Dartmouth Plan in Orchard View by Builder Name
State College, PA 16801

I am not a parent, however I am an alumni. That being said, I would never send my kid. Sadly this is the better middle school in State College. Honestly I haven’t heard great things about either here or Park Forest. I feel like I should also provide a bit of context so here you go. I was diagnosed with autism very late in life, right after muddle school to be exact. However I was going through a very bad depression episode in middle school, honestly I blame this school. The teachers here couldn’t have cared less about the students. I can think of only one staff member here that did their job well. That being someone who no longer works there. My school counselor there at the time honestly saved my life. However everyone else should not even work in education. I came to school everyday showing obvious warning signs. This included me expressing my feelings to many of my classmate and even in front of some teachers. Instead of those teachers helping me, a 12 year old going through very severe depression, they would yell at me for how I felt, saying that if I kept thinking like that I would get no where in life. In case you have no clue how to help depressed individuals, NEVER respond to them like that.The best thing the teachers would do is just straight up ignore it. I had self harm problems at the time and would come to school with scars littered across my arms. Teachers didn’t even ask what they were or if I was okay. One of my classmates even called them out and the teacher did nothing. I wish they would have done the proper thing and reported it. I would’ve got help a lot sooner.I had 1 friend who I couldn’t even see due to their awful “team system.” Majority of 7th grade I would eat in a bathroom stall due to not feeling like anyone wanted me near them. No 12-13 year old should have to go through that. Fast forward some time, I was eventually convinced by my only friend to tell the counselor that like I said saved my life. I was eventually hospitalized due to my depression and never stepped foot in that school again.If you get anything out of this. Please PLEASE never send your kid here. The teachers deserve to all be fired. I am usually very nice but not here. The adults there acted more like kids than the actual children. Overall disgusted that this school even exists still. Moral of the story, DO NOT SEND ANY KID YOU CARE FOR HERE. There are charter schools in the area that are a whole lot better. Thank you also if you read all of this.

This school went out of their way to make a child along with her family feel unwelcome. The front office staff is anything but friendly. And my kid's teacher was anything but competent. I've learned my lesson, And my daughter will never go there again. I suggest other parents avoid this place like the plague.

As a current student at State High, I am very pleased with my education! Classes -> For every student, the opportunities here are so abundant - it is almost overwhelming come course-selection time. From Oceanography, Architecture, Culinary, 3D Sculpture/design, Business Law, Veterinary Science, Lifeguarding, Guitar (yes, guitar!), Fashion & Technology, Psychology, Sports Therapy, Building Construction, Early Childhood Education, and SO many more, it is really hard to not find something you're interested in. I am in 3 advanced classes, play a sport, and am involved with various clubs/extracurriculars and I would say my overall workload is moderate and manageable. High school is a time to learn how to manage time and figure out your balance. If you are a parent reading this - you want your student to be challenged but not overwhelmed! I think many overload with advanced and AP classes and don't even leave room for a study hall. That is the route I don't recommend! You can still be successful and actually enjoy HS.Teaching -> The teachers at State High do not fall short of the excellent standard. I know all of my teachers are there to help me and want me to succeed. Out of my 8 teachers I would say 5/8 are very passionate about what they teach as well.Social-emotional support -> Let's face it. In a large school with roughly 2,250 students it can be hard to make sure every student is doing well. However, I believe State High's structure tackles the tough problem well. To help the transition from middle school to high school better, we have a separate counseling community just for 9th graders (9LC). In addition (during 9th&10th grade), every counselor schedules a meeting with each student to just check in, and meet each other. Students can also schedule an appointment with our mental health clinician, who can help students navigate life's ups and downs. Safety -> I feel safe from violence at State High, especially with our SRO and security guards who everyday keep our school a security at the highest standard. While I cannot speak for other students, I think State High tries its best to be a inclusive space for all students. For example, there are flags from multiple countries lining the hall and recently there was a poster which asked "State High- Where are you from?" and it was cool to see the diversity inside the school that I didn't even realize. I have never experienced any extreme bullying or punishments.