Brien Mcmahon High School

300 Highland Avenue

School District

Norwalk
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
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 student on September 23, 2024

The school tries their best with the resources they are given. Which I appreciate, but I took a star off, I haven't finished my year at McMahon but I think it's a great school compared to the other options in the district. Very diverse, but I took a star off since the higher level classes have a lack of diversity, makes me feel a little uncomfortable. But besides that, I have had a good experience with the teachers, they seem to enjoy doing what they do, they are supportable and nice, not once have I disliked my teachers. The students are meh, but that doesn't really matter, I haven't experienced any bullying, and in circumstances that I did, my Guidance Counselor has been really supporting. Went to Roton, which was horrible, but the mental health resources are great compared to Roton, my Guidance Counselor is very supportive and actually listens to what I say. The quality of learning I am receiving is great, but depends if your in a general class or a higher level class. There are instances where our school's safety has been threatened, but the school takes any threat serious. We have numerous security guards and one police officer stationed at McMahon. I have a 504 plan, and my teachers are well aware of it, never had a problem with my accommodations, and when I do, I just give the teachers a simple reminder about my accomodations by email or verbally, and there's no problem. There are plenty of resources, we have our own school based health center, free breakfast and lunch, plenty of mental health resources, and VENDING MACHINES! We have plenty of higher learning classes, such as the UCONN Early College Experience, Advanced Placement classes, and the International Baccalaureate Programme. There are teachers who teach on par with private school quality of learning, but it saddens me with the lack of money/resources they have, again they have to work with what they are given to by the district. Norwalk Public Schools administration has gone down hill since the new superintendent, but McMahon still thrives, the true gems of this building are the teachers, and they need to be supported. There are plenty of kids in my classes that come from other school districts and towns to just attend Brien McMahon or the Center for Global Studies. Overall, this school will continue to thrive no matter what is thrown at it, I would totally recommend this school, and let my children attend it if I were a parent.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

Brien McMahon High School stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Norwalk. From the moment you set foot on its campus, you can sense the pride and commitment faculty and students have for their institution. The school boasts a diverse student body that reflects the rich tapestry of cultures present in Norwalk. This diversity is one of the school's strengths, offering students a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate different backgrounds and perspectives. It’s heartening to see a genuine effort from the administration to promote inclusivity and unity amidst this diversity.The array of academic programs and extracurricular activities available is impressive. There's something for everyone, whether it’s the rigorous honors and AP courses or the arts and athletic programs. The educators are passionate and dedicated, always striving to bring out the best in their students. They teach academic content and foster critical life skills and values.Moreover, Brien McMahon’s emphasis on community service and civic engagement is commendable. Students are encouraged to participate in various outreach programs, ensuring they grow academically and as responsible and aware citizens.The facilities are up-to-date, and the school is consistently making efforts to integrate technology into the classroom, preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world.In summary, Brien McMahon High School is not just an institution of learning but also a place where young minds are shaped into well-rounded individuals. Proud of its legacy and always looking to the future, it's undoubtedly one of the gems in Norwalk’s educational landscape.
Submitted by student on May 02, 2017

I’ve never thought about being a Senator until I attended Brien McMahon High School. McMahon High School is a remarkable place to absorb new things and have pleasurable times while doing it. The teachers and staff are very pleasant and supportive and the school itself is safe. The school is very diverse, no matter who you are, you will find a friend that fits your character. There are even clubs here for you to interact with others like “Peer Mediation,“ “Peer Mentoring,“ “Teen to Teen,“ and many more. Some students are very friendly and helpful and in a day you’ll be sitting with them at lunch. Not often, you’ll find some conflict here and there but, you are always safe in the school faculties will make sure you are safe and everything is taken care of. There’s a strict policy with bullying. They are very supportive, all you’ll have to do is talk to staff and tell them you feel uncomfortable. Our security are kind, respectful, and friendly. They are here for you to talk to if you feel there is nobody else to talk to. A regular day in McMahon, we have 4 periods a day and one class is 1 hour and 30 minutes each. Teachers try their best to make your classes fun but also make them so that you still learn. If you need help you can come to teachers for lunch or extra time so, that they can help you as much as possible. Staff try to make the hallways look the best, they make you feel welcome and apart of the McMahon community. However, not everything is splendid in this school . The bathroom, they are not so clean. They are unsanitary, a lot of stalls don't have locks, some doesn't even have a roll of tissue. Work still needs to get done in the school. Brien McMahon prepares you for college. There are some courses that can get you ready in college. There are some clubs that help you with your career, to give you some experience and of course some clubs just to have fun. Therefore, you get credit for a college course in high school. It is free and early, instead of paying & on time. Some courses help you with your career like as an example, if you want to be a social worker you can be in Psychology & Child Development. By the end of your freshman year, you would love to be in McMahon. You will have great experiences and notice that “ Once a Senator, always a Senator”
Submitted by student on May 01, 2017

