Freedom High School

I went to Freedom high school 9th to 12th grade and to be honest it used to be a Great school, it just got worse and worse every year. I am a foreigner, English is my third language and reading teachers were terrible. They didn't help me at all. Math teachers were excellent, science teachers were very good, social studies teachers were very good and English teachers were average, and when it comes to counselors they are not helpful at all. I always had to bring my dad to school so they could talk to me in a "nice" way. All of my 4 years at freedom I had problems with my schedule. So over all it's an OKAY school.
—Submitted by a student

I went to freedom for 9th (10/11 school year) and 10th grade. I was new during my freshman year and I deal with social anxiety. It honestly wasn't that bad. A lot of the kids were nice to me and introduced themselves on the first day. There are lots of cute guys and one even took it upon themselves to show me around. It's huge, but you get used to it quickly. No one bullied me, even when I sat by myself sometimes at lunch. I remember throwing up in class once and everyone was more concerned about me than amused. I've made many new friends and I do miss the school very much, seeing as it's nowhere near as crappy as the school I attend now (in New York City). The teachers and admins are all very nice and although I missed the bus on the first day of school and one of the admins was a douche about it, the school is very good overall. I do recommend it, seeing as it's one of the best schools in Tampa and is located in a good area.
—Submitted by a student

I have been a Freedom High School parent for 6 six--four during the previous principal's leadership and two during the current administration. Like any large high school, there will be issues that must be dealt with. With that being said, neither of my children have ever been bullied, involved in fight or had any other negative experiences. My daughter was well prepared to enter college and was able to receive two semesters of credit toward her college classes based upon the AP classes she took at Freedom. My son, who is currently a student at Freedom, is receiving an excellent education at Freedom and is involved in the many extracurricular activities that are offered. As an educator, I looked carefully at all the choices offered through Hillsborough County Schools including the magnet and IB programs. We actively chose to attend Freedom because of their excellent academic program and the responsiveness of administration and dedication of the majority of their faculty. I can strongly recommend Freedom High School to other parents who are looking for an excellent public school education for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest child is a senior this year (2011-2012) and is glad that this is her last year there. Her younger sibling ( a freshman ) decided not to attend Freedom HS because of the students who do attend the school and the years he spent with the incoming freshmen from Liberty Middle School. The school has continued to go down hill in the years we have lived in the community and we have experienced bullying, theft, and unresponsive administration help in making my child feel safe. I have children in the magnet (chapter one) schools (high school and middle) and if the district would take those Principals and put them in these two Tampa Palms Middle and High schools - these schools would be exceptional schools. I think the district needs to consider taking those administrators and give them a chance to run these two poorly run schools - they may be amazed at the turn around they'd see in these schools that in my opinion deserve an "F" in the way their ships are run today.
—Submitted by a parent

Well, I'm a Freshman at Freedom and I've had brothers that went here. Honestly, it's an okay school, but the school spirit is VERY low. In fact, our football team is slowly disappearing since they are all quitting. The only thing worth coming to Freedom for is the NJROTC or maybe the Band. Other than that, not much to talk about.
—Submitted by a student

I read the St. Pete Times this morning and was impresseed with the article on Freedom High. It caught my attention because the young man in the article was accepted at Yale. My grandson lives in the area and I am interested in finding a middle school with good AP or gifted program and a good music dept.

School provided a well-rounded education in a clean, modern, safe environment. Majority of teachers were very dedicated and enthusiastic about their classes. Large focus on clubs and extracurricular activities. I was actively involved in sports, which were supported by school, classmates, and parents. Freedom prepared me well for my university studies and for starting out in my career.

