Do Combined Schools Make Life Miserable for Teens?

High school is a difficult time for most teenagers, but according to student columnist Leah Defigueiredo, the kids at Hercules High have got it worse than most.

For a start, she writes in The Titan Template newspaper, is young, and therefore lacks "accomplished programs" such as a thriving sports program.

"Sports are often regarded as a central part of high school life since they can help unify students and create spirit," Defigueiredo argues, adding that many students think Hercules High sports teams "suck." Sporting events are poorly attended, and "even the athletes themselves seem unenthusiastic," she says.

The other problem Defigueiredo sees as the reason for negative attitudes about the school is the combined midde-high setup. Most students go from Hercules middle to Hercules High, she says, which means that "students are surrounded by the same group of people from sixth grade until twelfth grade."

Staying on such a trajectory means bad news for any teenagers hoping for a fresh start, according to Defigueiredo, because "burnt bridges and poor reputations often stay with them until graduation, potentially ruining their high school experience."

Are you a member of the Hercules High community? What do you think of this student columnist's argument? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.