Brien McMahon is a public school located on 300 Highland Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854. This school offers many opportunities for children to gain knowledge to reaching their goals. The staff members and students are very welcoming and of all the high schools in Norwalk, I believe, this is a school many should go to. Although, the school was rated 4 out of 10 stars in the Greatschools.org website. I’d rate it as being 6 out of 10 stars. This school allows a diversity of amazing students to go to the school. For many years, BMHS has offered programs that others don’t have, for example CGS (Center for Global Studies) allows people to learn about languages and travel to meet people from different ethnicities. This school offers activities and clubs, for example HOSA club, which is a Medical club for students who are interested in the medical field, these students get to participate in blood drives and compete against schools. A variety of sports are offered at BMHS, the athletic teams are very competitive. Some of these sports, include volleyball, basketball, football, tennis, cheerleading, etc. These sports have amazing coaches that care and help students expand their sport skills.The McMahon staff are also a big part of what goes on in the school. They provide a safe place where students can come and talk to them if they have a problem. The counselors help us with our schedule and counsels us on what activities or sports we should join. Teachers and secretary workers are very organized on what happens during school. On Wednesdays, it's a house day, where students meet up with a teacher for 20 minutes, to discuss what happens in school, this helps students interact with other students and help them understand in what ways we as a McMahon family should make the school a safe place. Overall, this school helps and prepares students for the future. The staff helps and cares for their students, and I recommend middle schoolers or other students that are thinking of transferring to this school, to become apart of the BMHS senator's family. Hopefully my evaluation will help you get an idea of what goes on in McMahon.
Submitted by student on May 01, 2017

My experience at Brien McMahon High School has been by far one of the best. It’s very different compared to how things were in middle, and elementary school. I feel more independent, and responsible for myself, which I feel every student should be given that opportunity. I feel prepared for the future already because I feel more on my own. McMahon runs on a block schedule. There are four 90 minute classes everyday, and three 30 minute lunch waves during 3rd period. Depending on the class, some periods go by faster than others. Most teachers know how to organize class lessons and make the most up of the 90 minutes. Other teachers, are disorganized and end up wasting a good 60 minutes of the class. I feel that the block schedule is better than having 7 periods everyday. It gives you an extra day to work on your homework and there is more class time to learn and get work done. Instead of having homeroom every morning like middle and elementary school, we have house once a week. Every Wednesday after second period, every students reports to their house. It’s pretty similar to homeroom. Students have the same house for all four years of high school. Some days their are house activities, sometimes we receive report cards, schedules, or test results. Over time, students grow a bond within their house, whether it’s with the teacher, other students, or both. One thing I really like about McMahon is that it gives us an opportunity to be more independent and responsible for ourselves. We walk from class to class, class to lunch, by ourselves. We have more freedom and control over what we want to do. Many teachers allow us to use our phones, and we can also use them outside of class. In middle school and elementary, we walked to other classes and lunch as a whole class. Overall, McMahon has made me more independent and taught me a lot about myself. Already I have learned many new things about people and how to always put myself first. We grow strong bonds with our peers and our teachers. We also have much more freedom and responsibility compared to middle and elementary school. McMahon can sometimes be annoying but I enjoy coming here and I am proud to be a senator.
Submitted by student on May 01, 2017