I am currently a teacher and a coach at Freedom. I have taught and coached at four different schools. Three that have outstanding academic and athletic programs. None of my former schools have created unity with such a diverse group of students. Creating a positive learning environment which supports all of the communities is not easy, but the school does a great job of making all students feel a part of the school. I've been a part of both Administrations and the current Administration has increased school spriit. Both Admin. have been high on academics, but the current administration is pro student in all aspects. It is very important that students feel a sense of belonging and the new era brings that to the school. Look for Freedom to produce in academics and athletics at a high level in the near future. I strongly recommend students to attend Freedom.
—Submitted by a teacher

my son attent this school the last year and its horrible, the kids stole everything, the asist principal, she just dont care. they have a very bad actitud.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a sophomore at Freedom and ive only been there for a month and I can say the school is a good school. Some teachers are good and dedicated and others are okay. The school focuses a lot on academics. Because Im new I dont know much about athletics but recently the girls made it to the regionals. The school is very diverse but I dont like the guys with their pants hanging. They offer a lot of APs and plenty of clubs. The facilities are nice and eveything seems clean. Ive only seen that fight. Overall the school is great and I recommend you to go to freedom.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a Junior at Freedom and ever since my freshman year I have seen major improvments with the school. The school focuses a lot on academics and strive for their students to succeed. It is also a very diverse school. The clubs at freedom and the sports are plenty and are also well supported. The principal and APs are strict but are also very nice people. If you live in school area I recommend that you go to Freedom.
—Submitted by a student

I am a new student in freedom high school and i personally think that this school is not great..... Some teachers are hard-headed... Some r just ok..... This skool doesnt even do the plege of alligence and they call themselves pariots... That's pathetic...... I think the ap is ok... Not that great at all.... This school is just not good
—Submitted by a student

Freedom High School is not only a good school as a whole, but it has given my child the opportunity to excel. The teachers of 2008-2009 was awesome. Look forward to even better in 2009-2010
—Submitted by a parent

i am a student and i think the new principal is doing much better. we are like any other school we have fights and bullying but we have a very wide range of ethnicities and its good to experience that. the teachers do care for students i guess it just depends what teacher you get really. but overall it is a good school and i do feel safe at it
—Submitted by a student

The new principal has made a huge difference at Freedom. Spirit is up, he talks to the kids, the teachers are happier! The PTSA is fantastic, active, and huge - something you don't find in most high schools. Under great leadership, the board is excellent. Most teachers are great, and the coaching of the sports are coming around. Freedom was an A school in 2007-2008. Look for more improvements as the year goes on.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal has made a world of difference at Freedom. Freedom has always been a good school and now it;s gotten even better. The teachers seem more enthused, the students are happier this year and the sports teams are no longer bogged down by the nonsense that had taken place under the previous principal. Things are finally the way they should have been since 2002. Bartels was fooling a lot of people. Mr Farkas is doing a great job!
—Submitted by a parent

Although Freedom has had its problems this year, it is a great school with many great accomplishments. My child feels very safe and has a great time.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal has definitely been out of touch with students. My daughter has one more year and I prayer that she gets better teachers that care about her future. Why do some teachers stay working with teens when they can't stand them, I don't know! I wish that all high school teachers would have to go through basic training on how to work with teens. Microsoft's Bill Gates stated information from a study that proved that teachers who showed interest and cared about their students, got the students to try harder for them. My oldest daughter graduated from here a year ago and was poorly prepared for college. But, is struggling through. Come on Freedom let's all try harder this coming year!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Principal is a lame duck who doesn't really care and is no longer vested in the school's well being. The teachers are burned out and not motivated. A few teachers are neither receptive nor responsive to parent emails. In some cases my kids did not receive any assessment grades back for over entire 4 weeks after Spring Break and with lack of on line grading ... it is all one big mystery. The teachers had mentally checked out. Lots of indifference and total lack of school spirit at this school. Hopefully Mr. Farkas will turn this around.
—Submitted by a parent

Very poor communication between teachers and parents, principal and parents. Principal doesn't care if student succeed. School was in the news several times this year 2007-2008. Does not have an online service to check your childs grades and progress in their classes. Extremely dissatisfied with this school.
—Submitted by a parent