based on 18 reviews
Leland High School
6677 Camden Ave.
San Jose, CA
95120
(408) 535-6290
http://leland.sjusd.org/
By: student
Date: January, 2007
Good: competitive in both sports and academics, top public high school API in san jose district, wide variety of AP classes, top speech and debate team in nation; parent involvement is at a good level Bad: many students are (excuse me) stuck up, school wastes money on useless things despite the fact that there are more important needs; music and art programs are good but not that great or 'known'
By: parent
Date: December, 2006
The arts, sports and other areas are just a little below average from other schools. Parent involvement is overlooked as for kids that are having a hard time and need help in dealing with administrative school issues. I too have had problems with getting in touch with administrators.
By: parent
Date: December, 2006
It seems like there is nobody in the office to answer parents' questions.Last year,I faxed, emailed, sent letters,and left messages on the telephone so many times, but nobody replied. It seems like they have forgotten about the main objective, which is teaching the students. I don't think some teachers are doing their jobs good enough. There is no gang activity as far as I know at this school. That's almost the only thing I like about it. Most kids seem to be nice, but from the academic point of view, I feel there is nothing special about this school.
By: former student
Date: October, 2006
Leland is a highly successful academic school, and has been for years. Graduates include Astronaut Steve Smith, Ranger Pat Tillman, and local families are quite vocal in the community. Competition is tough, as it is a top college prep school; you're not going to get a sports scholarship from here! If you're looking for your kid to learn (AP classes, etc), it is a great place, but if you're looking for Texas-style HS football (and the associated 'spirit') or strong music/art programs, you're going to be out of luck. He/she won't be coddled, and the expectations are high (for better or worse). If you want to prep your kid for a great college, Leland is perfect. If you're looking for a school to 'socially promote' your kid each year, this isn't it. High expectations become high performance! I'm a former graduate; it has only gotten better over time.
By: parent
Date: October, 2006
This school is terrible. The fundamental problem is a lack of any sort of school spirit. Instead students engage in bullying and teachers only try to maintain their position until tenure kicks in. Do not send you kids here!
By: former student
Date: May, 2006
Leland is an excellent overall school. It has a good balance between academic rigor / competitiveness and well rounded extra curricular activities and athletics.
By: parent
Date: May, 2006
My son was a senior at leland.He alsways got along at his other school on the east coast (third best school system in the nation) and he hated leland. He couldnt stand most of his teachers. they were disinterested in the students, apathetic, and most of the administration is completely incompetent. The few good administrators there are trying to pick up the slack for the other lazy useless ones. I have been totally disgusted with this school. And according to neighbors who have been here 30 years, most of them sent their kids to pioneer or lincoln.What a waste of money for our house we bought directly across from Brett harte. I will be sending my other two kids to lincoln and pioneer.
By: former student
Date: May, 2006
Good communication school, with their hold radio station and used to also have a tv station. Great US history program great for college preparation.
By: parent
Date: April, 2006
An excellent school all around. Our kids have ben very happy here.
By: parent
Date: March, 2006
very good high school. All my friends and family have sent their kids to this school. comptetive, encouraging
By: parent
Date: March, 2006
This school has strong academic programs, and a large population of kids who are motivated to excel academically. Athletics are also very strong, with a lot of support from the parents and boosters. I have been disappointed in the lack of response I've had from some of the teachers and administrators when I have tried to contact them to discuss concerns I have either through e-mail, phone messages (voice mailboxes are usually full), written messages, and appointment requests for assistant principals. If your kid is a star pupil/athlete, this is a good school. If they are struggling, your student (and you as their parent) will be left behind.
By: former student
Date: February, 2006
I had a great experience while there. The staff was very helpful and I felt like they really cared about what I was doing and about how I was progressing.
By: former student
Date: October, 2005
high level of parent involvement, excellent academic as well as athletic departments-one of the best, if not the best high school in the san jose district. Downside-very hard to get into, and kids not so nice.
By: former student
Date: October, 2005
Leland is an excellent school in terms of preparing students for college. It is probably one of the best schools in San Jose in terms of offering AP classes and college prep work. The speech program in particular is outstanding.
By: parent
Date: September, 2005
The academics are outstanding and both of my girls were well prepared for college. There is also a well rounded athletic program as well. The extracurricular activities lend themselves well to those are wishing to get into high level colleges. We moved into the neighborhood so the girls could attend Leland and it was well worth it.
By: parent
Date: April, 2005
The quality of academics at this school surpasses those of any other. The AP programs and teachers are extremely dedicated and prepare the students for college education by providing a high level of in depth academics. The history classes as well as science and math accomodate those learning above their grade levels and provide the oppportunitiy of achieving college credit.
By: teacher
Date: March, 2005
Highly competitive, excellent curriculum, parents more often than not place too much emphasis on grades instead of learning. Highly qualified teachers.
By: former student
Date: February, 2005
Academically, Leland is one of the top schools in San Jose. This is in large part, due to the student body and their attitude towards school. At Leland, students are highly driven but oddly enough this may be one of Leland's downfalls. With the highly competative nature of Leland students, many will be pushed to do better while others will feel inferior and settle in to mediocrity when, if they were to go to any other school, would be in the top 5% of their class. Music and art are almost nonexistant but Leland's speech and debate is the best program in the nation. This and many other clubs and organization are available at Leland. Sports are also available but rarely are the pride of Leland's student body.
