Future Leaders Institute Charter School

FLI has greatly improved this past year. Politics still exist but administration is really working hard to get it back to where it was when Gianna and Mark ran it. The biggest plus is that the classes are small - less than 20 kids in most of them. This means that your child will get a lot of attention. Most of the teachers are very young but they are also enthusiastic and not burned out from teaching yet. I have been with FLI over 6+ years and have been through 4 administrations! I finally feel comfortable again recommending FLI to any students that may be struggling. If your child is gifted then pass because there are no advanced courses and no Regents classes offered. The enrichment program is outstanding still. Lots of programs to choose from and does a real job keeping kids engaged. FLI has also stepped up the tutoring for all students.
—Submitted by a parent

Despite what I've heard-I decided to accept the lottery results and enroll my daughter into FLI. I can not count the amount of times my daughter has had issues with teachers and some bullies. The school's curriculum is well and my daughter has certainly grown academically but the mandatory Enrichment program is horribly staffed and disorganized. The disciplinary actions they take at the school with disrespectful children is next to none. My overall experience with FLI in just 8 months is horrible and makes me say that the school has FAILED my child! This is her first and last year at FLI!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great and qualified however the environment is terrible students are very disrespectful and not willing to learn or to follow the rules. I regret sending my children to this school as they learned bad manners and language .....school should not select such students into the school
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the recent changes in staffing comes at a vulnerable time. This has been a difficult year for the FLI family, and we are committed to move forward for the sake of our students. I believe that returning parents will be pleasantly surprised in the fall because the summer will be spent making changes in structure, staffing, curriculum and discipline policy. The new parents will be pleased and will wonder what all the fuss was about.
—Submitted by a teacher

FlI is a school that you should not send your child. The children are very disrespectul to the teachers and the turnover rate of teachers and staff is bad. There is no discipline witht he children. Many behavorial issues. If you are thinking of having your child atttend Middle School please do not sent your child at FLI. This school progress reported scored a D.
—Submitted by a parent

As I read previous reviews on FLI seems as if nothing has changed; my child is currently in kindergarten and he will not attend this school for first grade. There is definitely a lack of discipline in the majority of the children. This is not an atmosphere I want my child to spend 35 hours a week in.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school has taken a drastic dive in its student behavior.My child has gotten into numerous altercations with the antagonistic , foul mouthed children in this school. If you are an academically conscious parent then this is not the environment to put your child in , run far away from this school as you can..
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's first year and my biggest complaint is the same as the previous posts. The majority of the students have behavioral issues that are a direct result of the lack of discipline in the home. I can say confidently it is NOT a result of the school because I have had several conversations with the parents of some of these students and it is very clear that home life is traumatic. Unfortunately, this plays out in the school. Their curriculum is great, but the lack of parent adherance makes it difficult for staff to follow through. In this age of overcrowded classrooms, I would support the removal of a large portion of the students and replace them with students/families that really DO want the best education for their child. I am holding on one more year, if no changes, my child will not return for 2nd grade.
—Submitted by a parent

FLI is a wondful learning opportunity. My child is completing the 6th grade and second year. Though I will agree that there are behavoral issues, I don;t imagine there is a school without them. Without passing judgement on anyone's home life we would be better served to find creative ways to partner with the school and assist. Parents can come and sit in classes, observe Enrichment and other things. The pressence of addtional adults in the room would likely discourage at least some negative behaviors. . The monthly Breakfast w/the Head of school, Family dinner night, Math night and other activities are wonderful out of the box events for the entire family.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, staff and curriculum! But I agree the parent who posted on Dec 21st, 2009. I thought that charter school would be a great learning opportunity. But many kids come from the troubled homes and their mouths are really bad. No respect. I'll transfer my kid to the better school next year. My kid needs a better learning environment. I wouldn't recommend...
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year in the school. The school is great with the homework and enrichment programs. The security is the best. The problem with the school is the student's. Their mouths are terrrible. The have no respect for each other. I know that teaching comes from home but the school have to put a stop to the behavior that is going on.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school, great curriculum, I love what they are doing with the 1st grade science program, excllent - it got me really involved with my grandson HW assignments. Math program is very good. Hats off to security, they are doing a wonderful job keeping our childrens safe.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school! Great curriculum and great Scienes Program and afterschool activities. Math program they are using is good too. Would recommend to other parents.
—Submitted by a parent