John F. Kennedy High School

I was a student at John F. Kennedy and if I could use one word for it it would stressful. The classes were severely over sized and it made it very difficult for teachers to give students the individual attention they deserved. Classes were often loud and disruptive, often it feels like the teachers were on their last line and had just given up, and I do not blame them because of what they're going through. That is not to say that there weren't any good teachers, there were plenty of amazing teachers, but they tended to be on the higher up classes (such as AP and advanced.) The school tended to focus on things that did not matter, such as rules with hats and skirt lengths, rather than the real issues of bullying and disruptive behavior. They also had it in place where only one bathroom was open for most of the day while having a rule if you were tardy to class once (the first time, even) you risked a detention, while limiting passes to the restroom. This not only made students feel untrusted and looked down upon by getting the basic right of using a public restroom taken away, it made us feel more stressed than ever. I do not suggest this school at all.

I wish to stay anonymous but I would like to express my concern with the secretary, Barb I believe her name is who works in the main office. She is really rude, and does not make a first good impression for the school. Common courtesy for visitors of the school whether, parents, family members, students, sub teachers is key. Next time I will be more than happy to report her to the principal.

I am a staff member (I intend to stay anonymous) I must agree with the other post....Why hasn't the state taken this school? If a student gets in trouble its automatic suspension...the students tested at Kennedy compare to that of Detroit public school students.While taylor is becoming the city on the grow, Kennedy is becoming why our children are graduating with a ninth grade education, if they graduate at all...very sad.
—Submitted by a teacher

While Kennedy comes with all the drama of your average high school, it's the staff and their additude that set it a part. If you are respectful and are willing to work for what you want, they will do everything in their power to lift you up as high as you can go and give you as many opportunities as possible.
—Submitted by a student

i went there from 09-10 and it was the worse school ive ever seen i dont know why the state hasn't taken over the school yet
—Submitted by a student

Kennedy was a good school when my kids were there.All of my kids went to college and two graduated from college and have good jobs. The third child has just completed her sophmore year at Wayne State making the dean`s list every semester. The kids have to have some motivation to do things theirselves along with their parents giving a dam about them. Parents need to be parents not their kids friend. Proud graduate of 1979
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student at JFK and am currently attending Thornapple Kellog High in Middleville. I personaly hated the school. It had a bad grading system, too big of classes and funding for the school was unexceptable for other standards. There had been some great teachers in the process such as Mr.Sommerville, Mrs.Stoddard, Mr.Jasue and many other satff members. Overall the school needs great improvement

the school has too much disipline to me...most of the teachers really dont care about these kids at all....they dont give them thst attention that the students need but i will say those classes are way too big.
—Submitted by a student

This school shows us to be a big disappointment. No discipline, Class size are to big. Not enough teaching. We will not be back next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a former student of JFK; I passed four AP tests, know many of the teachers, and am currently at WSU, looking at graduate schools. I think a few teachers are remiss in their duties, especially those near retirement who just want to sit at home and nap rather than teach. However, to counter that, there are many more teachers that truly love their students and respect their job. I think the biggest problem in this IS parents. And unfortunately, it's something that no one BUT those parents can resolve. Even though I had one or two terrible teachers that only required cross words and chapter definitions to be written, my father demanded I read until I learned that information. Parents, YOU instill the importance of knowledge in your children. Not teachers. You can make the best of ANY situation. Teachers should be thought of as 'facilitators' of information not educators.

The school is very unsatisfactory in comparison to other schools. The classes are way too long, and the students do not seem to be learning. In addition, class difficulty is nonexistent. Extra credit is offered merely doing homework or showing up for tests. Furthermore, classes are overcrowded, and discipline is minimal. All in all, this school needs great improvement.

I am a mother of a Jr. I want to Thank all His teachers for noticing my son had a learning disability he went from all E's to Straight A's in two semesters. Thanks to Major and Sgt. without you two my son wouldn't have made it.
—Submitted by a parent

Im currently a freshman at Jfk. I absolutely love it! I feel much safer here than I would've at Truman. We are never locked down or being searched for weeks at a time by the police. Friends of mine at Truman are thinking of switching just for there safety! I high recommend Kennedy.!
—Submitted by a student

It is not necessarily all the faculties fault that the school does meet standards. The students do not have any respect for properties such as books and desks nor do they have any respect towards the teachers as well. Most students do not put forth an effort towards their schoolwork and yet they still blame the teachers.I understand that all the teachers are not perfect,but it's time for students to take responsibility for their own actions, and they must want to learn. I'm not saying that all students are lazy, and I'm not saying that it is all the teachers' fault that students do not learn, but everyone is responsible for striving for his/her own excellence.

I do not like the block scheduling, because it offers too few classes per day, with each class being too long. There are some excellent faculty members, including counselors Mr. Straub and Ms. Rush. The discipline in some classes is terrible. Overall, I am impressed with the care and expertise of the faculty and staff, as observed during conferences and other personal contact.
—Submitted by a parent

No wrestling team and teachers that do not care about the students ability to continue education.

There is no support for the arts / drama programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is low and thats the way they want it. The ROTC is all bureaucratic politics and personally I would keep a good eye on any child of mine in that program.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a horrible school. I went there for a year I got no education
—Submitted by a student

John F. Kennedy High School offers students wonderful opportunities to excel in academics and athletics.
—Submitted by a teacher