Brien McMahon high school is one of best schools in Norwalk CT. Students and teachers are kind. They will treat you with respect. Teachers will provide you with all the information you need. If you don’t understand speak up and tell a teacher. That’s why they are here. If you have a personal problem, go ask to go to a guidance counselor. They will help you a lot. You can also meet a lot of good friends.The school schedule is very different. We have four periods a day, the periods are 1 hour and 30 minutes long. The food at McMahon is well prepared. Lunch has 3 shifts, and each is 30 minutes long. They have good and healthy food choices. They have snacks likes chips and cookies. They also have a school store just in case you get hungry and you can’t wait to lunch. Enjoy!The school is very secure. Security are everywhere. If you want to get to safety just go to the main office or guidance. You can either do that or go around the corner and you will find a security. You won’t have to worry about anything. McMahon prepared for any dangerous attempts from anyone.Students and teachers are big factors here at McMahon. Without a student a teacher can’t determine if they are being a good teacher. Without a teacher a student can’t learn. Students get credits of .25, .5 or 1. Teachers and counselors try to get students 8 credits a year. Student from class of 2017, 2018 and 2019 have to finish the year with 20 credits. But the freshman of this year have to finish with 25 credits.We are a big community. Come and join us here at BMHS. You can take a look at our website Brein McMahon. Also you can follow us on facebook, instagram and twitter at BMHS. Hope you enjoy Brien McMahon.
Submitted by student on May 01, 2017

Tad CarrMr. Carroll4-3-17EnglishEvaluationIncoming Freshman coming in next year you will need to understand that Brien McMahon High School is not a school it's more of a family. Brien McMahon is named after a former U.S senator. I have been attending McMahon for about 7 months now. The transition from middle school to high school is a lot different. You are treated more as an adult than a child and your responsibility has to increase, showing that you can be trusted.McMahon runs on a block schedule. With four 90 minutes classes, and a four minute passing time. The lunch wave runs on a 30 minute shift with 3 waves. Depending on the days, like a 90 minute early dismissal. Each period then is 45 minutes, but you still have same amount of time for lunch. Instead of a homeroom every day for 20 mins in the morning you have a house. What that means is that you are apart of group with your gender throughout the four years. You meet every wednesday and just discuss to school news or class building activities As far as course selection goes they are well prepared. The Guidance Counselors take time of their day to come to your class and make sure each student selects the course they want to take. They go from Junior, to Sophomores, and Freshmen. There are many classes to choose from, going from P.E, to Design and family Consumer science. You may have already chose a course that was either between .5, .25, or 1 credit. These credits helps advance you to take more classes and advance to the next grade. TThe teachers are another big factor of BMHS school. They come in everyday and prepare to teach inside the class and even outside the classroom to give u that everyday life lesson to help you become a better person they see you can become They take their time to well prep every activity to help you in the long run. Wanting to show what it means to learn and apply the skills you learn to live through your adult life and career. BMHS isn’t a school, it’s a Family that treats each other with the utmost respect for who you are
Submitted by student on May 01, 2017

BRIEN MCMAHON HIGH SCHOOL / A GREAT SCHOOL IN NORWALK CTFirst ParagraphBrien McMahon High School is a great school and it is a diverse school. Diversity helps us with our studies,homeworks,and class work. No matter what the problem is the teachers could help with you with that problem it could home problems or school problems. I’m not saying that my school is nosey, i’m saying that when they see that you’re not doing well they ask you what’s going on and they do there best to help you to improve in the area that you need help on.it could be grades or any problems you have. Brien McMahon is the best school that you could put your kids in. It's the most secure school that I know, the securities are always there if there’s a problem in the hallways or in classes. The securities are always in the hallways for our safety. The students in Brien McMahon have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate Brien McMahon High School is 36 percent. The student body makeup is 49 percent male and 51 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 69 percent. Brien McMahon High School is 1 out of 3 high schools in Norwalk School District. Brien McMahon High School is ranked #2085 in the National Rankings and earned a silver medal. Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare their students for college. There are ROTC classes that could help your child to get early exposure to the army and your child has more opportunity to get a college degree. ROTC is a great class for your child to join in because it will help him/her improve their ability to be respectful and it will help them be more responsible. That class will teach your child a lot of things such as the commands, battle ships,ex: submarines. We have been learning about submarines the past few weeks and now we are learning about the attack on Pearl Harbor.Brien McMahon has more students than any other school. College sees the greatest test scores that students take in High School, and because if this Brien McMahon can help your child get better grades and can help your child pick the best college he/she wants. That's why Brien McMahon is a great school for your child.
Submitted by student on May 01, 2017

