| Date | Who | Comments |
| 8/17/2012 | student | PLENTY of AP, Honor, and Acc. classes and a unique choice of a 7-class schedule, which is a plus for big achievers. Band program is great, orchestra gets the complete short end of the stick with funding (orchestra room is a TRAILER!!), but there are many EXCEEDINGLY talented musicians in the top orchestras, although bottom level ones stink. Some teachers are EXCELLENT and AP/Honors/Acc. classes are more than challenging for even the brightest. Students, for the most part, are extremely clique-y, cold, and generally un-including. HUGE division between MEGA achievers and drop-outs. Huge division with 'popular", "normal", "nerdy", and "asian" cliques. Extremely hard to make MEANINGFUL friendships. LOTS of exclusion, and the "popular" people are extremely rude and mean and obnoxious in every way imaginable, almost unbearably so. SOME teachers are horrendously mean and grade very unfairly, leaving some students with almost no control over their own grade. (this is coming from a top-honors student) The 2 stars are for the good teachers and amazing academics. Also, lots of trailers, ugly old campus and all materials used are underabundant, old, and falling apart. BEWARE. |
| 4/18/2012 | parent | I moved to the area because of the school's reputation. I should have done more research. Stay very, very far away unless you can afford private school. It might have once been a good school but not now. I promised my children we would not move again until they graduated from high school, but I should have broken that promise for their own good. They have each made life-long, good friends, but they had to work very hard in college to make up for everything they did not learn. And, yes, the bullying is a problem. My son recently told me about an incident where someone bloodied his nose simply because he didn't like him. Nothing was done. Glad we are out of there now. Stay away. |
| 4/18/2012 | parent | Both my sons went through Aliso Niguel High School. While some teachers were good, many were not. If your kid is already academically motivated, she or he mighut lazyt do very, very well. If not, though, they wil probably just be processed through, like mine. One was a special ed student, and the school failed him miserably. The school failed to stop bullying, and it was sometimes extreme. My other son was gifted but lazy, and no teacher tried to connect with him and help him. He, too,was bullied (and sometiems because of his brother), and no one even tried to help him. Not my idea of excellence. On standardized testing, parents of special ed kids are encouraged to refuse to have their kids tested to avoid the impact on school scores. |
| 4/27/2010 | parent | A great school with a whole body of dedicated quality teachers!! My son is doing well in this school. He has very good friendship with his classmates, he doesn't want to go to any other school except attending this school. But as a parent, i have a feeling, since it is a big school, for any sports, your kids have to be very competitive to get into the school team. This is my only regret for my son. |
| 4/7/2010 | parent | Aliso Niguel is one of the most competitive schools in the district, in terms of academics. The staff is extremely dedicated while the students are challenged for the most part with the rigorous coursework and curriculum ANHS has to offer. My daughter is currently a junior at Aliso and I can certainly say she has been challenged with the accelerated and AP curriculum. In addition, the school has the highest AP pass rate in the district, an impressive 85% while also maintaining a 90th percentile pass rate on the California Exit Exam, making Aliso Niguel a great school with excellent staff, facilities, and academics! The principal, Mr. Salter, seems to be very dedicated, constantly sending emails and phone calls home to update parents on school events. |
| 1/22/2010 | parent | My child is a junior at Aliso Niguel and has been with the Capo district since 6th grade. We love it! Principal Salter cares about the school & students, he emails & calls parents regularly. And has a coffee house chat for parents on Saturdays. The school is demanding and staff has high expectations of students. If you want your child to attend a safe, challenging school with caring teachers & a principal you will adore, then ANHS is the school for you. |
| 11/14/2009 | student | Aliso is definately a great school. I am now in my senior year and have had a good experience all the way through. We have a principal who cares deeply about students succeeding and receiving the proper education for college. When it comes to academics, no other high school near Aliso even comes close. However, sports are another story. We definately have one of the weakest sports programs in OC, although it is starting to get better. If academics is your main focus, definately come to Aliso. If sports is, then I would recommend another school. |
| 10/10/2009 | student | Great teachers, facilities, and extra curricular activities/electives. Aliso offers plenty of opportunities, arts, and sports for students to participate in. With the highest AP test pass rate in the district, the Advanced Placement courses at Aliso are extremely demanding. Students will be adequately prepared for college and beyond spending 4 years at this outstanding school! |
