John F. Kennedy School

I have a second grader and a kindergartener at Kennedy. The more I talk to parents with kids in other schools, the more I am convinced that Kennedy is a rare gem. Parent volunteers are trained provide kids in the lower grades one-on-one tutoring in math and reading several times per week, giving the teachers time to focus on more in-depth teaching activities. The kids are taught to be responsible, independent and curious learners, working at their own level and pursuing their own interests whenever possible. The PTA is very active and involved, and JFK has the highest green school rating, giving students a daily model of environmental stewardship. The teachers and staff are enthusiastic and caring. Because of the high degree of parent involvement, I know my kids' classmates and their parents. Kennedy is more like a community than just a school, and I can't say enough positive things about it.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in the Ferndale School District. I am a Ferndale Alumni. The school district is amazing. I have been pleased until the recent decision to change one of the elementary school's within the district to ALL open classrooms. I miss MUTLI-AGE curriculum. I think this was not the best decision. This takes away the parents choice within the school. I think this is the only school that has a school wide open program. I believe that the primary school teachings are the building process for later achievements in life and not sure if my children's education will be sound. I think letter grades are a pivotal source of measuring academic progress. Meets expectations does not mean anything to me. I need to know if my child is an A or E student furthermore which percentile they are classified under. Meets expectations could be a 79th, 83th or 97th bracket. Even this site measures and grades and it clearly shows that some schools within the district are NOT meeting expectations coupled with the early release of all district students on Mondays until May, 2013.
—Submitted by a parent

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

My son has attended JFK for the last 3 years, and I wish that this wasn't his final year. The staff is amazing! The support and communication are excellent. My son and some of his classmates played basketball for a church league in the area and his teacher, Mrs. W. made it to at least half of the games. These were games that took place on Saturdays, mornings and afternoons and had nothing to do with the school except that some of her students were involved. The kids were thrilled and know that Mrs. W. truly cares about them and their outside successes, her concern doesn't end at 3:30, Monday thru Friday - how awesome. The academics, extracurricular activities from the Sock Hop to the Fall Festival, the music program, all outstanding. Like my son and I say, all the cool kids go to JFK!
—Submitted by Shelly, a parent

I have a son in Third grade at this school and he is in special Ed and they have done an excellent Job with him he can read now and his grades have improved and his teacher is the sweeties lady that you could ever meet and she has a lot patient and she cares about her student and there learning and that is what our kids need today
—Submitted by a parent

My son started in the first grade in the open classroom program at JFK. He has had nothing but great teachers and support staff. The program allows him to advance in math without waiting for the class. This keeps him interested in his studies. Each household is responsible for 40 hours a year of volunteering so there is always a parent in the classroom. The music department is excellent. They have several concerts throughout the year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is only a kindergartner, but the culture of learning and support at Kennedy give us confidence in both the pedagogical apporoach of hte open classroom and multi-age philosophies as well as the general positive environment of Kennedy. For an elementary school in an inner ring suburb of a supposedly 'rust-belt' city, Kennedy has thus far provided nothing but a positive expetation for our son and daoughter's education at this vibrant public school.
—Submitted by a parent