Walla Walla High School

800 Abbott Road

School District

Walla Walla Public Schools
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Walla Walla Public Schools

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 other on August 06, 2023

Depending on which pathway you go through, the experiences can be wildly different. The honors/AP pathway is fairly good. You are surrounded by many students and teachers who are passionate about learning, and are prepared very well for the tests. The normal pathway is okay. Most kids aren't passionate about school, but aren't extremely disruptive. The CTE classes are great and very fun, and the students in these classes are always very engaged. Most teachers would love to take time out of their day to help students after school, and the after-school tuition is pretty good. The after-school activities are very nice. Sports that have a small amount of students (Cross country, bowling, etc.) have a very nice sense of community and are very supportive. The individual classes give more busy work on average than other schools, but almost always instruct you on the exact material in the homework and test. The food is above average (and free!), and lunch is longer than most schools I've been to. One of the problems here is some of the kids. Vaping is rampant, and many kids don't show up to school. Gangster culture has become a bit of a thing, but is relatively harmless (compared to other schools I've been to). Teachers are fairly amiable to parent requests, but are strict on enforcing most reasonable guidelines. You can tell that the teachers want to be engaging and fun, but some of the kids take that as a chance to be problematic. Cheating is a big issue here, and the teachers can be quite clueless. The assemblies here are jokes, and some administrators (not naming names) are absolute Karens and dislike anything other than perfectly orderly and fair conduct. These few teachers/administrators can be such sticklers for the rules that they will write you up for the most stupid stuff. The language programs here are good.All in all, this was a great experience and one of the best schools I've been to. The sheer amount of after-school programs , classes, and freedom to do whatever you may be passionate about was actually quite overwhelming. The sense of community fostered in some of these places were the strongest I've ever encountered in any school. While there may have been quite a bit of (quite easy) homework and very stressful tests, most teachers were really concerned for the welfare of their students and eager to help before, after, and during school. We also get plenty of days off. 7/10, best school I've ever been to. Make sure to get involved in sports!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2023

It is a great high school, encouraging college preparedness. The teachers are good and the school is inclusive.
Submitted by other on June 12, 2015

The physical school is, yes, in need of updating. The campus is beautiful and is mostly respected by the students. Parking can be challenging and the lack of proper HVAC systems in the classrooms make for very hot warm months and cold winters. This is at no fault of the school itself, but rather the local voters who have voted down every available levy option to update the school. The staff really seem to care and will take the time to help students when needed. I think they could place more value on post-high school endeavors for students. Not everyone is cut of for a 4-year institution, which is what is pushed by counsellors and staff. I would personally like to see a wider range of options presented including the applications and acceptance process for ivy league schools and vocational and trade programs offered by the local community college. I finished up my masters a few years ago from Harvard and have the solid foundations I obtained at wa-hi to thank.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2013

Wa-hi is a great high school to attend, and will enrich your child's high school experience. It offers many unique electives, and now that my child has graduated, they are thankful for the wonderful oppurtunities.
Submitted by other on October 23, 2012

The sports there are amazing. The staff is amazing. But the the school turned into a freaking prison. I went there for 3 1/2 years and never loved the school. Too strict at the school and no fun. Kids there are bratty as ever and show disrespect to other kids and teachers. I will NOT sent my kids there. Oh wait I moved.
Submitted by student on August 21, 2012

Many of these reviews are by people who rally do not know anything about the school. There are many outstanding teachers and staff members, it has a great campus, and i do not see that much of an overcrowding issue.