Lake Highland Preparatory School

To the 4/26/13 poster...I can tell you that anyone can flag a review by clicking on the "report it" button and providing a rationale for the site administrator to remove the post. That may be what happened to the response you noted that is now missing. My child does not currently attend this school, but I am checking into it for the future and saw your question. (I am giving the school one star because the website is forcing me to assign stars.) You could just as easily flag the comments for 3/22/13 and have them considered for removal. I appreciate all opinions while researching schools, but 3/22/13 person criticizes another parent by implying they know what the "true problem may be." This sounds very defensive and is certainly not constructive who anyone who just wants to learn more about LHPS. Good luck!
—Submitted by a parent

A review was written but removed in response to the 3/22/13 post. Why was this removed?
—Submitted by a parent

I came to this site because I was curious to see what was written about my child's school. I usually do not take the time to write comments on sites like this either however with some of the absurd claims that are being made by some parents I have to speak up. To the parent claiming this school is only focused on recruiting athletes and not academic growth, you are completely false. LHP continues to maintain a very rigorous academic focus while expanding into the arts, sports and other leadership activities. Thus, creating a more "well rounded" individual who will be able to compete in the 21st century. My kids have not been to any other schools but I see your children have already attended three... which spreads a little light on what the true problem may be.
—Submitted by a parent

I have completed over half a year at LHPS. I am VERY pleased with everything. The kids are very mature and took me right in when i was new. With these kids I feel like I've been going to school here since Pre-k. I am overwhelmed with the support of the teachers. They will ALWAYS help with anything that you need. I have never had such a good experience with any other school! GO HIGHLANDERS!!!!!!

Horrible. Looks great on the outside but don't be fooled. These kids for the most part are snobby, unfriendly and out of touch with reality. I have 2 very friendly, outgoing, sweet kids that have been unable to make friends. The homework requires my child to stay up until about 1 am and not because it is difficult. Teachers communicate poorly, give ambiguous assignments, or forget/neglect to post the required materials on the internet. I have found the teachers to generally be poor in engaging and making learning fun in the MS and HS. There are parents who think it is appropriate to host keg parties and coed sleep overs involving 14 year olds. Photos of these and many other parties are posted online for all of those not included to see. My kids now hate going to school everyday. We will not be returning and we were one of those generous Annual Fund givers. Counting down the days til we get to leave...........
—Submitted by a parent

We have now completed half a year at LHP: great school, very committed to building character, honesty, respect and passion in students. Passion for learning, for sports or arts, people or languages. This school truly offers SO MUCH for every kind of student. And the quality of it is all GREAT. NO budget cuts! NO overflowing classrooms!NO poor quality teachers or teacher cuts. I can see why people complain: The school is tough on students AND parents. No "yeah, but" and going around in circles. Either you do it or you don't. This is great because it fosters the development of good young adults. Either you commit as a parent or you don't.Yes, this school has plenty of rich families and this is a blessing. It's exactly those who gratefully donate each year to the school's renovations, constructions, updates. We are not filthy rich ourselves and we've been doing just fine. The school has been bringing us joy and compared to our friends who have their kids in FL public schools, LHPS is so much more superior. The opportunities our children have without having the useless FCAT distraction to deal with, without having annual budget cuts and teacher cuts are priceless. Consider that!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a senior at Lake Highland School. This is the WORST SCHOOL to have your child attend. It is a country club and only if your parents are good honest people will you make it out alive. If you want your child to have the same values as John Edwards, pay the bucks to Lake Highland. If you wish them to honest, hardworking good people who enjoy learning -Keep them away--

