Rochelle School of the Arts

The music department at this school is awesome! They have high expectations for the students and can seem strict at first until you realize how much they care about the students and the quality of the music. I was so glad when they introduced Orff and Guitar last year, and even though they took Orff away this year it is all my sons ever talk about. I am very thankful for the wonderful music teachers at RSA!!!
--Submitted by a parent

i am an 8th grader at Rochelle and i agree with some of you. The school is very dirty, the teachers never really pay attention to the students if they are being bullied except for mabey one or two teachers, there isn't a very good disciplinary system, the teachers arnt very good teachers, they're kinda mean, there isn't a list of rules set down so you dont really know if your doing somthing wrong, and i have been bullied alot. The other day someone pinched me twice and left gigantic bruises on my arm and the teacher was sitting right there and didnt do anything! and this same teacher has thrown things at us when she gets mad because we didnt do something right! this school doesn't have excellent teachers, a strong principal or school leadership, or challenging academic programs. the only challenging class that i have is chorus.

My daughter started Rochelle this year as a 2nd grader we're very dispointed. Had ongoing problems w/name calling, spitting, & choking all yr. She didn't even know the principals name until 2 weeks before the end of school this yr because we'd been addressing things throughout the year w/the guidance counselor and VP Mr. Linholm. We were repeatedly told they were "handling" the harrasment w/both the boys and the girl involved to no avail. Finally she got punched last week and we're pulling her out and send her to her zoned school next year. I had to raise cain to get the boy suspended, the teached hadn't even reported the incident to the office, hadn't called me or the kids parents - nothing - my daughter came home and told me about it, just like every other time, no one knew but the teacher. Ridiculous!
--Submitted by a parent

I think Rochelle is Awesome! i've been going there since kindergarten and i'm now in 8th grade, about ready too move on to Harrison! True, we could use some help with the filthyness issue, but they did install some cameras so that there is less bullying, and standing around in the halls. As for the academics issue, I'm a straight honor roll student, and I just was published for my poem. Another plus is that the arts programs rock! I'm a music major and have been a music major except for the first year. I love all of the teachers in the music programs and I know all of the other arts teachers as well. we are a close knit family at Rochelle, and the bullying happens slim too none now. I'd recomend Rochelle to anyone who loves to dance, draw, sing, act, or play instruments anyday! I love Rochelle!
--Submitted by a student

All three of my children go to RSA, and we love it! My son is in 7th grade, and my girls are in 5th & 2nd. My son has been there 5 years, and my girls followed after him. We've not had too many issues, and if/when we do, they are handled promptly and appropriately. All three of my children make great grades, and excell in the arts -- and I think that this school has given them wonderful opportunities. We are very happy there!
--Submitted by a parent

I love Rochelle so much!! its a great place to learn! the teachers and staff are amazing too. the only thing wrong with the school is... its dirty!! but that doesnt matter. all what matters is that the school is a great place to learn new things! i recommend Rochelle to everyone. especially if your child loves the Arts.
--Submitted by a student

Polk county schools just won the John F. Kennedy Center award for outstanding support of the arts in part because of the outstanding arts programs at Rochelle. No school is perfect but I can honestly say my daughter has thrived both academically and artistically in the (almost) two years she has attended Rochelle. The kindergarten and first grade teachers are outstanding.
--Submitted by a parent

Very good school i have had 4 kids attend your school and have one more i would like to sign up.
--Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter both attend Rochelle and have found that communication and organization from administrators are severely lacking. Recently, changes in the drop off and pick up procedures wreaked havoc with traffic patterns around the school - simple communication would have lessened the impact. As a chapperone, I have also witnessed disorganization with respect to field trips to the point where I questioned whether or not students safety was a consideration. In addition, my daughter has consistently received very good grades for the past 7 years (AB honor roll every grading period) and yet seems to lack some very basic knowledge especially when it comes to the social sciences and American history. I believe that this is the result of developing the cirriculum based on FCAT testing and lenient grading standards. This school does offer the benefit of a focus on the arts, which I believe translates well to academics.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with many of the parents about the school being dirty. Sometimes i dont want to even go into the restroom! We nned a clean up. But on the other hand the school is terrific. The teachers and staff and everyone around is great. If you are looking for a school for your child/children i recommend Rochelle. I'm in the 7th grade and have been going to Rochelle since kindergarden. I recommend this school all the way!
--Submitted by a student