West Morris Mendham High School

65 EAST MAIN STREET

School District

West Morris Regional High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for West Morris Regional High School District

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 February 07, 2024

One of the top 3 public h s according to niche
Submitted by other on June 13, 2023

We moved here seeing the high ratings for the school, and it was a huge mistake. The broader community lacks diversity, is entrenched in white privilege, and if you are not rich or haven't lived here forever, you don't count or matter. There is a uniquely Mendham way to deal with criticism, which is to attack the messenger, deflect, and talk over. The school's administration talks much more than they listen. I have been very unsatisfied by how they have dealt with important issues when I've met with them. And those issues were not trivial, I approached them calmly and respectfully, but the response (from various administrators) was always dismissive and tone-deaf, and weirdly self-congratulatory. Other parents have told us astonishing stories, where responses from administration were really obnoxious. A local person connected to youth through his/her occupation once told me that kids feel so much better when they leave, the environment is just toxic. Children who are different face a nefarious form of bullying and intimidation, whereby basic - fundamentally American - values and human rights are "debated" both in class and amongst students. I have seen incidents of outright hate-speech as well. There have been a number of teen and young adult suicides in the area - a fact that has been ham-handedly dealt with both by the school and the local community. There is an overall attitude amongst adults here that they can do no wrong, and it works against any real change happening. Academic achievement remains (relatively) high here because of the socio-economic status of the town's residents, but students are not happy, parents of minority children are regretful about being here, and we are seeing the beginnings of culture-war toxicities affecting the quality of education. It is also worth noting that math and science are not as strong as they need to be at the school, a fact reflected by the fact that there were not any categories of academic awards in these areas this year.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2022

Terrible. If you are not in the IB program the teachers do not care.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2021

West Morris Mendham School eliminated all holidays from their calendar. This is a decision that affects the education of our children. The board of education cares more about its political agenda than helping our children to become educated adults.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2020

Excellent school that provides a complete educational experience
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

West Morris Mendham High keeps getting better. New learning technology helps kids excel and there are new classes and clubs coming on all the time to meet the students' interests.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

There are wealthy white students at this school. There are also students of color, students with disabilities, students from across the globe and lots of students who are not wealthy. I think that is called diversity. My youngest just graduated from WMMHS. What's most important to me is that my two children who went there never felt pressure to be something other than what they were. They were involved in sports, but also music, and loved both experiences. The IB program is great. My kids were not IB students, although they did take some classes in honors and IB. They did not experience a preferential treatment for the program students. but I would not be surprised if that were the case. Students pursuing an IB degree are generally more focused and studious. No school is perfectly balanced, but this one does a great job of helping students find their own path with a very strong academic structure to prepare them for life beyond high school.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

Locals say this school offers a private school level education because of all the teacher attention and special activities available. For motivated kids, the IB program here is very disciplined and excellent preparation for the best universities.
Submitted by student on September 08, 2013

You always have a feeling the school doesn't care about students who are not in IB/Honors classes. Also, about half of the school take the higher classes, and they are not much more difficult than an academic class. A few teachers are very dedicated and helpful, but most just go through the motions. Bullying is huge and noticed by everyone in the school, and staff members don't care if the student is wealthy, athletic, or in higher classes. Cheating is almost encouraged by teachers, who will "look away" while a student uses a cheat sheet or a phone. The only good thing about the school is that physical violence is very uncommon, but thats about it. The school has a very sad atmosphere, and I would never send my kids here.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2013

I disagree with the student review about lower level classes. There are excelent teachers at all levels and a lot of resources devoted to special needs as well.
Submitted by student on June 26, 2013

As someone who just completed freshman year at Mendham, I will say I was a bit disappointed. I took 3 honors courses, in Biology, History, and English. After a month, I had to move out of the Biology class. My history teacher was not very good. My English teacher however, was excellent and I can never thank her enough for what she taught me. The school truly does focus on the IB students, and honestly has a horrible sense of school spirit, starting with admin. The principal is NOT actively involved, and does sets a horrible mood upon the teachers, who set it upon students. You will learn alot from Mendham, but you will have to work. In the long run, Mendham has taught me alot so far, but DESPERATELY needs a better sense of unity and school pride inside the building. Mendham also has an overcrowding problem, with 75% of students having to eat lunch on the floor. Overall, Mendham is worth it, but desperately needs some help. A new attitude within Mendham staff and admin is desperately needed and the building itself could use major updating (not eating on the floor? The bathrooms?). With the help of better administration and a few changes, Mendham could easily become a 5 star school.
Submitted by student on April 14, 2013

All white wealthy school. They really do only care about the IB program and focus all their energy on it. Students in lower level classes are left to fend for themselves without school resourses.
Submitted by student on October 09, 2012

This school only cares about the students in the IB program. Being a student at this school with a learning disability, I can personally say that I am not happy at all with the education that I am currently getting at WMMHS. They always tell the students that they should always move up in their classes and challenge themselves.Whenever I wanted to challenge myself they always told me that I shouldn't because I "wasn't ready'. Well why don't you actually try to prepare me! I am glad I didn't listen because I was able to move up into a level which I succeeded in. Isn't their jobs to inspire me to challenge myself? They were not even looking at my strengths. Oh and they fail to tell you that studies classes actually do not prepare you for college. So here I am in my senior year trying to cram four years of a few subjects into a college prep class so I can do well in college. They don't even care.. As long as the IB kids do well they will do whatever it takes to help them and treat the rest of us like garbage.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2012

students relations are not good. Teacher have different standarts between studients . We did not happy. It does not safty pleace.
Submitted by student on August 06, 2012

Students at Mendham are well prepared for future academics. I attended a top-25 private liberal arts college, and from day one I was ready for intense reading assignments and a large workload because I had already been doing that kind of work in my G&T classes at Mendham. My classmates at my undergraduate school included students who attended Oak Knoll and Kent Place, and a few New England boarding schools. I never felt like I was less 'ready' than they were to succeed.
Submitted by other on June 19, 2012

I went to Mendham High School and it was a terrific experience. Students are able to excel academically in a safe, comfortable environment. Curriculum is challenging and teachers are always willing to help. Athletics are great as well.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2012

My child who is now working on a PHD received as good an education at WMMHS as any private school.
Submitted by student on April 07, 2012

I am currently attending MHS as a senior (2012) (I'm also new!) So far, I have really enjoyed my experience here! The teachers are very kind, helpful, and nice people. Academics are very good too! I am taking all AP and IB classes. Also, you have some bad teachers (as with any school), but they are mostly very good teachers. Also, I love the block schedule! It makes life so much easier for me. Basically, it is what the student makes out of MHS. They can either choose to excel or not (most students choose to excel) Most students go to top universities. It's pretty common to hear that someone got into Columbia or BC. It's almost an everyday thing! As for me, I will be attending Lehigh next year. I LOVE MENDHAM!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2011

This school is Great. My son went here and to be quite honest, enjoyed it quite a bit. The school offers whatever you need academically and has an appreciable extracurricular schedule. Go Patriots!