This school continues to impress me. Each year builds on the next and the children really get the opportunity to do anything they want here, from Academics to the Arts and Athletics. Yes, it does cost a few bucks. I work to send my child here because he went to public elementary, and you cannot even compare the two. Great education, great teachers, great everything. It has been worth every single penny. My child is worth it. I know that all can't afford it, but if you can do it.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. Our child has attended since preK and is now in 10th. Many opportunities, she is way above her friends from Public School. She has amazing study habits that are learned in lower school. Not everyone is rich and clannish. Far from that. All are down to earth and value a good education. There are no discipline problems because they always have a waiting list and will not put up with nonsense.. There is much help with college and it starts in 9th grade. Usually people who do not want to invest in a good education have harsh words. Florida ranks 48 in the nation for education. An A school is not that impressive! LHPS has language classes, art, music and PE every day. They do not cut corners. You have to pay for that. We are HAPPY and LOVE LHPS.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a high school student at LHP and like another review said already if you love your child DO NOT send them to this school. Imagine your child going to a new school and not doing anything socially with other kids outside of school for almost three years. Well that is what I have had to deal with. The kids may come off as friendly but they are snobby and think the world revolves around them because mommy and daddy make a nice amount of money. The teachers are alright but the workload can sometimes be ridiculous. You would be better off sending your child to a public school then spending around $18000 for this school. Just for a little comparison in state tuition at Florida State plus room and board and all your books and other things like transportation will cost you around $19000. So why would you ever send your child to an awful school for the same price as a college? Save the money you would spend on LHP for their college fund

Lake Highland is honestly a great school. I don't attend until next year but however I do attend the football games. Just the short amount of time I am there I feel welcome and straight at home. I recommend this school to any and ally people. The only flaw is $16,000 a year but rest assured it is worth it.

Love this school. Two kids attend so far, third soon...In 2013. I would rate this school an A+. Just do the homework and you will see...Teachers are caring and loving!!! (Mrs Scott, Mrs. Blackburn and Ms Hevner) School pride awesome!!! Parent involvement....Over the top!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I came from a different private elementary school to LHPS for middle and the students there were REALLY cliquish and self absorbed. I had to hide myself because if i was rlly who i was i would b judged and if u get involved in a little situation and someone figures out it becomes out of control...thats why i transferred..I honestly think public school is a great option for MIDDLE school cuz if u hav a private skool foundation..you can take higher level classes..so I do not reccomend LHP for kids who want to be who they really are and want to hav a oppurtunity to adjust to big classes and a big group of students

Definitely a horrible school. The teachers are excessively racist (throwing in the "classifications" of "brown" and "white" everywhere). Additionally, the teachers lack the necessary skills to teach higher level courses, such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry; I highly doubt that some of them even received their master's degree. Also, the counselors do not encourage students applying to Ivy League colleges and instead think that after shelling out half a million dollars in Lake Highland tuition that the student should instead attend a state college.

I will be a senior next year at LHPS. I have attented LHPS since Pre-k. I have learned so much throughout my years at Lake Highland. I can't imagine going to another school. I love my friends and the teachers. I feel like i am extremly prepared for college.

If you love your child, you will not send him/her here. It is a very cliquish school and the kids are bullied here. The teachers are okay if they like your child. You can pay for your child to go here, but when it is time to graduate, you will not get any support including letters of recommendation. The school has one set of rules for athletes and one set for other kids. The kids end up with a very low self esteem.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been changing from another private school to LHP. My daughter started at Lake Highland Middle School. We did change because we could no longer justified the money we pay - we were looking for a school that is proud to be associated with strong values and morals, a school where the teachers integrity in granting grades are not influenced by parents,a school with high academic standards, a school that provide a disciplined but balanced learning environment, a school where teacher turnover is very low. Added to this a great organized establishment with effective communication channels between school and parents - Thank you Lake Highland that you provide all this.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a top notch school. My son has been here 3 years now and each year he pulls further ahead than what he was learning in public school. At his old school he transferred from K to 1st from an "A" school in Winter Park, as the top reader in K. When he got to 1st grade in LHP he was behind and had to catch up on reading. He has learned respect, culture and is flourishing in the arts. This school in amazing and they don't give children A's who arent really A students like public schools where you can be a low performer and receive A's.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are a minority do not send your child here. Academics are awesome but it is not a nuturing place for minority students.This school is very cliquish and not welcoming to other races....I am transfering my child ASAP!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a student at LHP, and have been for several years. The enviroment is very cliquish and socially militant- I'm transfering.