Branham High School

1570 Branham Lane

School District

Campbell Union High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for Campbell Union 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 student on March 13, 2024

Bad teachers, no spirit, horrible method of getting news to students (Social Media), very political, horrible English program, there's no rules, and you rarely exercise in PE.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2024

I don’t know how this school is rated an 8 they are 0 consistency, and good care less about serious matters. You can easily see that some of the staff here pick and choose which kids they would like to help based on race. The principal herself does nothing as well as the assistant principal you have to chase them around via email or go down to the office in order for them to actually do something and do their job, the whole district needs to be cleaned up and given new employees who actually do their job and are competent enough and actually have the desire to help children especially this day and age when there’s a lot going on. Hopefully the school cleans themselves up before a lawsuit happens.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2023

As a parent of a student transferring from another high school, the experience has been very positive so far. The school atmosphere is inclusive and caring, the school facilities are good and there are opportunities to challenge yourself in academic or extracurricular activities. The school also communicates effectively with parents, and actively engages in charitable activities to help the community.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2022

Our son went to Branham from 9-11th grade and then switched to West Valley Community College for the senior year as part of the 'College-Advantage' program. He graduated in 2017. Overall, our experience was mixed. Some Science AP teachers were clearly out of their depth while the English AP and Calculus AP teachers were fantastic. The front office was very unresponsive and even rude when I visited to get information because they wouldn't ever return calls. I think the new management has turned it around a bit (based on some feedback from other friends of mine in the community).On the positive side, Branham (along with West Valley) did prepare our son very well for college. He got accepted by all the UCs that he applied to (including Berkeley and UCLA) in addition to Cornell University which is where he went for his undergrad. During his time at Branham the buildings looked rather dated but there has been new construction in the past few years and I'm sure the new buildings are quite modern and nice from the inside.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2022

My three children attended Branham High School. Two children graduated (2012 & 2016), and my youngest is graduating this June. All THREE children agree that Branham was a fantastic school. It wasn't perfect, but perfect does not exist. All three claim that the COMMUNITY at BHS was welcoming, inviting, and kind. There were GREAT teacher experiences and a couple so-so teacher experiences, but all in all, my children agree that Branham High School deserves 4.5 - 5 stars.
Submitted by other on October 28, 2021

Very good dedicated teachers who won't go easy on students. I transferred to Branham High from a Private High school and I have to say a public school is more real life. Teachers don't bump up your grades like mine used to do at Private schools so they get paid more if students had higher grades. Public school teachers don't do that, they follow the rules and if you wanted that A but only had a 89.9%, too bad.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2021

I am the parent of 2 Branham High students a 12th grader and a 11th grader. I have both good and bad thus the overall 3 rating. First the BAD there are several in this category, there is NO consequences dealt to students that get caught vandalizing, skipping class, or pretty much anything besides murder the administration there is very VERY lazy seems they don't want to have to do any of the paperwork needed to discipline anyone! Teachers let kids out of class for the restroom 2 minutes after they just came back from lunch and then let them stay gone from class 20 minutes without a question , they also allow kids to eat and drink in class and throw their trash anywhere but the garbage cans and won't even tell them to pick it up. The GOOD, I've attended various events held on campus and have to say the rooms, restrooms , gym and cafeteria have did a 100% turn around in the last couple years. I've seen what I assume is custodial staff ALWAYS BUSY setting up, cleaning up, directing etc.. One gentleman in particular (my kids say he is the supervisor) was constantly checking in on us to make sure everything was ok and he had a African American female with him and I have to say they changed my vision of what a custodian is and does, they really deserve a BIG thank you!! But for some reason the crew that is there during the day my kids say they are very lazy and most of the time can't be found??? not sure if that's true just going on my kids words
Submitted by other on December 09, 2020

terrible administration that only serves to limit student expression and comfortability on campus. the administration puts forth incredibly incompetent measures forward that serve to only harm marginalized groups at the school that is already outnumbered by the swaths of upper middle-class white students that Branham caters to.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2020

Our family loves this school. We currently have a 10th grader and our other child will start there next year. We live in a "free zone" and have a choice of 2 high schools. Our older child chose Branham and we couldn't be happier with their decision. The teachers, administration and community is top notch.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2019

This is a fantastic high school. 3 of our kids have gone there (one graduated and two there now). They cater very well to the most advanced and the most challenged. And it is a VERY welcoming study body. We feel privileged to be part of the Branham community
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2018

