Francis Howell North High School

I have been a student at Francis Howell North for the past 4 years and I have enjoyed my time there. Yes, there are faults with the school and how things are handled, but this can be found in every school. I loved going to the school and seeing the changes in the students, teachers, and the school itself. The school is getting an artificial turf field in the stadium, and has recently completed a new science wing for more interactive chemistry classes. It is also planning on expanding the auditorium in the coming years. I have witnessed the advances in technology that the schol has gone through. Just this year, the business nepartment started recieving new computers, and once that is complete the Mac lab will be updated. There are so many changes that are coming in the next few years that will be great to see. The classes had great teachers that seemed truly dedicated to helping us. They were always energetic and most importantly they made you want to be there. I definately had some challenging classes as well as a few that were more relaxing, but the thing that stood as a constant were the expectations from the teachers, the administrators, and your fellow classmates.
--Submitted by a student

The school focuses to much on EOC's and finals. Its rare to find a course that allows personal discovery and learning. The teachers and admin lack any control of the other kids and allow them to wander freely during class. There is an apparent budget deficit in the school thats so bad that they are cutting the good classes, and instead they are buying an astroturf field instead of replacing the 13 YEAR OLD computers in some of our classes. Next year the school is giving wifi access to the students, but aren't going to upgrade there own or provide computers to be used by the kids that cant afford them. Bullying is a huge problem here as well. It only stops after it happens multiple times. The kids here have no personal responsibility and no respect for anyone but themselves. If you want to let your kid get a second rate education, go here.
--Submitted by a student

While this school has it's faults, I think it is an excellent public high school. Its journalism program is arguably the best in the country. The school also has very successful band, track, science, and soccer programs. Like all schools, their are good teachers and bad teachers, but the principal is excellent. She is very devoted to her school and she is liked by teachers and students both. As far as academics go, this school offers lots of options, from honors and AP classes to a technical program to advanced creative arts classes. This school also accommodates to fit the needs of students with mental disabilities, English as a second language students, and deaf students. And if a student needs additional help, the school offers credit recovery opportunities and tutoring in math and foreign languages. Another plus is that North offers the A+ program, which is a great opportunity for collage.
--Submitted by a student

The staff and students are all very caring about their campus. They have great clubs and programs and their spirit and respect for their school is deserving of any award.
--Submitted by a parent

I have three chidren enrolled at FHN and they have are having a great time. The teachers are great and they all enjoy being in the band. There are many extracurricular activites and the classes that they can take are amazing. They have learned so much there and I am sure that they will have no problems going to college as the staff makes sure they have a plan and try as much as they can to make them succeed. I wouldn't send my kids anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

I am amazed at the high standards this school has as well as staff and the extra - curricular activities this school provides. The school is always changing for the better. I don't think there is a better school in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved particulary to this school district because it was given high ratings from two different Parkway schools. I have to honestly say that I have been very impressed with the curriculum! My child has commented on more than one occasion that it is much harder than Parkway. It is more of a challenge than that of Parkway. My student has excelled in this school, has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is very involved. This is the best school in the Francis Howell School District. If there is something you aren't happy with, get involved and change it! This school has set up different parent involvement groups to voice your opinion and make yourself heard. If you want change, you have to get involved to see that it gets done! You can either be a 'watch what happens person' or a 'make it happen person'. The choice is yours!
--Submitted by a parent

Overall I would give FHN a 2 star rating. The faculty and teachers are nice and seem to know most of the people at the school. Although the teachers and faculty seem to have very little control over the students here. Theres fights almost every other day, kids congregate in the middle of the hall between classes and the teachers seem to idly sit by and do nothing. The school desk and books are usually scribbled all over.The school may have some pluses such as its extracurricular ativities and its faculty but it seems like a lot of the kids here are totally out of control.
--Submitted by a student

The best school out of the Francis Howell School District. My son was involved in many clubs and activities. The academics are great. Having took many honors and AP classes, they helped him get into the college of his first choice. I have talked to him since being there and he felt very well prepared for his first year of college. I have high hopes for FHN in the years to come.
--Submitted by a parent

Today my 16 year old dropped out, instead of trying to help her, they advised her to drop and get a GED, This school could care less about their students, I have one more left at North, I cant wait for her to graduate, So we can be done with Francis Howell District, The worst district in the state of MO.
--Submitted by a parent