Deerfield High School

My daughter has very special needs, and is developmentally 3-4 months of age. DHS, in all its wisdom, feels that it is appropriate to move my daughter from a special needs school that she has attended for 11 years (with an entire building of superior teachers and staff, as well as in-house therapists) to the DHS program that lacks in-house therapists and where her cohorts are absolutely not a match for her. The DHS school policy for observation by a parent is up to a maximum of 40 minutes, 3 times per year. To me, this is an inappropriately limited amount of time. Worst of all, the superintendents (Martindale and Yonke), and the principal, K. Anderson, refuse to return voice messages. I would like the administration, including the school board, to meet my daughter and listen to my concerns, but presently, the 2 superintendents and the principal will not communicate. If DHS would like me to be comfortable with the idea of my daughter attending the high school, this is NOT NOT NOT the way to make that happen.

All three of my children attended DHS. While each of them was quite different in learning style and personality, each was provided a solid intellectual and social foundation for higher education and personal developmental goals.

With approximately 1600 students, DHS is the perfect size to engage the student body in sports and activities. The academics are top notch, and the teachers are dedicated and great people and role models. Deerfield is a special place to raise your kids, and DHS is the draw.

This is an outstanding school with caring teachers and a very invested community. The students at this school are motivated to learn and the staff encourages them to be independent thinkers. Students leave DHS very well prepared for their post-high school plans. Students who have disabilities receive outstanding supports from both special ed. and general ed. teachers.