Soledad High School

425 Gabilan Drive

School District

Soledad Unified
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for Soledad Unified 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 29, 2022

This school is honestly one of the worst high schools i've ever seen. I can confidently say that i haven't earned anything this year. 85% of the students here have no goals or aspirations in life and no motivation to learn. I've only just moved here and have see better curriculum in my old elementary school. The sports are pretty nice and the food is not bad but it feels like they pour all of their money into those things rather than the actual educational aspect of school. I'm honestly scared for my future.
Submitted by student on June 18, 2017

This school is mediocre at best. To start, the staff. As a whole, the entire district seems to disregard ANY request or concern from a parent or student. Almost every other year, there's a new principal; which just confuses the pacing of how educational and extracurricular programs are managed. SOME of the teachers can be quite rude and can't even execute their job properly. I understand the students might be hard to deal with, but it's the teacher's job to enforce discipline. But how could they do that if almost the entire student population isn't even willing to learn? A large amount of the students are ignorant, they don't see the bigger picture after high school. That may be due to many reasons from home life to their perspective on life as a whole. Two wrongs don't make a right, so when bad students and unqualified teachers collide; the result usually affects the students who want to learn! Like many below this review have said, a lot of teachers here usually just watch a movie or have the students TRY to teach themselves. I get it, a student must work hard for a good grade; but that can only go so far when the students are on their own with the issues I just stated previously. The state test scores prove there is some sort of disconnection between the students and the material. However, I will give credit where it's due. The programs offered are all well-done, no major problems. The coaches and staff who run their respective programs are all a good fit. Security is great also, with about 3-4 security staff roaming around the campus at all times; and an occasional visit from a police officer. Unfortunately, my positive points for this high school have NOTHING to do with EDUCATION. Someone from here said this next point perfectly, "This school has a very high migrant farm worker mentality. The kids are not being prepped for [major universities], they are being prepped to work at CTF (state prison), surrounding wineries or the trades." It's a shame that MOST of the students' individuality as a person is being traded for a simple, uniform job after high school. Soledad High fails at preparing students for the diverse world by not fully showing what is truly out there. Some students here think Soledad is where it's at! Like there's no other place they can go to. As a current student of Soledad High, I would not recommend this high school.
Submitted by other on March 21, 2014

For the most part, Soledad High School through the years has remained roughly average in regards to the educational quality it offers to all students. Like any school, you only get what you put in. If you work hard in this school, the opportunities can be tremendous considering the preconceived view of Salinas Valley schools by Admissions Counselors at Universities and Colleges. Soledad High is not as bad as mentioned, proactive Students and Parents is the difference between this school and Carmel and Pacific Grove. If anything, Soledad High is a bargain school with plenty of opportunity for students to be creative considering the school is relatively new and has tremendous opportunity for development, Achievement through adversity is great for the Resume and College Application. Parents and community leaders must push for innovation for Soledad to become a top caliber school. Soledad is an above average choice in the area and the City of Soledad is a nice, down to earth place to raise children. Most Students at this school are actually children of parents working at the nearby Prison, Agricultural Management, Services and Labor,There are many success stories from this high school
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2014

This school is sad to see that instead of getting better it's getting worst.. The administration does not know our community, and they do not want take the time to get to know us. I am a parent that visits the school often, the administration has been very rude to me. They do not acknowledge me or other parents that are waiting. I have thought of complaining tot the district but what's the point, the new superintendent will not do anything but defend the administration. Out of all this, our kids are the ones that are hurting. Why can't the board members see that, why can't they be our voice for our students. How can our students succeed, when our board members allow these type of people to lead our high school. So disappointed,,,,,,,
Submitted by other on January 23, 2014

I don't think it's fair to take a dig at the Basketball coach. These Coaches put in a lot of time and effort on their end. Their stipend is nothing compared to the amount of work, time and energy, they spend teaching these kids the fundamentals when it comes to sports. They are put through "trainings" or given many resources. These coaches are spending hours teaching the kids the fundamentals of basketball or any sport, given, that wasn't taught at an earlier age. Compared to teachers, who are credential, receive support and are sent to trainings. This nice man is taking time out of his personal schedule, because they aren't others who want to step up and take on the responsibility of being a HS coach. So please, unless the coach is a horrible, ill mannered person, don't take a jab at someone who is trying to help their community.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2013

