| Date | Who | Comments |
| 8/16/2012 | student | This is my second year at Lakside High School, and I love it. My first year was great, and my second year is starting off great. For the most part the teachers are amazing. They care a lot about the students and are there to help you. The school has really stepped up from what it was before. There are really great clubs before and after school. There is always something going on in the school. The principle is doing a great job. |
| 7/9/2012 | student | Bar-none, the best neighborhood HS in Atlanta. Serving a population of almost 2000, the school still consistently graduates classes of over 400 students, sending the majority (my class 4 years ago was over 90%) to four year colleges. The school prepares students for competitive colleges, and is even better with the new addition of the new arts and sciences facilities. Lakeside is a steal for the low cost of your taxes! |
| 8/11/2011 | parent | School has improved vastly since past principal. Still struggles with over crowding, and very poor math teachers. New Principal is doing the best he can given the confines of the county. |
| 8/9/2011 | parent | The principal of Lakeside is a joke. I feel bad that my child has to spend their last few yrs of HS here... |
| 6/17/2011 | parent | Great principal who is a real leader and goes to all the activities. Had two step sons go here and they both got a very good education and liked the school. My own son went to a top Gwinnett school and I feel Lakeside campares well while being more diversified. I have been involved on a booster club at both schools and find that Lakeside parents were even more involved than at my son's school. The only shame is how run down the school was but it is finally getting an upgrade. |
| 2/1/2011 | parent | Lakeside High is - bar none - the best public high school inside the Perimeter. A traditional high school, not a charter, magnet, etc., it has many veteran teachers who are very loyal to the school. It has overcome a rough two-year period 2007-09 with a weak principal who was replaced with an excellent one. Diverse student body (+40% minority). Many students go on to top schools: Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Duke, Emory, Georgia, etc. Large part of the student body takes AP courses resulting in Lakeside being consistently ranked among Newsweek's top 10 public high schools in Georgia. As in all schools, more could be done to help below average students. |
| 4/27/2010 | parent | Great teachers and academics....lots of activities anda acommunity thatwants the school to succeed. |
| 4/24/2010 | parent | I have a Junior (boy) at Lakeside and a Freshman (girl) at Lakeside. They are both thriving, academically and in extra-curricular sports and clubs. In 14 years in Atlanta, we have tried both private and public schools. Lakeside teachers, vast majority, serious professionals, are better paid than their private school counterparts and are far more rigorously evaluated. If you are paying a lot of money for private school, you will have to justify it to yourself, but Lakeside has a wealth of opportunities for students of many different learning styles and levels. |
| 4/21/2010 | student | Mr. Reed new LHS principal is the best one we have has so far. He cares for EVERY student that enters this schools and makes sure they get out with dignity,honors, and distinction. LHS has gotten better and I expect to see his working period make LHS the best Music/arts public school of Georgia. |
| 3/14/2010 | parent | My daughter is attending LSH as a freshman & am looking into a different HS for next year I am highly disappointed I moved in this area for the schools districts & am not at all happy with LSH. There is no assistance with students who struggle the teachers tend to turm them away vs. answering questions & offering advice . Perhaps the gifted & advanced classes are indeed treated better. I also do not approve of the new principal. |
| 1/26/2010 | parent | The best administrator in the building works in the attendance office. He really listens to the students and has their respect. The new principal does not treat the kids with the respect they are due. I suppose that comes from being an elementary principal. You input doesn't matter to him. The PTSA is a clique and a tough nut to crack. They only want followers not leaders as someone from outside might come in with ideas for change. Which, in my opinion is long overdue on the board. The school is a dump, slated for a renovation this summer, we'll see. I will believe it when the equipment arrives on site. |
| 1/25/2010 | parent | I have a 10th grader at Lakeside High and having graduated fron Lakeside in 1977, I was amazed at the lack of funding the school has suffered from over the past 30 years. Lakeside has always led the county in most all academic categories and athletic ones from time to time. My son loves the school, is doing well, and has participated in several sports, band and clubs. the new principal is a no nonsense caring man that is going to lift Lakeside's spirits in the classroom and throughout the community. What happened to Lakeside? Lack of funding from the county, lack of caring by the community and parents of kids who do not live in the Lakeside district and don't care to support their kids or the school. My kid was accepted at St. Pius and did not want to go. He chose Lakeside. Lakeside is coming back!! |
