Beech Mtn
Drums, PA 18222

Let me first say, the reviewer who said that kids coming out of this school are automatically disadvantaged, is incorrect. I graduated from HAHS in 2002 and I have recently obtained my PhD in nuclear engineering. There were some good teachers at HAHS and there were some great opportunities in advanced courses. With that said, I was also a self-starter and an over-achiever. I pushed myself without any help from staff at HAHS. I don't believe there's any school, no matter what curriculum they offer or how great the teachers are, that will guarantee your child's success. It takes motivation and dedication on the students' part and support from their parents. Having kids of my own now, I would not take a job in the Hazleton area because I would not want to send them to this district. I believe the whole district did get worse since I graduated. I hear they now have metal detectors at HAHS. I also heard they have since paid many of the teachers that were there during my time to take early retirement in order to get new, and probably less-qualified, teachers in there. So I give the school 3 stars for giving me a great start in life, but no more due to its current state.

My overall experience with this school is generally positive. However, my opinion of the principal could not be lower. I would rate this school 5 stars if not for him. I considered a 1 star rating but that would not be fair to the rest of the professional staff at this school.