Hales Franciscan High School

Hales need to close its doors. The academics in the school is rediculous. More than half of the students had to complete summer school in 2010 in multiple subjects. The host school for summer school wants to close their doors to Hales students in the summer because Hales is failing to educate their own students during the school year but is receiving the tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a Senior at Hales and I can say without any hesitation that I would NOT reccommend this school to ANY parent. II bought into the IDEA of Hales. A school started for the sole purpose of educating and developing young black men.This summer 60 of 166 students had to attend summer school, 38% of our students had more then 2 F's on they're semester grade. Students are being moved to the next grade with less then a 2.0 GPA. Last year the recently terminated then rehired Principle stated that, 100% of the class of 2009 was accepted into a university or college, but only 30% went back for they're second year. Wow.There have been assults on teachers and students are cutting classes at a closed campus school. Whatever Hales was ment to be, it is not
—Submitted by a parent

As I attended the Class of 2009 graduation ceremony I was impressed by the ratio of students to teachers at Hales. I remember when I was a student there from 1964-1967 the student body was much larger. I thought back in those days that Hales was a small shool and therefore able to give a lot of individual attention to students. This was true then and is even more so now. My cousin who was a graduate this year stands as proof positive that Hales still puts out first class men. I am proud of my alma mater. I am proud to be a Spartan. Nate Jones

As a former student and father of a future alum, there is no bette school for a young african male

As the wife of a 1979 graduate of Hales, the parent of a 2002 graduate, as well as two current students, I am extremely pleased with the education that my sons have and currently are receiving at Hales. My older son has completed college, gained employment and is working to acheive his career goals. My husband attributes much of his academic and career success to the education and support that he received at Hales. Hales continues to thrive under new leadership and increased donor support. The teachers and principal are 100% dedicated to providing our young men with the tools they need to succeed as educated leaders in the African American community and the world!!!!! Simply put, the emphasis on academic acheivement and environment of unconditional support at Hales brings out the best in these young men.
—Submitted by a parent

Hales is a pillar of the community in which it is located. Hales does an outstanding job of turning boys into black men, which the world can definitely benefit from today. Certainly parent involvement plays a role, but the level of dedication from the staff at Hales is unparalled. Keep in mind that the teachers at Hales could easily teach in the CPS system, which would put less pressure on them to perform while making their pockets fatter. As an alum, and as a current Howard University student, I have a great level of respect for what Hales is, and what, if I can help it, it will continue to be. In Virum Perfectum, Ad Infinitum!
—Submitted by Darius Lyles, a former student

Hales Franciscan High School is an excellent school. I graduated a son from this institution and now I have another son that is in attendance. When my oldest son entered Hales, he was resistant to an all male school. He quickly changed his tone. With small classroom size and an all male environment, he excelled in the classroom, learned how to be a man and be independent of social groups and pier pressure. He graduated with honors and is now about to graduate from college with honors. My son who is now a senior chose to attend Hales. He too is doing very well academically and the teachers are excellent. As a parent, you don't pay for an education and think that is all you have to do. You must be involved
—Submitted by a parent

This school has the poorest standards of quality I have ever witnessed. There is no leadershup. No direction. No accountability. The teachers do not teach.
—Submitted by a parent

Right now, Hales Franciscan is in transition, and everything is chaotic. There is no principal, the utilities are being shut off, and the students/staff are not happy. In previous years, Hales had an excellent reputation, but now the education students receive is substandard, the faculty and staff members are underpaid, and everyone there is overworked. The football team is horrible. For three years in a row, they have had losing seasons. The basketball team is becoming mediocre, and the baseball team is also experiencing mediocrity. Those are the basic extracurricular activities. Additionally, they want parents to pay upwards of $5,000 for tuition...for this substandard education? I don't believe this is fair.
—Submitted by a parent

Hales franciscan provides a wonderful eductional and devleopmental oppotunity for my son. A change occured first week my son attended hales. He became a hales man. He has benefited from the vigours circcumlum, small class sizes, dedicated professionals. My son is more focused, motivated and inspired. He says college is his next logical step. Hales was and continues to be the best high-school selection. Nancy smith, hales parent, hales association of parents
—Submitted by Nancy Smith, a parent

Hales Franciscan has always borne the distinct honor of being a great institution of academic achievement for African American young men. I have been aware of this since I was in high school myself some 30+ years ago. I know have a son who attends Hales and am very please with my son's academic achievement. Hales could use more technology advancement. There are schools that currently maintain systems where student's grades are posted online and the parents know immediately how their children are progressing because this information is always available, Parental involvement if extremely low at Hales. Attempts have been made by the parent organization and faculty and staff alike to foster more parental involvement.
—Submitted by Sharon Thomas, a parent