Fountain Lake High School

I graduated from Fountain Lake in 2011. It is a very mixed school. The student body is small and there aren't many cliques.The school and community spirit is very high. The sports, band, choir, EAST, and agri. programs do very well, but there are many areas that are not nearly as developed. Overall, the downfall of Fountain Lake is academics. Many teachers I thought were very caring, however studies more factors than teacher personality make a good classroom. Now, I am in college and I wish my classes in high school had greater structure. The students that want to learn are self-motivated and the students who normally would not care about school, are not encouraged to try and tend to do poorly on state examinations. I was an ESL tutor and I also helped younger kids with their homework and many of them were left behind because they had not grasped the basics of mathematics, reading, and grammar. There are several teachers at Fountain Lake that were not only supportive, but have well structured and challenging classrooms. However, there were others who have low structured classrooms or believe it is up to the student to learn, instead of encouraging the ones that do poorly.
—Submitted by a student

As a parent of a previous FL grad as well as a current senior, I would say that FL is at it's best this year. Bullying is still an issue but with the current administration I feel it is being handled in the most appropriate manner. In years past, I absolutely could not have made that statement. We have had our share of teacher/faculty issues along the way and it's been a learning experience for us as well as them and I especially have to commend Mr. Darrin Beckwith for handling my children in the utmost professional way! I am very proud of the current admin., high school principal and the teachers as a whole. I think the best interest of the children is top priority and some even go beyond the call to support our children. I've lived and worked in the community for over 20 years and it is where I will always call home. I'm thankful my children are about grown and we are nearly beyond the "school" days because no matter where your children go to school there will be issues but overall, I would place my children in the care of the FL school system if I had it to do over again! GO COBRAS!!
—Submitted by a parent

The diciplinary actions are not the same for all students. The rules are different as well. Example: my daughter had to cut 2 inches of her hair off because she had the tips dyed hot pink and we were told she could not come to school until it was out. There are about a dozen other students there that have their hair dyed an assortment of bright colors for a long time now and its ok for them. The same for dress code. Some girls can wear shorts with their butt hanging out, others get sent home for shorts above their fingertips length. And as long as we have this drees code, why do the cheerleaders get to wear skirts that are so short that their behind is revealed as well?
—Submitted by a parent

As a member of the class of 2012, I can say I'm looking forward to spending my last year of school at Founatin Lake. Like every school, we have our own problems, but you shouldn't let these "prejudices" like some people have reviewed keep you from letting your children go to FL. I have been here all my life and have gotten to know so many great people from living in this community. I feel like the school has adequately prepared me for college and for the rest of my life. The faculty here is wonderful and I know if I have a problem I can go to any of my teachers for help. The students are amazing and we all get along with one another. There are many clubs and organizations for students, and we have amazing sports teams. The arts area, ( band, choir, art, and drama) are all award winning too. I'm so excited for this year ahead of me at Fountain Lake, and with that I'm going to end this review with a quote from the high school principal. "There is nothing wrong with Fountain Lake."
—Submitted by a student

The band director Mr. Maggio is a good teacher who constantly comes under fire because he refuses to bow down to the parents who always had control. As for the past band members who quit they are just jelous that we sound better then ever. Mr. Maggio is a great director and an all around great person.
—Submitted by Fred Robertson, a student

I find it so funny how all of the students reviewing have multiple grammar and spelling errors..I have gone to Fountain Lake for 12 years..I'll be a senior this year..I have found nothing terribly wrong with my school..but I certainly wouldn't say it was amazing..it's average.
—Submitted by a student

Fountain Lake is awesome... I have gone here for all twelve years, and it is in my opinion one of the best schools in the state. The faculty is very nice, and the administrators are friendly and helpful.
—Submitted by a student

Fountain Lake High School of Hot Springs, Ark is a great school acdemically. Its teachers are great, the athletic clubs are especially magnificent, and the large variety of courses are great for scholarships. The only disappointing part of the school is the lunches.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter graduated from Fountain Lake in 2005. She went there for 2.5 years. Prior to that she went to Jessieville. for 5.5 years. Fountain Lake was a wonderful school. It's rating should be as high as Jessieville. The High School Principal is wonderful. And the High School councellor is absolutely fabulous.

My child has been there since Pre-K and we love the school. My kid sister spent her whole school career there. It's a nice quality school. The teachers are good, and the community around it is good as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children currently attend Fountain Lake and intend to continue through FLS. I am very pleased with the individual attention they have received and with teachers working so hard to help keep them on track. The School facilities do leave alot to be desired considering the updates that have occured on so many other schools in our area. We have moved several times across the state and by far we are the happiest at Fountain Lake! A big Thank You for making us so welcome!
—Submitted by Allie M., a parent

FLHS is not a bad school. It is really improving. Athletics have improved over the last few years. Education should be more stressed. That being said, some of the teachers put in a lot of personal time for students. Fountain Lake doesn't prepare students for the ACT or for college.
—Submitted by a former student

As an '04' graduate at FLHS, I enjoyed so many years there. The school is set in a beautiful area with many things to do. It's a good school. Teachers are very caring and every student is treated with respect. FLHS is a great school to have on your transcript for college. It's challenging, but yet teachers' are tutors. After school programs like; Tutoring, Teachers take time to help students with their studies. The teachers are the best in the state. I loved that school and Iam sure others will...!!
—Submitted by a former student

My child has been going to the school for 2 years now. I will admit there are some trouble areas, some teachers are not as caring as others but I am very happy with the teachers at the school. And all students have been nice and careing.
—Submitted by a parent

I've got to say, my experience at Fountain Lake High School was not as great as I would have hoped. The discipline system is very poor. I didn't have many challengeing classes. The school did not offer as much as I would have hoped for. Many of the students are bullied, and it doesn't seem like anything is done about it. Also, I personally think the teacher's are working to their full extent. Last, I think required courses and graduation requirements are a bit 'off' for such a small school.
—Submitted by a former student

As a former student, I can tell you from personal experience that Fountain Lake High is a great place to go to school. FLHS is state of the art in all ways and they go out of the way to accomadate new students. Go cobras
—Submitted by a former student

They have a thing if you are friends with a trouble maker so are you. Its not fair. I dont think that this is a good school. I think that the principals are not fair. At the school you ahve to be rich to fit in too.
—Submitted by a parent

Disiplinary actions are not fair,what happens to one student, will not happen to another. The assistant whatever he is, does not even want to talk to parents when a problem arrises. It not what you do its who you know or are friends with.
—Submitted by a staff

I don't think that it is fair to say they are predjudiced. Most of the kids I know go out of their way to make new kids welcome. As for discipline, if your not getting into trouble you don't have anything to worry about.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that everyone at any school is prejudice toward new students. from personal experience many 'old' Fountain Lakers go straight up to a new student to find out about them. we want to find out what it was like where they came from. I also think this school is ranked among the highest schools for their disipline and guidance skills. we have had scares in the past and our pricipals and teachers of all grades have taken immediate control of the situation. you should be happy to be able to go to a school like this or have your child attend. our teachers know us by our full names and our backgrounds.
—Submitted by a student