John F. Kennedy School

My son is in the MA program and is thriving. Kennedy is everything a school should be for young children!
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I have been very impressed with all the teachers and assignments that are given at Kennedy. My two children love the school and look forward to school each morning.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and active parents are fantastic and the new principal is bringing it all together!
--Submitted by a parent

My child was in the Multi Age program and is pales in comparison to the Open Program. There is way less parental involvement, more behavioral issues, and more special need students being mainstreamed. The problem with the Ferndale District is that not every student is getting the same quality education as the other. And the terrible part is that the superintendent and other administrators will not or cannot change this unfortunate fact.
--Submitted by a parent

They have an awesome family-style community feeling. Parents are highly encouraged to be involved and to give their input. They also have an excellent green school rating and are working to reduce their urban footprint.
--Submitted by a parent

I went through the Open Classroom program when I was a child when in was taught at Taft Elementary, and I was excited to put my own children in the program 20+ years later. They even have some of the same teachers! The children did great in the Open Classroom program. But, we had to move out of state two years ago and we mourn JFK. Even though both kids are now in a school rated '10' and 'Exemplary', they are bored out of their minds with the traditional rigid classroom structure. We will always miss JFK.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended JFK and I was not very happy with her teacher. Each time I went into the classroom children were never in their seats. Some children were in the classroom, in the corner, under the desks, in the hallway, everywhere but in their seat learning. Maybe it was the teacher, but I took my daughter out of JFK because she was not learning in a structured environment. If your child needs structure, I do not recommend JFK.
--Submitted by a parent

The major problem with Kennedy is the separation (segregation) between the Open Classroom and Multi Age programs. It's very obvious to me (and probably to all the children) that the Open Classroom is the preferred program, because of it's full capacity and waiting list. I don't think this is a healthy learning environment for our children, especially the Multi Age minority.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at Kennedy school in the Open Classroom program and we LOVE it! We have considered moving to the Grosse Pointe district, or further north, and the one reason we're still here is because of this school! My kids are getting a wonderful education, our teachers are phenomenal, and the parents and families are the warmest, kindest people we have ever met. There are loads of parents in the classrooms every day helping all the children, from those at grade level, to those needing extra help, to those needing challenges. My kids are involved in art club, math club, girl scouts, cub scouts, band, and a wonderful music program. We couldn't be happier! Go Ferndale schools!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My two oldest daughter went to Kennedy and my youngest is going into 4th grade, at Kennedy. As a Kennedy family, we have had a great educational experience. We have a close knit community and all our needs are address. I have only positive things to say about Ferndale School District. If you want your child to succeed they will, but you need to get or stay involved.
--Submitted by a parent