19 Stephen Thomas Dr
Talking Rock, GA 30175

The school-each year-is constantly opening new and interactive connection classes for students. Teachers are very supportive about getting students to learn and are always making connections with parents to help improve academic performance in class (e.g. emails, phone calls)

This is probably one of the worst schools in Georgia. As a former student, I’m speaking from experience and begging you not to send your kids to the Pickens County school system. The standards they hold their students to are an absolute disgrace to the public education system. They offer little to no AP/Honors classes. They don't encourage students to push themselves, and they give up on students who need the most help. There is very little college preparation other than the run-of-the-mill counselor's appointments just to make sure kids aren't failing their classes. There is a small group of students who are also the star athletes of the school, they choose this clique to promote all of their extra recognition programs. There are very few good teachers within this high school. And the good ones that are left are all starting to retire/leave this horrendous school. It's seriously gone downhill in the past 5 years as well. They have had a new principal every year for the past 4 years because it's so out of control at this school that no one wants to be in charge. The new principal, Matt Combs, is not even from Georgia or the southern US, so he is very out of touch with the community and the school environment. None of the principals will communicate with parents unless the staff member knows they are in a situation that they can get in trouble for. The assistant principal, Wendy Arnold is known for harassing and bullying students. The rest of the administration/staff will pick on students they consider to be "trouble" and make their lives a living hell. There are very few fun activities and extracurriculars outside of sports, and all of the school's funding is allocated to their mediocre sports programs. I find this important to mention because everyone deserves a pleasant high school experience and PHS is not the place to find that. On top of all of these negatives, this is an extremely unsafe school to send your kids to. From bomb threats every week, to kids doing drugs in the bathrooms. This school has it all. The drug epidemic at this school is a real problem and your kids will witness this if you choose to send them there. There are fights constantly, in the halls, in classrooms, on the busses, they are every. Young people are not prepared for adult life or the future at all. I am begging, for the sake of your children's future, don't send your kids to PHS

My son started K there last year. I was extremely concerned as he tends to be hyper and has a hard time focusing but the teachers and staff have been amazing. He has really advanced in his academics last year. He broke his arm on the playground and there were so many staff members surrounding him to get him through as easily as possible. It touched my heart to see so many people really care for his wellbeing. Everyone we've encountered has been kind and we feel blessed to be a part of Hill City.

My daughter is in first grade and we have had a wonderful experience so far. I am also involved, I believe that makes a difference in how you feel about your experience. I wanted to get to know the teachers and staff. I feel like I am a part of the the Tiger family.