Waterford Kettering High School

Not impressed at all with Waterford School District. The middle school passed my child that was suspended 3/4 of the school year, half of which was consecutive. How do you pass a child that was not even in school?
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to say thanks for the information good and bad to review. I'm in the middle of moving back downstate around the Waterford area and one of my biggest struggles is finding the right school that will fit my son's needs. This is his first year attending High School. He has a mild case of Autism and has a hard time remembering things. My only wish is that whatever school he attends I hope the teachers will be patient and give him the time and learning he deserves.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst ever! the teachers teach you nothing!
—Submitted by a student

I love waterford kettering schools. Great place for teaching and learning.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 boys who have already gone through Waterford schools and my youngest just started at Kettering this year. I love Waterford Schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Waterford Kettering is one of the greatest schools because of it's leader, Josh Wenning. He is a strong advocate for kids and welcomes kids and parents into his office for all reasons and at all times.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a really great school, my son attended for two year and then switched to mott, his grades really dropped. Mott's teachers were no where near as good as ketterings. At kettering my son said they are more hands on, and pay more attention to their students. And at mott they dont focus on each child
—Submitted by a parent

Great Kettering administrators, wonderful teachers who encourage their students of all levels of learning. Fantastic office staff who know their students. Terrific music program - don't eliminate it.
—Submitted by Velma, a parent

I agree I to am paying over $300.00 to sylvan for reading help they should have been giving in the lower grades. They preach about diversity and getting along. Well when a teacher is throwing markers in the opposite direction of a student. Well what's wrong here. The teachers swear in the class rooms are special Educations kids are not getting the help they really need. Parents are trying to help avaicate for them and that hurts the student even more. Don't use the IEP's in the class room setting. You would be surprise what a special education student can do. It isn't all about who's the smartest. There are plenty of kids who are involved in sports outside of the school but do you see there name any where for what they do? No you don't. I will not stop fighting for my childs rights. One more year. Parent
—Submitted by a parent

I have a graduating senior and a freshman attending Kettering. The senior is near the top of his class and the freshman has always struggled a bit. I'm happy to say they have offered assistance for kids at both ends of the spectrum. Kids (and parents) have plenty of opportunity for involvement. Unfortunately many parents can't/won't participate it seems, but the ones that do are a big asset to the school. I have only had one teacher that I (and my son) had a problem getting along with. Most of the teachers go that extra mile for the kids. Overall, I have found Kettering to be much better than I had originally expected.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daugther that graduated in 2006, and a son that is a sophomore at WKHS; I have to say that I have never felt disappointed, always teachers and the principals have been very supportative. Parents have to be the first key in their young persons life, work with the schools, keep tabs on their friends, grades, and keep them involved fully in something other than the IPod and texting. I have never felt ignored but then I would never allow that. WKHS has so many wonderful teachers and volunteers it is amazing, they care in fact I would say 95% of the teachers do far more then they are expected to do. WKHS has so many great programs for young people it truly blows my mind. They do care very much I would say more so then alot of high schools. I am more than happy and proud.
—Submitted by Kim, a parent

I have a daughter graduating from Kettering in 2008. I have been very pleased with the principal and almost all of her teachers. There have only been two teachers that I felt were not as strong as they could have been. My daughter has always gotten along well with her peers and the educators and staff. Anytime I have had a question, it has been answered and I do feel that the prinicpal in particular is very approachable with questions and concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

Like any high school today there are problems and certain kids who are more interested in bad habits than an education. However, my daughter is not one of them and I have been very pleased with her progress so far (she is a Junior). There have been a couple of teachers I wasn't thrilled with but most are good and quite dedicated. The principal and administration is involved and approachable. The key to me is that parents need to be involved. Not to an excessive level, but to be aware of what is going on with your own kids, what subjects they may be having difficulty in and how to get them extra help when needed. I have seen creative approaches to solving issues, such as challenge day and the seminar periods.
—Submitted by Fran, a parent

As a parent of a newly student, I am very disappointed about the school discipline inside the school. The teachers here only suspend the students schooling without detailed investigation to solve the problem. Parent of course is unable have sufficient information to know what has happened in school. The school principal and vice principals of course are not open to talk and assist parents when needed. The school and parents' relationship is poor.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at Waterford Kettering, a Sophomore in the 2009 class. I would like to say that yes Kettering has its ups and downs, but so does every other school. I love Kettering and their is no where else I would want to be. No private school can teach me what Kettering is and has.
—Submitted by a student

I have a freshmen in this school and this year has been a struggle. Partly due to peer pressure and partly due to the enourmous amount of drugs and alcohol that is flowing thru not only the hallways but even drinking in the classrooms. Some students know right from wrong and some don't. The lack of teacher to parent involvment is void.
—Submitted by a parent

As a newly 'single-parent' I feel somewhat intimidated or even judged by the parents who do volunteer! I cannot offer as much time as I would like to, nor can I constantly provide the money most events require! Most fundraisers are aimed at the parents pockets as well! In all, I feel somwhat disappointed in this school!-both socially and academically. In addition, I have also paid $400 monthly to Sylvan to compensate my son's lack of learning quality!
—Submitted by a parent

Poor Poor Poor....Waterford Schools in general are a disgrace. There are no adademic programs. It is an osasis of trying to prompt kids to achieve high scores on various state wide test so the district can receive more state revenue. The children are not learning to think for themselves. I find it amazing that the population of Waterford is growing in leaps and bounds populaton wise and yet the public school had to close two elementary schools. The class of 1984 was larger than the class of 2003, this is repeating itself every year. I regret not keeping my child in a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Waterford Kettering 4.5 years ago and I have to say I'm quite disappointed to see such negative comments posted on this website. I am graduating from Michigan State University this December and would have to say that looking back at my high school career I can't say enough good things about my high school experience. I have no idea if some of these teachers are still working for Kettering but teachers such as Mr. Stewart my chemistry teacher showed such enthusiasm about what he taught I chose to major in Chemistry in college and now I have a great number of career opportunities that lie ahead of me. Mr. Farah, his class taught me more about goals and dreams than I think most people learn in a life time and I have to say that because of his class I am a more successful and productive person today.
—Submitted by a former student

I went to Waterford Kettering years ago. When I read parent responses posted here, it fills me with anguish. They are 'one-sided', complaining, and really provide no real insight into the quality of the staff or the school. I have heard great things about Kettering, and it was a great school when I went there. Often times education is blamed when it is the parents who are responsible. Visit the school and see for yourself!
—Submitted by a former student