Brien McMahon High School is a great school. They offer many different classes that students enjoy and learn a lot in. I am a Freshman and I was extremely scared to start my first year of high school but getting to Brien McMahon was way less scary than I thought it would be. Students are able to transition well from middle school to high school.Brien McMahon High School offers many great classes for students. The classes they offer are things that interest students and things we would actually want to learn about. There are many different types of classes so students can learn at the level that is best for them. It’s great that students can choose classes that interest them because if they don't like some of the core classes they are in, at least they have great electives to choose from. There are many great teachers at Brien McMahon. The teachers always make sure students are getting the best grade possible and are trying to make sure they’re successful in the class. Some teachers can just be annoying or extra strict, but most of the teachers here are pretty good.Our school also has another section called CGS. CGS offers students many different languages to learn about. If you are really serious about learning a unique language, you’re going to want to go to CGS. In CGS you can learn about the history and language of languages like Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, and many more.Brien McMahon has a block schedule. There is two days, an A day and a B day. We have four classes a day and every class is 90 minutes. I like having the block schedule because since we only have four classes a day, we have less homework in one night. We are also able to have an extra night to work on our homework since we don't have the class every day. There are many sports at Brien McMahon. Students get very involved and are very supportive of the teams. It's fun going to watch and support the sports teams and it's cool seeing how many people come to support the team when you are playing. Students get extremely competitive and the always want to be the best. There are many different sports for students to play.In my opinion Brien McMahon is a great school and there are so many things that make it this way. I can't wait for the years to come for me in Brien McMahon and all the things I will get to experience.
Submitted by student on May 01, 2017

Brien McMahon High School is a very good school to send your child to for a quality education.Brien McMahon is a very diverse school that lets kids be around all types of students and get more exposure. The staff and teachers are very nice and want you to succeed. Brien McMahon offers many after school clubs and sports. At Brien Mcmahon there is something for everyone. Brien McMahon also offers AP and IB classes so your child can get college level classes while still in high school. The school also offers a medical academy so students who are interested in being a doctor or nurse can start off early so they know what they would be doing if they chose that path of work. My Brien McMahon has a ROTC program for students who are interested into maybe going into the army one day. They have athletic training like the army and even wear uniforms.
Submitted by student on April 27, 2017

First off, I would like to say that Mcmahon has very traditional ways of teaching but not all teachers are up to par. There are great and close connections with teachers and other staff and a well developed environment.Most of the lessons taught in class are well sequenced. It seems to me that lessons are prepared a lot earlier than the class they will be taught in, well at least in most cases. Once in awhile a teacher may not have a lesson plan because of specific reasons but for the most part, everything is ready. I also like the way most of the teachers teach. I find their teaching style very admirable, they are very professional and they’re experience shows a lot. Overall a very important strength in BMHS.As far as course selection goes, I think Mcmahon has a great variety of classes to choose from that can be offered to almost any student. From learning how to manage little children to learning how to manage wealth in the fast paced American industry. Only thing that I would choose to improve is actually selecting the courses themselves. The process can be lengthy and very confusing. Especially now since the credit standard has raised to 25 credits instead of 20. Cleanliness is a major flaw in BMHS. There are complaints weekly about the sanitary conditions of the restrooms. More effort and time should be put into cleaning the restrooms because it is a place that is used a lot on a daily basis. Not only are the restrooms dirty, but some classrooms are very unorganized and don’t provide a very comfy place for students to learn. To me, it is very important for the neatness of a classroom for a better experience in the learning place. The building is pretty simple and doesn’t have anything too special about it.There are multiple after school activities for students to participate in. I feel like BMHS offers a bunch of after school groups, even if the group is small, BMHS supports it. Teachers encourage their students to join clubs. A big topic in a lot of schools is resources, as in, technology. Based on my experiences and others students’, the technology at BMHS is fairly good as most of the classes have them available. We usually never find ourselves in a shortage of our most reliable tool, the Chrome Books. Just a little bit more effort in maintenance and connection would be an excellent improvement.
Submitted by student on April 27, 2017

