354 The Retreat
Marietta, GA 30064

an amazing school all around! a lot has changed since i attended the very same school back in the early 90s but i am in love with the changes that i see now. even jealous of the fact that the programs, activities, and classes are available now and wished they were back then. overall very pleased alumni.

West Side is such a special place! From the leadership to the academic programs to the wonderful teachers- there really is no place like West Side! Here students are challenged and supported and given endless opportunities to learn. They offer wonderful extracurricular activities and clubs that meet student needs and interests. I have had 4 children attend at various times and all have felt supported and loved going to school. I’m proud of this school and thrilled that my children get to go there. As a realtor, this school is requested often as a place that parents want their child to attend.

I have gone to Marietta High School for two. years now. Freshman year, I went to a small private school. Marietta is complicated. Simply put, it’s not for the weak of heart. Socially speaking, there is a significant cultural and socioeconomic divide, even if the racial division has decreased in recent years. There’s a depressing culture of verbal bullying and gossip here, but physical fights have almost disappeared. Teachers tend to turn a blind eye when it comes to students gossiping, bullying, or using slurs. The social aspect is just like many high schools—brutal and cliquey, but ultimately what you make of it. Moving on to academics: From what I’ve seen, our ESOL program is horrible. On level classes, with the exception of math and CTAE, are comically bad and serve mostly as daycare. This is because of both the teachers and the students. Honors courses are okay, but not worth their title (with the exception of mathematics and science). There is a wide variety of teachers, with some being supportive and excellent, and others being apathetic, passive aggressive, and seemingly unaware of how to educate their students. The IB program is similar. Overall, their STEM program is impressive, but everything else is barely college prep. There is a distinct lack of actual teaching in most of the classes (most assignments revolve around googling answers). There is virtually no required reading. The administration is the greatest issue at Marietta. Don’t expect any resources to be given to you, especially regarding academics. Clubs are a joke, with the exception of a few such as HOSA. There is a major focus on athletics. As for the Old Marietta people: yes, they exist. They make life difficult, and are some of the rudest I’ve ever met. The students tend to be in IB, but are often lazy and disrespectful towards teachers. Their privilege is obvious. Overall, I think marietta is a school that has improved a lot, but still values its history. If you are an old marietta student, you’ll be bullied a lot, but also receive the best treatment. Nearly everyone else is ignored. Also- despite what websites say, most classes are 30-34 people, including IB. Classroom control is a HUGE issue. The bathrooms are bad. J-hall is amazing. Schoology needs to be replaced with Google classroom. Phones are always out. Tardy policies are stupid. A clear and coherent curriculum is nonexistent.

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