| 12/15/2009 | parent | Lakeside has the good, the bad and the ugly. If your child is in gifted classes, Lakeside is good, if your child is in general classes, it is really bad. If you must deal with the administration its ugly. In my experience, it is the administration that is rude and disrespectful ( not only to the kids but to the parents). I always come away from my conversations with administration feeling discouraged and depressed. I see reverse discrimination ~ not from the kids ~ but from the staff. Surely there is a way to teach kids without making them feel bad about themselves. If I could afford to move or private schools, I would definitely leave LHS. |
| 12/3/2009 | parent | My son is a senior and my daughter is a freshman. My son has loved Lakeside. My daughter is also enjoying it. They have a wonderful marching band and chorus and drama club. They also have a large cross country team that is doing well. My children are both in gifted classes and the teachers for gifted classes do a great job. My son did get put in a general classroom by mistake for a few weeks once and said that was horrible. The new principal is at every event. He seems to care about the school quite a bit. |
| 9/16/2009 | parent | It is an academically excellent school despite its horrible physical condition. The kids are smart, the parents are involved and the most of the teachers are wonderful. |
| 6/25/2009 | student | I graduated from Lakeside in 2008, the year where leadership changed. The positive things about Lakeside are that I sensed strong community support and there were a batchful of teachers who knew what they are doing. But I also think that there many things that made going to school hard. First and foremost, dirty stinky bathrooms were unbearable. The administration was way too strict. I mean it felt like they were watching each person's every move( I hated this about lakeside). I think Lakeside's Academic Standing will continue to decline if teachers/parents/ and students are frustrated about the classroom environments. |
| 6/2/2009 | student | I attend Lakeside and I would like to say that I love Lakeside. Yes, it has it's flaws but there are so many good things that come from the school. If the school is so awful why does it constantly make AYP? Why did Lakeside High School's We the People team win their huge competition in Washington DC? Sure, these things may be small, but if the school was as bad as you all say it is such wonderful things wouldn't come out of it. Our boys varsity soccer team won state last season and this past season made it to the Final Four. The JV Baseball team are county champions and our varsity baseball team made it to the second round of the playoffs. These achievements show the determination of our students. I don't think it's fair for everyone to call our school a bad school. |
| 5/28/2009 | parent | Lakeside was a great experience for my daughter. She was able to take many AP classes, be involved in a number of activities and has a very culturally diverse group of friends. However, my son is a student that does not learn independently and requires explicit teaching. This does not seem to occur at Lakeside. When students are not succeeding on their own I have not seen any effort from the teachers or administration to help them. The assistant prinicipal for instruction accused me of not paying attention to my son's progress, but by the time I spoke to her I had been trying to work with the teachers for four weeks and was not getting anywhere. If your child is a high achiever and is self motivated they may do well here. If they need direct instruction and motivation, stay away. |
| 4/25/2009 | parent | Parents need to drop in this school at midday and just observe the kids changing classes and the lack of teacher supervision. Principal leadership is lacking, the low income kids dress like rappers and hos and nothing is done to address the lack of respect. If your kid is in advanced or gifted classes your lucky - the general classes are terrible. |
| 3/25/2009 | parent | Indifferent administration and teachers that load students up with mindless busy work. We sold our house and moved specifically to get into this district and are now looking at private school or self study. I'm disappointed and angry -- it's an awful school. Don't send your child there. |
| 11/30/2008 | parent | Great school. Great leadership. |
| 11/30/2008 | parent | Lakeside High School is a dynamic high school and one of dekalb's very best. The principal is a take charge and no nonsense administrator who has a flair for dealing with parents as well as the students, administration, media, etc... In every discipline, Lakeside leads or is very close to the top.These qualities are all indicative of what Lakeside has to offer any child who's willing to learn. Of course there are drawbacks but the good outweigh the bad. 100 stars for Lakeside! |
