Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School

My daughter is a freshman in the vocal program and I too read negative comments. There is no "perfect" school but this school is GREAT!!! She has already grown as a vocalist and in keyboard. She has a confidence in herself and her abilities. The school work is challenging and she is very, very, very happy. There is NO bullying and people are accepting of others even if they are different. There is no discipline issues and I am a picky parent. For those who are thinking of a good school filled with good and talented students then Frank Sinatra is for them. The staff is very nice and so is the guidance counselors. There are various clubs to join and they are open to starting one if interested. The shows are great and the students work hard to be professional.
--Submitted by a parent

my daughter worked very hard and was lucky to make this school as a sophomore. the standards are relatively high considering what this wonderful school has to offer. all parents should see that making a specialized school is a privilege. the so-called gifted or very talent students are simply the hardest workers. disciplined practice is a must. your reward from this school is actually a 4 year scholarship which must be cherished. work hard then work harder. preparation and opportunity lead to luck. the competition in ny is strong.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started in Sept of 2011 as a Drama Major at FSSA. To address some of the negative reviews: there is a level of disorganization you'll have to learn to navigate, as parent and as student. But nothing happens that cannot not be fixed and staff as well as teachers are cooperative. Strict drama program which my daughter takes immense pride in, it showed positive effects on her physically and mentally after a very short time already . No one gets coddled here , but in my opinion, if students don't learn to fend for themselves in High School, where else...??? We are very happy with the choice of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

After my daughter got accepted into this school, i read some of the negative reviews and i became extremely worried. Needless to say she has yet to miss a day of school because she loves this school so much. She is an A average student and she has no problems with her teachers. I just went to their 10th anniversary gala and it was stupendous. The students at FSSA are very talented.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a junior in this school and I'm in love with this school. I am always happy to come and sometimes I would rather be at school then home. I always have great school sprit. The teachers do play favorites but that never affected my grade. I am a 90 student who is taking 2 ap classes 1 being the hardest class in school ap bio and it's very challenging. I'm not always the one picked for everything like I didn't get into musical theatre but I did get into opera workshop and we are always offered new way to improve. I feel that the parents that complain are because there children are the ones messing up the school because they aren't spoon fed everything.
--Submitted by a student

this is a terrible terrible high school. the principal has no clue what goes on there. Deans are too busy chasing after kids that look a certain way instead of being fair and doing their job. Good teachers have gone. The ones remaining dont care about their jobs. Guidance counselors mess up schedules. Dont send your kid there unless you dont care
--Submitted by a student

I have no regrets going to this school at all. I am a 2011 graduate as principal Bassist of the school and I got so much out of going here. I believe that high school is what you make of it, and I took advantage of the resources at this school. I wouldn't be the musician I am today if it wasn't for FSSA. I think that the people who complain about the school are mostly students and parents of students who are not that talented/not taking advantage of the opportunities and hope to be spoon-fed good results. Some people don't understand working hard. Again, I stand by that I have no regrets going to this school except for the ingrates who just walk around school wasting time once they are accepted.
--Submitted by a student

my biggest complaint was with the parent coordinator, she is condescending, judges kids talent, talks behind kids backs and her job is to help parents. She is not professional and I know of at least 10 parents who or complaining to the DOE this year, they are actually afraid to complain until their child leaves the school because of her rough classless ,behavior, how sad is that??
--Submitted by a parent

my husband and I had a lot of issues with some of the teachers. They are very laid back and do not cooperate when you come to them with concerns such as low test grades. We are very dissatisfied with the lack of support from the guidance counselor as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I wrote that my daughter's SATs were 2080/2400 when actually they were much higher at 2280/2400! I just wanted to add (because I met the maximum space alloted) I have a third child going this coming Sept for Drama studio. She elected to turn down a catholic school scholarship for FSSA. She can't wait for 8th grade to be over with. My kids don't live around the corner either. We are from Staten Island. I hope that this info helps.
--Submitted by a parent