River Forest Junior/Senior High School

I dont even go here and just by saying its close to gary explains alot to me!

i am 1964 graduate of river forest. was proud to say so. but when my daughter went there it was less the school i went to. now i have two grand kids there the school does not help the special kids who need it. they are kept segregated from the other children, teachers just dont care any more. i am not proud of my school any more

As an alumna who had attended River Forest for all four years, I can say, without a trace of uncertainty, that the high school is far below the academic standards that is expected of any educational facility. Students who struggle are left in the back rows of class while students who excel are limited to the few honor classes that are provided. There is a small number of teachers who put an honest effort into their work, but without the support of their fellow colleagues, these dedicated teachers are forced to deal with students who are permitted to slack in other classes. Also, if the subjects are continually being 'dumbed down' then the standards are bound to fall, and the hopes of achieving a college degree, or even the hopes of attending a college, are thrown out the window.

I agree that River Forest is a great school. Before Mr. Wielgus got there children with problems were kicked out of school and not given much of a chance. Now, those children are worked with and given the opportunity to be the best that they can be.
--Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the negative assessment of this school. Mr. Weilgus is a very innovative man and really seems to care about all of the students at RFHS. The teachers have provided my children with a quality education. While the sports teams have had a tough time, the coaches work with the kids as people and I like that. The other extracurriculars are very good as well. River Forest gets and A+ from this parent.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a RFHS graduate and another who has transferred out, I feel the overall academic and extra curricular clubs at that facility are below standard and since they have failed to meet Indiana State Board of Education and their AYP (please see web site for INSB), the school is on academic parole.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a proud graduate of River Forest, K-12. While we may not be the most affluent school, nor do we have state of the art technology; the faculty and staff are second to none. I am now about to graduate from Anderson University with a degree in social work and doing what makes me happy. The lessons I learned at RF along with the diversity and creativity that comes with being in a school with a lower income has provided me with lasting insights and views that shape for the better the way that I perceive the world. Education is like anything else, you get out of it what you put in. I thank everyone who has helped me come this far at RF, your efforts do not go unrecognized. Thanks!
--Submitted by Alison Patterson, a former student

Unfortunately I am a graduate of this school and offer a little advice to the administration. I feel if the administration focused on academics instead of sports you would have more parent involvement and higher academic accomplishments. Other factors include favoritism to those in sports or what family name you carry. We wonder why kids are bullied or favored- its the school that promotes the problem. Fortunately, if the young adults are smart they can get out and become successful without the help of the school and you wouldn't have to wonder why more than half of the graduates stick around the community after graduation and amount to nothing. My advice to future graduates- After high school, go to college and lead a successful life. You won't have one if you stick around that community.
--Submitted by a former student

I'm not a parent ,but a student at River Forest Sr. High School. I don't see how anyone can write anything bad about our school when they don't attend or work at that school. My school went through a very difficult time with our school beings et on fire. However, My teacher helped my friends and me to keep our head high and continue on. We studied even harder and worked together to make the most out of our condition. Our teachers are always challenging us with new things. So please, Give us the benefit of the doubt.
--Submitted by Hermine Robinson, a student

It's funny how someone writes how bad the schools is, yet doesn't use proper grammer or spelling. Maybe you need to use your time studying, instead of making excuses.
--Submitted by a former student