| 9/26/2009 | student | Currently I'm a sophomore at Aliso, and while many honors or ap classes have some of the most dedicated teachers around, the normal classes get the short end of the stick. The teachers of regular classes for the most part see no problem in letting students fall asleep, talk in class, and generally just goof off instead of paying attention to the insanely easy curriculum. Another problem is massive overcrowding, with the hallways being nearly impossible to navigate during passing periods. However, if a student does try, I firmly believe ANHS can offer a very high quality education that will prepare them for college or a career (ROP) |
| 4/11/2009 | parent | My child is doing excellent there, and I am very happy to live in Aliso Viejo. |
| 10/25/2007 | parent | I have two kids that attend(ed) ANHS - one is now at a top ranked UC and the other is a junior. They both have received an excellent education. Those that have posted that were unhappy appear to be those involved in sports and other outside activities. From what I have seen, the school encourages and recognizes sports and extra curricular but places the most emphasis on academic and learning to be be contributing members of the society. The principal is passionate about supporting the students and helping them be successful. The PTA offers opportunities for involvement and also provides excellent programs on teen issues. This is an excellent school. |
| 6/30/2007 | parent | We have a 9th & 10th graders at the school. Principal Salter cares about the safety of all the students. He is more concerned about the welfare of these young adults than some parents and regretfully, has been unfairly criticized for his upholding policies. The PTSA's involvement in activities & parental education is top-notch. The ROP office and programs have been invaluable. If students can apply themselves to get the most out of their education at ANHS and leverage all the resources there(guidance, faculty, ROP, etc), we will have many, many world-changing Wolverines we can proudly call our own. Go Aliso Niguel! |
| 6/30/2007 | parent | We had 2 boys graduating from ANHS. One of them just this past month. This is an outstanding High School. If you are willing to work hard and take advantage of the multitude of academic opportunities, you will be well prepared for college. ANHS sends graduates to many of the top universities and institutions in the country, from West Point to Stanford. The athletic program is equally outstanding. This is one impressive school. |
| 3/27/2007 | parent | Too political. Music and athletic departments at each others throats. Technology not updated. My son graduated very disappointed with the culture at the 'hot school'. My daughter will not attend this school. |
| 2/12/2007 | student | Currently I am a sophomore at Aliso Niguel. Generally speaking, it has the possibilty of being a great school, but the student must take initiative in choosing their academic classes. The AP classes, which I am taking, offer absolutely wonderful teachers who try their hardest to engage the students intellectually. Conversely, the regular classes seem to get the raw end of the deal. The class always seems to get held back; people talk at the same time as the teacher or get confused because the teachers don't command as much respect, and, frankly, haven't earned it. If one takes the most challenging courses, one can get an amazing education. |
| 12/28/2006 | parent | I have two kids attending Aliso, senior and a freshman, overall this is a grade A high school with great teachers, coaches and students. Sports are a big part of the environment at the school and have help place it on the map in southern California. |
| 12/23/2006 | parent | I have two sons that graduated from Aliso Niguel and a daughter who is currently attending. I'm proud to say that I believe my children have gotten an excellent education here. Especially in their junior and senior years, they had many outstanding, caring teachers. For college bound students, the number of AP classes is greater than any of the schools my friends' children attend. While it is a large school, there are many activities for kids to participate in to help them feel like they belong. The school is large enough that whatever you do, there are many other kids doing it with you, whether it be sports, music, clubs or dance. Lastly, Mr. Salter, the principal is outstanding as both a principal and a person. He really goes the 'extra mile' to connect with students wherever he can and he really cares about their well-being. |
| 11/9/2006 | parent | I have an 1 son attending ANHS (Junior). Academically the school is very competitive compared to friends course loads and work expectations at rival schools. If anything, I'd like to see less of a work load as there is little time for social activities ourside of academic and athletic load. Sports programs are available to boys and girls in a wide range of athletic events. Arts are prevalent on campus. Administration cares and strongly welcomes parental involvement. School today anywhere requires this. Extensive volunteer opportunities for parents. Students are involved heavily in community service programs proving that there is more than one side to the 'picture' of Aliso Niguel. I would not look for another high school opportunity for my son outside of ANHS. He is challenged, and like any student is aware of the less attractive side of student life -and that is not unique to Aliso Niguel. |