If you want a good grade, don't study or put any effort in. Just have your parent call the counselor to change your grade to an A... Boom! Done! Whining and complaining are the keys to success at this school. The administration figures all the kids are poor and dumb and will work on a farm anyway so they don't care what grades are given.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2013

Where do I begin? I'm extremely sorry that I have no choice but to send my kids to this school. The rate of teacher and administrative turnover at this school is ridiculous. Even the high level classes suffer from some bad teachers. One teacher in particular (Honors Chemistry) has basically been getting a free paycheck and not teaching at all. Despite complaints from several parents, the administration only just got rid of the man last week. Meanwhile our students will be expected to take a final exam, and tested on a subject they have not been taught. . Another issue is just general apathy among the student body and their parents about the importance of getting an education. My kids have told me that most kids don't push themselves to do the best that they can, and don't bother trying hard on the API. Sports programs have also suffered from high turnover of coaches. The most successful teams on campus (Boys Soccer, and Baseball) have had the mist stable coaching staffs. That being said, the JV girls basketball coach is a joke, and he's been here for years. Nice man, horrible coach.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2013

SHS has gone through many changes in leadership year after year. They really need to work on retaining their good teachers and administrator's who actually care about this community. Many of the students have college potential but, without the right instruction and support for all of our students getting them into a 4 year university remains a challenge.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2013

A student at Soledad High School will get out of his education what he puts into it. Like any school, there are some truly amazing teachers who give large blocks of their lives to the school and students and then there are some who leave as soon as the bell rings--parents and students need to choose wisely. One sad fact is a high staff turnover. Currently, there are 20 new teachers, plus all new administrators (three). Unfortunately, all this "newness" results in confusion and inconsistency. This confusion and inconsistency affects students and staff negatively which in turn results in frustration. One strength is the core group of really great teachers. Ask the kids--they know who they are and those are the teachers they all try to take. The weaknesses are compounded by poor leadership, unsupportive home environments and apathy among many of the students. However, over the past five years, the school's SAT scores have dramatically improved and more and more of its students are being accepted to, and attending, 4-year colleges. Overall, if it can retain great staff, then it will be heading in a positive direction!
Submitted by other on November 08, 2013

its true about what 99% of the posts here say, im a current soledad high senior , graduating with the class of 2014. like i said yes this school only cares about the football team and all funds go there! you see im part of the Azteca club which funds to give scholarships to seniors of our own school who are in financial need and guess what!? when i asked the now principal about this club and if she liked the idea of our funding going towards students and guess what?! it surprised me when she said "oh what is that?" see they only care about football and about just passing the normal curriculum instead of actually making us go further giving us advice and help about furthering our education! instead this principal , staff and board can give less if you drop out, believe me i seen ut through my own eyes , especially if you're part of a family of migrant field workers they never believe you can reach further than that.
Submitted by other on October 03, 2013

I Was A Soledad High School Student. This School SUCKS!!! Dont ake Your Lkids To This School All That School Does Is Make You Fall Behind!!!
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2013

This school is okay. Teachers are somewhat good but many need to be replaced. There needs to be another french teacher. Is the student takes AP classes there is a better chance of them succeeding. It is made up of mostly migrant farmer workers and there needs to be more parent involvement. This school lacks funds for different sports and clubs, most of the money is focused on football. It is an okay school and although test scores are down if a student tries his or her best they will be okay. The rating of the school will not affect the student if he or she is hardworking.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2013

This school has a very high migrant farm worker mentality. The kids are not being prepped for CAL, UCLA, USF or Stanford, they are being prepped to work at CTF (state prison), surrounding wineries or the trades. It is what it is, I believe the teachers have tried, however, simply do not have a student body or parent base who aspires for their children to be physicians, attorneys or astronauts. It is san, however these kids will not be buying homes on Ocean Ave., down the road in Carmel or Monterey, due to the overall migrant farm worker mentality. The teachers who again try, simply adapt. One less thing, get off the teachers BUTTS about this schools API scores. It is not them, it is the social environment in which they are located, that they must instruct from.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2013

Need to have more parent involvement. Improve on communication to parents - Website with posting of upcoming events for Seniors eg. Senior Grad Nite, Pictures, Prom, Community Hours: Ideas / Posted on website for High School. Clean Up the Schools / Football field entrance / Basketball Gym entrance/ Baseball Fields Potential is there / Need Support from Parents / Teachers / Staff