Brien McMahon is a diverse school with many programs and classes offered. They have spectacular and well organized teachers with variety's of teaching methods. These methods help improve the students mind and strengthen their maturity. The teachers here prepare you for the next level of education which is college. They prepare you and help you through your 4 years of High School. Our music department is fantastic. We have three great teachers; Benson, Arcari, and Secchi. Music is essential to one’s life. Music can be used as a study skill, to concentrate, to sleep, etc. Arcari is the head of the drama club and this year they are presenting “Cinderella.”Secci conducts the BMHS Band, they competed and got 1st place in one of their competitions. Benson, if you ever had the chance to hear him play the cello you will be amazed and like me encouraged enough to even start playing the cello. This year all three music teachers were left in charged for NEMFA (New England Musical Festival Association.) It was fantastic, a wonderful event that the three teachers organized very well. If you are a rising freshman you are very lucky! Brien McMahon has an annual Freshman Academy, this is where they tell you and show you a little bit more of what’s to come in August/September. The Freshman Academy is where you meet new people from different schools. They give you a clear vision of how the rest of your 4 years is going to be like at Brien McMahon. Freshman teachers work in the Summer Academy and give you the same work they would give their own students. Freshman also make new friends and learn their way to their classroom and their house. They help you learn the essential key to “survive” High School. I for one was apart of this program and highly recommend for anyone who is interested to anyone who is curious what is a daily basis for a Senator.Brien McMahon has a variety of food choices. Here in BMHS they have; a Deli Station, Yogurt/Salad Station, Pizza Station, Nacho station, and a regular hot lunch where they serve you daily specials. BMHS has healthy foods that include salads, yogurts, fruits, and vegetables. My favorite station is the deli, because I get to choose what to put on my sandwich . Here they offer a program where if you are in need of money and can’t afford it you either get free or reduced lunch.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2016

My son is a Junior in the CGS program although the program is good, socially my son did not do well with the main stream students especially on the basketball team. He was bullied by his team mates and called a racial slur and it seamed like the coach sided with the bullies and made him feel like he had an issue with him reporting the bullying.
Submitted by other on June 02, 2014

Brien McMahon High School is very good. The faculty prepares students and gives them a good base for many walks of life. Yes you have a diverse student population as you have in town, but the students achieve at the next level, some in the Ivy league, some in trade school. I fully recommend the school and everything it offers the students and the community.
Submitted by student on January 15, 2012

seeing the most recent review i'm very confused. i'm currently a junior at this school and i have to say this is a very good school. i cant imagine myself going to any other high school. I have to say that our school is very diverse and no matter who you are and what you like there is always someone to talk to. i love that we have a beautiful school and i actually think that our counselors are very helpful. we even have a school to career center. i take very hard classes and i think that my teachers are amazing. i know many people from other towns that join CGS just to be able to go to Mcmahon . . . we also have a great sports program with great lax teams and we have really great clubs like spanish club, Peace project, build on , and much more . . . . the only complaint i have is our strict administration . . . it sucks that we have to have a golden ticket in order to use the library, i hate having lunch at 10am and that we get detention for being late to lunch and other strict rules but otherwise than that i'm proud to be a Senator.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2011

Brien McMahon should not be the school of choice for anyone with a choice. It is weak praise indeed to suggest a child will succeed Despite having attended Brien McMahon. The teachers are uncaring and uninspiring. They are unresponsive and uninterested i nteh kids. Administrators are bean counters more concerned with maintaining a prison lockdown environment than in fostering an environment for college preparation or educational success. My honors student has become depressed and completed turned off to learning due to a failed social experiment on the parent of her parents that led them to decide to remain in Norwalk and not flee to surrounding communities that actually get it. Brien McMahon is mediocre at best. Her siblings will attend private school in the fall. However, Norwalk taxes are very expensive to have to send one's children to private school in order to secure a decent education let alone a great one! We are involved parents and are more appalled each day. No college counseling. No thought beyond pushing kids through the hallways and out the door.