John F. Kennedy High School

I am a freshmen in John F Kennedy High school. I have to say that I really enjoy it. The diversity in this school makes it interesting to learn. I have wonderful teachers, who makes learning fun and easy. Overall, it's a great school and I am glad I came here. p.s: it does have its little ups and downs, but which school doesn't have that?
—Submitted by a student

My son graduated in 2012. He was in the PACE program, which did a good job of helping him stay on track for college. He's currently attending a high ranking university on the east coast. Kennedy is an urban school, drawing its diverse student body from a wide variety socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. You have a few students headed for Princeton and a few students headed for prison, with most of them headed somewhere in between. This was a great environment for a taste of "real world" diversity. I would recommend the PACE program. With budget cuts, however, it's incumbent upon parents to fund-raise. So if you aren't willing to chip in to make sure that your students get the resources they need, then twice about coming here.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been throughly disappointing. I transferred here from Florida. My old high school was in a good area and was almost like a mini college. You felt more like an adult there than at Kennedy. At Kennedy, you can find some teachers who will stay on task. A majority spend their time talking about personal problems or advice on life. I understand they think they are helping; however, I'd rather be learning about French than how to make a living. I have parents to teach me about life. I also find they try to go on and on about things that have NOTHING to do with the class subject. And if you try to write they yell at you if you tune out their stupid rambling. I'm sorry to those who don't agree. Because this school posses many different programs but for those who actually want to learn...good luck. Because a majority of these teachers don't care if you graduate. They are more concerned on blaming you for being inadequete or to tell you that you simply aren't good enough to pass their class.
—Submitted by a student

While the PACE program may be a good program, it does nothing to reach out to struggling underprivileged children who could really use the program to their advantage. I am a graduate of the PACE program, and many teachers are unhappy about the fact that PACE takes the 'cream of the crop' from Kennedy and then seeks more funding from the school. Many PACE students are those from privileged backgrounds that are essentially separated from the general population of the school. Gangs are becoming a bigger problem than the school realizes, and more often incidents are being under reported, since they usually occur outside of the school rather than on campus. The school is filled with lackluster teacher, even within the PACE program. The school lacks substantial leadership that tries to hide the schools problems rather than actually solve them
—Submitted by a student

My grndddaghter came from Tucson to live with me in November of her Freshman year(she is now a Junior). She has been happy there and seems to be learning a lot. I am happy with the scholastics as well as the activies offered.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 9th grader who is attending JFK. She is enjoying her new friends and classes. I also attended JFK and graduated in 84. I see many statements as to gans, fights etc... Of course you will alwayss have something in every school. Keep to yourself hang with the right crowd, and you will surely succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I echo my sentiments that the biggest problem now for Kennedy is ridding it of its lingering bad reputation. My daughter and I have been pleased overall, perhaps primarily due to the PACE program. I was involved with the hiring of the principal and although there were problems with that (which was not his fault but rather the way the district handled things), he has done a fine job. I say that as I haven't heard anything positive or negative and sometimes no news is good news, if you know what I mean. I would recommend the PACE program and school to all local community families. I sure am happy with the 1-mile commute. Sorry to all of you who felt you needed to pay all that $ to send your kids to private schools and now you have to also pay high gas prices to get them there. Come back.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm currently a freshman, and we may have pros and cons around here. The AP-Level Classes and PACE program are very challenging. On the other hand, the other courses are particularly easy. We also have our dedicated and lackluster teachers as well. The campus is good and clean as well.
—Submitted by a student

Dont listen to the bad reviews pace is an excellent program (current student Class of 2010) Pace is a wonderful program and any parent who wants their child to get into a good college like a uc should send their child to pace!
—Submitted by a student

Our son is a Froshman at Kennedy and we have been very pleased with the school leadership and staff. Our son is in the PACE program and the staff have been very responsive to his needs and to ours - as parents. I also note that the Principal is out on the campus a lot and I truly appreciate that. He knows the kids and watches what is going on. The baseball program has also been impressive. The coaches are trying to really build up the program and the talent and have started a Fall League for students who wish to participate.
—Submitted by a parent

Kennedy has it's ups and downs. The campus is fairly clean, but we have a big problem with seagulls sometimes. The only good thing I can say about the school is the PACE program, which strives to send their students to attend and excell in competitive 4-year colleges.
—Submitted by a student

Kennedy has improved quite a bit over the past several years. I think one of it's biggest challenges is getting over its old reputation. From what I have seen there is great support and opportunities at Kennedy, even more so if parents and students take advantage of it.
—Submitted by a parent

This school could use a lot of work. The teachers vary some are good and others are bad. It has some extraciricular activities for students, but those are the only redeeming qualities. I wouldnt suggest sending your child to this school.
—Submitted by a former student

At Kennedy, there's a lot of AP classes to choose from and the PACE program certainly increases the prestige at this school. While this school has its share of problems, this campus still has lots to offer in the way of extracurricular activities. There are about thirty different clubs on the campus, some of which include the Hmong club and the badminton club. Parents are involved in the campus by way of PAK, which is the organization that parents join to be involved in the running of the school. They mostly take care of the lockers on campus.
—Submitted by a student

If your child is in honor classes, he/she will probably be fine. If not, however, its possible for the teachers and students to both slack off. Lots of diversity and an overall nice campus.
—Submitted by a former student

dont send your kids to kennedy. too many gangs, fights, drugs and horrible teachers. horrid facilities also.
—Submitted by a student

the school is nice! its kept fairly clean and the teachers there are really good in teaching! the sports teams are not the best but students show alot of spirit in the games
—Submitted by a former student

This school is very over crowded and the staff seems to have some control over what happens in the classrooms, less control over what happens in the halls, & even less control over what happens at lunch periods. However, the princple was very willing to talk to me and very willing to help where she could.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs is fairly decent, all things considered. You don't have to go out of your way to find challenging programs.
—Submitted by a parent

this is such a great school.....
—Submitted by a student