Fairhope High School

This school has been great. This year (2012-2013) each student received a macbook air, and in every class we use it in. The new principal is awesome and truly cares about everyone. The band and colorguard is extremely amazing and is a great program. There are many academics here, as well as, clubs and organizations. The sports teams are really good too. The football team, tennis team, swim team, golf team, and many other sports do exceptionally well in each game. Teachers really care about the students. If you ever have a problem with a teacher, the principals will make time out of there day to get to the bottom of it. This is truly a great school.
—Submitted by a student

Since the last review was posted, the school has upped it's game. There is a new principal, and the counselors are also really great. The principal knows most of the 1,000 or so kids names and the kids WANT to say hi to him in the hallways. He is working to weed the bad teachers out and to hire new ones. The IB programme has stepped up and right now the freshman class has 50 kids in it, larger than usual. The AP courses are doing well, as well as college prep. There is a place for everyone. Personally, I think it passes Daphne on so many levels. If you aren't too keen on Fairhope High School, my next suggestion would be Spanish Fort High School. Do not waste your money on Bayside Academy.
—Submitted by a student

This is probably the worst school I have EVER stepped foot into. If you arent rich, you might as well leave. The people are MEAN. The atmosphere makes you sick. I DO NOT recommend this school. Any school is better than this one. Daphne High School is where you want to send your kids.

Fairhope High School is an adequate high school. The teacher quality is only good if you are on the college preparatory or International Baccalaureate track but even then you will get some bad ones. The Alabama tenure law guarantees that. The leadership of the principals and her assistants is marginal. All of them are very difficult to work with and refuse to listen to feedback. This school is not in the business of meeting the needs of its students. The community has gotten so apathetic about trying to work with these people that parent involvement is in a decline. The problem is no other options in this town. The private school, Bayside Academy, is no better.
—Submitted by a parent

I do not recommend Fairhope High. I think their score needs to be lowered as it is misleading. I compared the Great Schools score to the school we came from and it was the same, however, Fairhope is not in the same league as our old school. The communication from the teachers and administration is non-existent, and the level, quality of students is average at best. I wished we would have selected Spanish Fort HS, or Daphne HS, or a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that FHS exemplifies the standards and values that, sadly, are becoming rare in this country. The staff and the faculty genuinely care about the education, development and safety of each and every student. In Fairhope High, I believe that our community is blessed to have such a high quality public school. It's a great school in a great community!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers who challenge our children and also care about them!! Great communication between school staff and parents!!
—Submitted by a parent

Fairhope school are reflective of our community. The administrators, teachers and communtiy really care what happens to our students. People take time to volunteers in the school snad offers resources to make sure our children are getting the best education possible.

I've had four children either attend or are attending Fairhope HS. They have also attended other schools in other states. Fairhope HS is a Very Good school, probably the best public in south Alabama and easily competing as one of the best in the state. Overall it can hold it's own vs most HS in the country. Most school districts would love to have this quality of high school in thier district. Now the negatives, the school board in Baldwin County is almost worthless, not really giving direct oversight but allowing the Superintentent too much control. The adminsitration at the county level is poor. The Principal (Dr. Thomas) is average at best. Although she is a poor administrator, fortunatley the other adminstrators and staff carry her. Teacher quality is very good and parent involvment is excellent. Very Good school but could get better with new leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

Fairhope High is the BEST high school in Baldwin County and one of the best in the state of Alabama. Now that they are adding the IB program, they are only getting better. Fairhope's students can compete academically, artistically and athletically with any one. FHS prepared me for more than college, but for life, thanks to the teachers, counselors, and coaches. And I cannot forget that every year the senior class receives more scholarship money than any school in the area. -2006 Graduate
—Submitted by a former student

I love FHS. I am currently a Junior, and I am really enjoying every part of my High School experience. The classes are challenging, the teachers are helpful, and the administration is very adequate. The other reviews are very negative towards the school, but my take on it is: High School is what you make it. If you want a good experience, then you will have one.
—Submitted by a student

I was a student the last two years at Fairhope before I transfered. While there, though I am an honor student, I experienced the worst years of my life. This school's policies are absolutely ridiculous from the unhelpful-disrespectful administrators to the sports programs and uniform policy. I have not yet met a senior from Fairhope that enjoyed their high school years, what is supposed to be the best years of your life can quickly become the worst experience in educational history at Fairhope High School.
—Submitted by a former student

Dr. Thomas is a weak administrator that always takes the path of least resistance. The uniform policy which I support is a joke. We have to be the only school in the state where our children are not allowed to their letterman jackets. The school needs to reconsider the freshman algebra format.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is not an honor student or special ed you get no help or support. I called every week and was more discouraged evey time I called. My son ended up going to summer school for algebra. When I asked did he know any of the kids in his class he said, 'half my class are from Fairhope.' I wish it were different. Dr. Thomas is a good administrator. She is difficult to work with.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter, both, received exceptional educational foundations at Fairhope High School that proved to make college life much easier for them. Especially in the area of English Composition and Writing Essays, thanks to Ms. Kay Brown, one of the most proficient and caring English Teachers we have ever known. Being a Military Family, we have traveled the world over and have found that Fairhope High School is one of the Best.
—Submitted by a parent

If the school board would not focus so much on punishing the students for wearing a hooded sweat shirt or tinted shoe laces, maybe the students might learn something. The bathrooms reek of smoke and it seems that all the staff cares about is if a student has his or her shirt tucked in. why does a student who's shirt has a small logo punished the same way as a student who physicaly attacks another student. its ridiculous.
—Submitted by a student

The mandatory uniform policy is arbitrarily enforced and has resulted in punishment to children who are otherwise good citizens and good students. So much emphasis on policy enforcement has detracted from education and resulted in low morale and diminished enthusiasm for learning. The primary agenda appears to be absolute control over students and parents. If you have tried to pick up your own child from school for a scheduled appointment, you know that you can expect to be ignored, stonewalled, and absolutely forbidden access to your child regardless of any prior arrangements you have made. There exists a sentiment that the school owns the child and has the right to decide what best serves the individual. I think the administration views me as inconsequential and substandard to my child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school board should get more interested in our schools rather than the money. We arnt getting the education we need and i dont think thats right. Also the uniforms! i had to go look for gray shoelaces to go with my gray shoes because if we have white shoelaces with gray newbalance shoes we were suddenly in a gang now come on! a gang in fairhope? There would be nothing for them to do if there was one and if someone wants to make a gang, there's going to be a gang, they dont need shoelaces im very sorry. I understand where everyone's coming from but it dosnt have to be so strict that it takes away from our learning a leanient dress code would be okay...Any color not short stuff things like that thanks for taking the time to read this and consider what i said.
—Submitted by a student

I think we have a sorry school system most students are not passing their classes and the teachers just don't care. The uniforms are not helping in any way, so most of the parents think that we should do away with them and let them wear what they want. after all this isn't a private school .
—Submitted by a parent