| 10/20/2008 | student | I am a Sohpmore at Lakeside and ive read the various comments and I strongly agree with the parents who are arguing that Lakeside is not at all a good school. My classes have been switched three different times and I haven't had a geometry teacher in a month. The students a t Lakeside are horrible and disrespectful. My Freshmen year I took all general class which was the biggest mistake i've ever made. You can barely leanr anything because the classrooms consist of disrespectful students. So of course this year I took all advanced classes which are way better. The bottom line is that Lakeside needs alot of improvement. The best thing about Lakeside is the teachers are very caring. I also feel we need a principal that acts like a principal. |
| 9/20/2008 | parent | poor leadership, over crowded, the teachers are not supported or encouraged. |
| 8/16/2008 | parent | What a joke. My daughter enrolled from outside the system this year. She has been given general math despite the fact we discussed with the counselor her A+ record in advanced math previously. She describes very overcrowded classes, no books, not enough chairs and disrespect in the classroom you would expect from a made for TV movie. We are considering homeschooling her. We were under the impression that this was one of the best schools in Georgia. That is sad. Heaven help all of the rest of Dekalb Schools. At least she would be able to get more work done at home than sitting in a lunch room with 60 other math students waiting on a teacher that is not there and avoiding the language and social issues apparent here. Please consider other avenues for your children beside this government school, Lakeside. |
| 6/25/2008 | parent | The building is absolutely a disgrace, and despite the fact that the county has collected several hundred million dollars in recent years from splost, very little has gone to improving lakeside. They fixed the air-conditioning, and a new lighting package for the hallways. This was only done after the ac broke and our students spent the last 3 weeks of school (including exams) in sweltering 95 degree heat. We were inundated with over 250 new students as school began in 2005 due to nclb transfers and katrina victims causing severe over-crowding (17 trailers.) Lakeside has again been designated to receive students from so many of dekalb s other schools rated failures by nclb. Overall, there are many issues that need addressed at lakeside these days, however, i place full blame on the superintendent and his uncanny lack of concern for lakeside which could almost be labeled a hideous disdain. |
| 6/25/2008 | parent | Lakeside used to be a wonderful, caring place with strong leadership and highly qualified, caring teachers. What has happened? Our principal of many years retired a few years ago, as did our former superintendent. We have had two new superintendents, the first was fired with a $250k contract buyout and replaced with a long-time system employee, who had the recent principal in his scope from the get-go for reasons unknown and unstated. Teacher turnover, mostly through retirements, has left us with only half of our strong teachers, now mixed with many who have antipathy toward their students. Counseling is unhelpful at best and uninformed at worst. There is a lack of communication from the county about the many changes in curriculum and graduation requirements and other resolutions. The county changed graduation requirements when my child was entering Lakeside in 2004, and parents ended up filling out diploma |
| 6/6/2008 | parent | Lakeside High School is at a crossroads. Most of the teachers are strong and truly care about our children. Sadly the county has chosen to not maintain the physical plant. Additionally we now have a new Principal, Moton who does not have the leadership or educational skills to bring together our community, and correct the issues we face.arents and |
| 5/12/2008 | parent | awful, my child will definitely be going to Druid Hills next year. The kids are rude, the teachers are not concerned, all they care about is sports. Do not even think about sending your child here. |
| 2/24/2008 | parent | Lakeside has much to offer and challenges that face it. The new principal came into an uphill situation that anyone would find challenging and on top of that she has had to address racial tension stemming from parents (many of whom do not currently have students in the buidling or who live out of district) who wnat to keep Lakeside where it was in the 70s. Further, DCSS is less than helpful on many fronts. The physical plant is in dire need of renovation and LHS does not seem to make it towards the top of the list no matter what it does and that is frustrating (bathrooms are particularly bad). The students, however, trhive, and mine is working quite hard and getting an excellent education. One ingering issue from prior adminstrations seems to be a mean-streak in some teachers that doesn't seem to prioritize student's success. |
| 2/7/2008 | parent | Lakeside is still a great school. The teachers, with few exceptions, are incredible. This principal is not as good, supportive, friendly, and involved as the past one but it doesn't effect the teaching that is going on in the classrooms. Kids from all ethnic and economic groups get along great. The first time I walked into the school, I was struck with how old the building was, but when I could see my kids were learning and having good experiences, it didn't matter as much. |
| 2/1/2008 | parent | This our Fourth year at Lakeside and we are not Impressed with the new Principal. Conflict is a reocurring theme.We are very disappointed. |
| 1/20/2008 | parent | We really love our new principal. She is kind, caring [and] compassionate. |
