very basic education and not have very much fun.
Submitted by student on April 21, 2015

It's the worst school in all of history. The teachers are very mean, the students are very mean and I can't even be myself in this school because when I do, they all judge me, they say I'm gay because I don't have a girlfriend when the real reason is all the girls are taken and none of them like me anyways just because I'm different, I refuse to show teachers the respect they clearly don't deserve, I'm always alone, and I root for different teams. There are no field trips, the teachers will call the officers on you for talking back, and they all hate it when you have fun. Don't read all those fake reviews made by teachers, they are trying to make you miserable here. Please don't let your kids come here, they'll be very miserable and they won't even get to be themself without being judged for it.
Submitted by other on February 06, 2015

Danbury High School is a decent school. it has its ups and down which many people seem to only see the downside. I've read a couple reviews from parents and students about this school but from what I've read it seems like they do not understand this is High School. You will not always get individual attention when you need it unless you personally go to the teacher and ask for it. High School is not where you continually be dependent on others but to learn to be self-sufficient and and independent because for many people this may be the last step before full time employment. I am a former student of DHS and i can admit i was not a fan of high school but now when i look back it was some of the best times of my life. The teachers always tried their best for me when they though I really needed it and I respect them very highly for it. Of course DHS has its flaws but every school will and it is only a flaw if you if you don't see how it will help you in the real world. Lastly for Students and Parents who think your child is not getting enough Individual attention, how much do you think they will get in college? or in their jobs and careers? Sincerely, DHS class 2012
Submitted by student on August 01, 2014

Your experience here will vary... I'm entering my fourth year at DHS and throughout my time here, a lot has changed, generally for the better. As far as teachers go, I have yet to find a teacher that I felt assigned too much work, or that didn't offer students help either during or after school. However, I did feel that a couple of my teachers weren't qualified enough to be teaching the class perfectly, but still did their best and prepared students decently. The school is very crowded, and unfortunately, this will likely only get worse. The school also needs and update with their technology and its use in the classroom. Lunch is borderline bad, but expected with most public school food. Last year especially, I noticed an overall increase in the pride, and determination students had in succeeding, as noted by increasing test scores. Generally, better performing students will have a better experience (Honors; AP teachers are generally better, lots of AP classes available, acknowledgement of success). In general, the school has a lot of everything, and success and overall experience will vary depending on who students network with, determination, and a bit of luck with teachers.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

My daughter has transfered from another High school in NY last year and we were very dissapointed. It maby has many programs for students who want to get involoved, but you are pretty much on your own. There clearly is no gudiance, minimum communication, filth and yes fights on daily bases, unsupevised students during concert behaving unpropietly, and the list goed on and on. Quite frankly I am not sure what the guidance counselor is getting paid for. Who in the world would place students that belong in honor math into ESL math. The school is too big for its own sake and even though it has some good and dedicated teachers it is all about crowd controll than anything else. Lock of parental involovement is partially at fault here. My daughter had great grades without much effort but as much trouble I had getting her enrolled here, I am trying even harder to get het into better learning environment. Home shchooling looks much more atractive to us at this point. I just wish this town had vouchers, so finacially challenged families wouldn't feel that they have no better option for their children besides moving out of town.