Farmington Senior High School

FHS has it's ups and downs. It makes and exceeds state minimums for special needs students, but in doing so it lacks the funding needed to educate those who are not special needs properly. I am a graduate of this school and I spent most of my career there fighting to change the curriculum for those of us who were capable of taking classes like AP Physics and Calculus. I enjoyed my time there and it has helped me grow a lot as an individual. I'm not sure I'd ever send my kids there, mostly due to how much of a rebel I was and the teachers all know it ;-). But I don't wish I'd gone to any other school. I didn't graduate in the top ten of my class, but I'm doing well in college and in my career as well. There are some really amazing teachers there that aren't there for the money. I've seen the budget, I know how much they make, most of the teachers are there because they care about the students. If they were just in it for the money, they'd go some where else. A lot of them have to have summer jobs to make their bills. As some have stated, bullying is an issue and Middle School administration looks the other way. However, the high school is pretty good at putting a stop to it quickly.
—Submitted by a student

As a parent of a student there and since this student has now attended a better school. Farmington is horrible. I wouldn't want my child in this school at all. Teachers are unresponsive to student needs. If you are able to grasp the academics and do not need assistance I guess you may be fine, but you certainly are not getting the education that one would get at any other school. I guess that is why it is rated a 1 out of 10. My child was an F student regardless of what I tried to do. Teachers never communicated even though it was part of his education plan. He is now in a school that is rated 5 out of 10 and is finally getting A.B and C's but still struggles due to the lack of education he received in middle and freshman year of HS. Don't move to Farmington!
—Submitted by a parent

Farmington High School is my home away from home. I am sad to graduate but know i will be able to succeed at whatever I do in life because of FHS. Go Tigers!!!!
—Submitted by a student

FHS is one of the best High School's there are, just because its small doesn't mean that it doesn't have an impact.
—Submitted by a student

I know that no matter where I go in life. I will be coming back to Farmington and raising my kids here and sending them to FHS. FHS had me more then prepared for college. The English classes were great. Although it's a small school, FHS was always a place where I knew I would be safe. I miss going there and I felt like we were all a big family. I loved it there. Especially Mr. Lee the principal who will be retiring after this year. He was like a second father to all of us, and no matter how busy he was he always had time for the students. All of the Farmington schools have a zero tolerance policy on harassment and bullying. They work hard to make sure that nobody feels uncomfortable going to school. I highly recommend FHS.
—Submitted by a student

I actually attended this school and graduate in 2001. I went off to college to find I was inadequately prepared for the rigorous studies that I was about to face. Farmington High, does no encourage academic acheivement, many students in my class never even graduated. I went to college and did succeed although I was much farther behind then other students who came from much wealthier communities. Farmington High revolves around the sport of basketball, and many of the other programs are ignored, such as cheerleading or in general female based sports. I feel that it would have been to my advantage to have attended a private school, which would have offered more college level classes, and maybe some AP classes as well.
—Submitted by a former student

I have always found FHS to be a school to be proud of. My son graduated in 2002 and was well prepared for his journey through college (UNH). My daughter is presently a JR. and I am sure she will have the same experience. What the school lacks in size it makes up in personal caring. Mr. Lee is by far one of the finest educators around and he inspires his staff to reach their highest potential. The small size allows the families, the students and the educators to work as a team. Thank you FHS.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school,the music teacher is wonderful,the teachers are great,from Mr Lee to Mr Blake everyone is helpful and concerned for ALL the students,Mr Lee knows all the students by name,knows them and greets the parents in a non generic way. You will find most of the teachers there well past thier 'quitting time'helping students or just helping with an extracurricular activity! They do not get the praise they deserve! Parent involvement could be better,but,overall it's a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been a student of the Farmington school district since 1st grade, she is now a sophmore. Bullying started in 7th grade and is still an issue. students have to report that there is any issue. Administrators at the school tend to look the other way. If students fail a test they are allowed to re-take the test by doing an open book retake = push the kids onto the next grade. I have asked for help for my child who is being bullyied but have not received any response. teachers seem to be frustrated and overwhelmed by the amount of kids from disfunctional families. The principle has an uphill battle, the kids come to the high school missing most of the basics.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that fhs has certain administations that want the school to be a good school but certain teachers and case management needs to improve I dont believe that they work together as well as they should. They need much improvements and if your child has an iep dont count on them using it the battle with farmington high never stops.
—Submitted by a parent