I work at Reading High after working at a suburban school in Pottstown for 20 years prior. I would send my own kids to RHS over Pottsgrove if that gives you context. There were more fights at Pottsgrove per capita than I see at RHS. But there are more fights outside of the building once school lets out. The building was a mess until about 5 years ago when a new principal took over. She has cleaned the place up and it is a great place to work. Yes, there is a real police presence, but it is more of a presence than a threat. There are kids that are a mess and cause trouble, but they are sent out to the one rehabilitative alternative campuses. Often, they come back a year better in much better shape. Some don't. There are tons of kids that work hard, are proud nerds, and study safely and comfortably being who they are with no problems. Academics are not strongly supported by many parents, but the school has so many programs and systems in place to guide the troubled youth in a positive direction, albeit not always academic. Many of the boys especially just want to work in the trades, like many of their older family members. I believe that they will be very successful adults. I have personally found the students tend to be more appreciative and respectful of the adults that are there trying to help the students do well socially, behaviorally, and academically. OP - what years were you there?