| 1/20/2008 | parent | I am a new parent to lakeside. I must say that i am impressed with the new principal and with the academic programs. I am disappointed in the way that the parents behave and gossip. |
| 1/4/2008 | parent | This year is our first experience with having a child in high school. Although we are not stranger's to Lakeside or the community invovlement. Needless to say, the year did not go as I anticipated. It seemed like all the changes and conflicts began this year and our new 9th graders are having to suffer through the growing pains of it all. I do not care for the new principal at all! What I have seen of her skills thus far are very disappointing. She does not return emails. |
| 9/27/2007 | parent | As a former home school mom I was skeptical about putting my child in any public high school. Lakeside has proven to be the right choice for us. Is it perfect? No, but what is? I have found the principal, teachers and counseling staff helpful, thoughtful and open. My child is building relationships with other students with integrity, the teachers care, carrying a B average and loving it. Would we appreciate cleaner bathrooms, about 300 fewer students in the halls and less profanity at every turn-you betcha! It could be better and with support of this present administration, I believe Lakeside will give private schools a run for the money. |
| 9/25/2007 | parent | We moved to the neighborhood specifically for Lakeside four years ago and found it to be a nightmare! The building is disgustingly dirty. Leadership and counselors very poor-serious lack of communication. A few of the teachers were very good, the rest lacked authority and discipline in the classroom. Our child complained about the disorder and behavior of others in the classroom. I would not recommend this school (or any DeKalb school) to anyone. |
| 6/8/2007 | parent | My son has been at Lakeside for one year. The majority of the teachers are great (one was a nightmare)! Leadership and counselors weak. Parent involvement strong. Building dirty, in need of major repair. Changes being made at County level have upped the racial tension of teachers & parents-not students. Waiting to see if an assistant principal from a really bad middle school can make the necessary changes to keep Lakeside a really good school. This parent is skeptical. |
| 5/1/2007 | parent | This school is horrible! We moved here specifically to be in this school district and after two years are leaving. The counselors are the worst we've encountered. I feel that Dekalb County superintendent has done everything in his power to undermine this school. The current upheaval has interfered with the quality of education. Great parental involvement though! These folks really care about the school and community. |
| 4/8/2007 | teacher | 'What an awesome school. Parents care and are very involved. Teachers are highly qualified and offer a variety of after school activities! Kids are so friendly, respectful and well-behaved. All I can say is 'leave it to beaver!'' |
| 4/7/2007 | teacher | Lakeside is the 11th Dekalb school I have worked in and is without question the best. Are there things which should be addressed? Absolutely. The building is in ned of renovation and expansion; the washrooms could be cleaned up a bit as well. The adminstrators in charge of discipline could be a bit more vigilant and supportive, and some other administators 'enable' some of the poorly behaving students. The librarians are great, and I sense a great asprit de corps among the faculty. The overwhelming majority of the kids are great and make my job much more pleasant. |
| 3/3/2007 | parent | 1st year & disappointed and upset with leadership/counselors at LHS. The counselors are only there for the kids that are on-track academically and/or in the AP classes. They offer no guidance to parents and students. Bldg is old, dismal, needs renovating. Lakeside is one of the best schools in DeKalb Co. sadly, the failure rate is across the board. Feel lost and cannot get resources/answers that I need. Intervention Specialist is only teacher who is helpful. |
| 2/27/2007 | parent | I relocated to Lakesides' district believing that this was the best high school education my daughter could obtain in the state. I am sadly disappointed with my decision. Although my daughter has consistently been on the Principals lists, honor roll, recognized for academic excellence or whatever the previous schools manner of recognition of exemplary students-at registration she was never told of the advanced classes offered at Lakeside. Instead she has spent her freshmen year in 'general' courses, often ridiculed by students and disrespected by teachers for knowledge of subjects they did not seem to grasp themselves! I have tried to reach her counselor on two occasions-to no avail. Unbelievably-at registration for next year-no mention of advanced courses- my daughter was only 'offered' and registered for general sophomore classes! |
| 5/29/2004 | parent | Excellent curriculum and teaching staff. Appropriately challenges students to do their best. Have a current student and one who graduated two years ago. Very pleased with the education they have receieved. |
| 9/21/2003 | other | Excellent school! Great opportunities in a wonderful and safe environment! |