| 9/26/2005 | parent | My daughter has attended this high school for one year. She is currently in her sophmore year. We have found the academics extremely challenging. They are a variety of AP classes offerred. Their AP classes are quite full, indicating a strong and competitve environment. The teachers she has had are more than qualified to teach their subjects. Several of the teachers teach with so much passion that it would make me want to go back to school. The amount of homework for the advance classes are quite exhasting, but that is to be expected from the AP classes. These are definitely taught with college credit in mind. All the teachers have been available for conferences. There is little to no turnover with theiir academic teachers. The Principal, Dr. Salter, is the main reason we chose to attend this school. He has morals and work ethic you would expect at private catholic |
| 8/1/2005 | former student | Very overpopulated school. Walking around hallways for the students was extremely difficult. Music and art were excellent programs. Athletics were available but only to selected individuals. |
| 4/2/2005 | parent | Stay away. It does not deserve its reputation. I have two children attending and I am very unimpressed. The teachers say they care but their actions do not match their words. Very few are ever available before or after school for help. They actually had to schedule a tutorial period during the day to give the children a chance to meet with the teachers. Also, they have this terrible thing called 'minimum day' where they get their funding because they keep the children until just past the noon deadline, then let them out at 12:30. The day is counted as a full day, but the students do not get the benefit of a full day. And all to get to go home early. What a racquet. I have promised my children I wouldn't move again, but what a mistake. Do not start your children here if you can avoid it. |
| 2/4/2005 | parent | Girls soccer was a little too 'political' and very unfair, my daughter decided not try out this year. The school itself has a good reputation, but, after having two kids attenend I know now different. The teachers in general do not go out of their way for the kids. All the sophmores, juniors and seniors drive Hummers, BMW's and brand new cars, it is a bit much for us and now we are moving. |
| 3/17/2004 | parent | my daughter has switched schools many times and this is one of the lower ones. the teachers are awsome but nobody or barley anybody takes pride in their school and its sad. There are few parents who like to participate and barley any of the kids get excited over sports. I am quite disapointed in this school. |
| 1/10/2004 | parent | I have 3 sons currently attending this wonderful school. I have been a parent volunteer for this school for 4 years now and will continue too for 3 more. I cant say enough about the quality and efforts in the teachers, administration, and the diversity of these great kids who attend. Parent- teacher communication has been better than ever by accessing email addresses for every teacher and having the ability to monitor your childs grades by website is comforting. Any comments made about the lack of anything concerning this school is not accurate. Aliso Niguel offers an excellent, high standarded, wellrounded education. |
| 9/9/2003 | other | This school is totally awesome. Since I am a senior and I have been attending all four years at this school, I believe that I should tell the parents about the well-being of thier kids that wish to be or will be attending. The teachers and staff are cool. Oh and about knowing your kids progress you should be getting a progress report almost every two months or so and of course the report cards. If your not then your kid is obviously hiding them from you.The principal is awesome, the assistant principals are cool as long as you're not into trouble. The school also has a zero tolerance thing going on so anything that your kid does that is remotely really bad, then they will be saying hi to suspension or expulsion. Besides that, the classes are fun and interesting and we have plenty of them to choose from. The activites are really cool. All the sports, sports games and dances are fun, if your kid is into that sort of thing. We have a bunch of academic clubs that they could join too. Like drama, french etc. This school gets a five star rating and everything else is just gravy. ~There is a strict dress code.~ Since I know most parents want to know that. Thats the scoop. P.S. Students will be trained and prepared for college during their four years here. |
| 9/9/2003 | other | I attended 4 different high schools, from 9-12 grade, and of all the ones that I have attended and have seen, this one is at the top of my list. Yes there are a lot of students per class, but it you are willing to work hard then you should have no problem getting a great education here. All of the teachers are caring and are willing to help any student. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a good school district. |
| 8/26/2003 | parent | I had two children attend this school and have two currently attending. The teachers seem to work very well with the parents & children whenever there may be a problem. As with any school, you get what you put into it. If you expect your children to be taught without any parental assistance, no school will meet your needs. If your child wants to learn and puts effort into the school day, there is no reason why your child cannot and will not thrive at this school. |
| 8/10/2003 | other | My Goddaughter attended this high school and I was very pleased with this school. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a great school all around. |
| 6/16/2003 | | I don't think that parents are well informed of their child's progress at this school. It may be because of the high amount of students attending, or, the lack of caring, high quality teachers who enjoy teaching and want to be there. I am not impressed with this school in the least, and am not looking forward to my next child attending. |
