McFerran Preparatory Academy

I am very unhappy with this school now. I requested a meeting with my child's teacher concerning my child's progress. after 3 weeks I received a response. I seem to be re-teaching my child a home. My child now has a private tutor after school, which I am paying for. Home projects have been assigned, only to be cancelled days before they are due, field trip cancelled with out notice, and teachers have sent the reports cards up to a weeks late, because she didn't have them ready. My nephew attended McFerran years ago and it was a wonderful school. I am very disappointed. I feel my child has been made to attend a school, in which the bus ride is 50 minutes each way, for a below average education.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe this school was great at one time, and JCPS as a whole may be to blame for why it isn't now. When I was young, parents tried hard to get their children into this school, but now it feels like children get pushed out their simply because there isn't enough room in the schools closer to their home. This was our third choice on our Kindergarten application and it is where we were sent. The bus ride, which includes one transfer, is at least an hour and a half long in the mornings and the afternoons (this school is downtown and our home is in Highview). There are too many children on the bus and JCPS refuses to provide a bus monitor at all times. My daughter has been bullied, and it wasn't until I called the board of education that anyone really wanted to do anything about it. With that being said, the teachers themselves are wonderful (we love Ms. Wherley), but they only have the resources they have and I seriously question the leadership at this school. Uniforms are not enforced, yet made to seem like they are important. I see students in jeans on weekdays (they are only supposed to be allowed on Fridays) and children in whatever they want to wear on Fridays.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school for your special needs children. lots of programs for the special needs children and great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to this school k-2nd grade and I had to take her out 3rd because we moved.We miss this school sooo bad.The best teachers ever!She learned so much and made so many friends at McFerran. I would definately recommend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

We were amazed at the variety of programs and activities at McFerran for every child! Our special needs child is thriving and loves being treated as well as he is at McFerran. Certainly surpassed our highest expectatations and hopes.
—Submitted by a parent

This is wonderful school! It has many programs for special needs students. The teachers are well eduacated and can deal with the special need students. They have lots of programs and I am pleased that my youngest will be going there this year.
—Submitted by Shary Payton, a parent