Although some things can be improved, overall Branham has been a great experience for my daughter. She had no trouble in enrolling for any AP classes (even in 10th grade). This was instrumental in her getting accepted to all UCs and also Ivy League universities. We will wholeheartedly recommend Branham to everyone.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2014

Branham is a hidden gem. My son graduated this past year and my daughter is entering her sophomore year at Branham. The environment is extremely accepting with tons of activities and clubs to keep the kids interested and social. I would recommend this school over most every neighboring school. There is less entitlement and attitude by a mile than you find at Leigh. Zero tolerance for bad behavior or bullying. The teachers are for the most part very dedicated and prepare the students for testing and college. You get out of the school what you put in. If your child needs to be pushed a ton and have their hand held then perhaps a private school would be better. If you and your child are willing to manage the process some and take advantage of the resources this school is great. Some parents expect the school to do the work and blame others for not getting the SAT scores or grades required to attend their preferred college. The resources are all in place if you want to take advantage of them.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2014

I've been pleasantly surprised by Branham. My daughter just finished her Freshman year and loves the school, its activities, and the student population. The only issue was a first-year teacher we complained about that administrators are attempting to coach. This is the only teacher that my daughter has ever not liked. Hopefully her experience with this teacher will not dampen her interest in the topic. Branham was firm in keeping my daughter in the class when we requested to move her.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2014

Our experience has been disheartening. There is serious grade inflation going on because of Standards Based grading where a student can retake tests. It might help the mediocre student but for those who need to buckle down (discipline) and study and get it right the first time, it is a disaster. They want to be "cutting edge" and be the "first" in the area to make this work....our kids are being used as experimental rats in a horribly flawed system. If I had known, I would have moved before subjecting my kids to this messed up system. Think of it..colleges don't let you retake tests! There are great teachers (Nguyen, Johannsen, Fernandez (an absolute gem) and then there are others who will remain nameless. The culture is stifling and there is a fair amount of mean spirited bullying going on and although I realize this happens everywhere this school's administration is more focused about getting every student to participate in AP classes so that they can take credit for a school with improved ratings, than fostering an environment of kindness and child focused. Kids need advice about their lifestyle before taking on a huge AP load. Much better AP & College counsel needed.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

Branham is a friendly outgoing school. It has really been great for my son who is now graduating this summer. The new principal and assistant principal work great together and have really striven to push the school and academics forward. More AP classes being started this year. The teachers have been both good and bad, but nothing is perfect.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2013

Branham high has excellent admin staff and new principal is very devoted. This school has gone through lots of reform for better in terms of remodeling and academic excellence. Counselling program is superb!
Submitted by other on August 12, 2013

I am about to enter my junior year at Branham. It could be a lot better, but it could also be a lot worse. Many of the electronics need replacing, the buildings need remodeling (a bigger gym would be especially nice, considering our large student body - it's stifling during the MANY and UNNECESSARY rallies), and a more sincere effort could be made by the staff members (especially the counselors) to consider individual student's needs and concerns. Some teachers are much more qualified than others, and it definitely shows. However, while I am on this subject I feel the need to mention that the single best teacher I've ever encountered in my life instructs here. Compared to Leigh and a few others in the area - but especially the former - the student body is much more accepting and openly kind to others. The school is ethnically diverse and gay-friendly. Yes, there are the bullies and drama queens, but this happens everywhere. It is not a specific trait of Branham. Overall, this school isn't amazing academically or aesthetically. But if you're looking for a kind student body, helpful teachers, and opportunities to participate in community activities, you should consider Branham.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2013

I have two kids at Branham. Both kids have had a wonderful experience. We have found the teachers and administrators to be kind caring and helpful. In regards to retaking tests, It's all about learning the material and getting It down. My kids have mastered their subjects.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2013

I am concerned about hte use oft he Pickering/ EFFECTS style grading that waters down the grades. Studnets are allowed to take the same test over again multiple times. My student's Spanish teacher gives a C grade for knowing 20 words. The english teachers re- adminster the same tests for full credit. This is not typical at other schools in our area. our son is a high achiever, but I am afraid he is getting a sub-standard education compared to Leland, Leigh HS and Lynbrook , where the academics are much more challenging.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

Branham really tries to keep kids engaged, keep the standard high and promote high academic excellence. We have been in the music department for 2 years and the kids are excelling! The instructor can be a bit challenging though. The test scores include the special ed. which not all high schools in the area have to do so the scores aren't really an indicator. The front office lady is mean and unhelpful... come on Branham... replace her!