Newburgh Free Academy-Main Campus

I think the Newburgh School District is getting the dirty end of a long stick. The schools have lots of programs (sport, art and more) to offer. All of my children went to Newburgh Schools and they've never encountered a problem. I think more parents should be involved in what their kids are doing and their education. I love Newburgh schools!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is horrible ,I go there now graduating next year and all there is bullying, and gang fights everyday . The other students there are very rude and unfriendly. The teachers are okay some just don't care. Don't go here !
—Submitted by a student

Overcrowded, a lot of drama, always someone fighting, too much tension, some teachers don't know how to teach. Worst school I ever went to and every student thinks the same as well. Oh, and it's strict and you can't do ANYTHING anymore, there's no fun going there.
—Submitted by a student

I am a new parent to the Newburgh School District, however i graduated from it in 1994. It was a great school then and by the way my son raves about it now, i still believe it. He said the people (teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators)are very accomidating and coming from my little critic thats saying alot. Keep up the good work NFA.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is overcrowded, unsanitary, and hard to get around. The room number system is completely unorganized. The teachers here are okay, with some being very unprosfessional.

NFA a great school for any student as long as they do they work .NFA offers alot of extracurricular activities n programs to be anything you want to be from drama plays to a certified nurse. great school great teachers
—Submitted by a student

Diversity and opportunity abound. Programs to combat dropping out operate next to an in house Theater Academy, Solar Car Garage, Web Design and Fashion Design Centers and the Crew Teams have a boathouse on the Hudson. Do not judge this book by its cover. It's a unique place with an amazing core faculty. Solar Car, Track and Debate travel the East Coast. Ssports include Golf, Crew, Ski, Tennis and traditional team sports. Drama and video production are in NYC routinely.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at NFA, until I moved to Dallas, TX. I wish I can turn back time and stayed at this school. NFA is the best. The teachers there are great. I wish I could of stayed to graduate with my class.(2008) The new I went to has nothing on NFA.
—Submitted by a student

NFA is what you make it. Yes, it is a city school and with that fact comes problems. That being what it is, students at NFA have such a numerous amount of interests and classes to choose from. The Arts program at NFA really supports those students who want to do well and the teachers are, for the most part, wonderful examples of what teachers can and should be. There are just so many opportunities for every student at that school and I feel privileged to say that my children are a part of this district. I am a parent of 3--one of whom graduated last yr.in the top of his class and parent of one child who will graduate this year, also at the top. My children have a well-rounded view of the world and we chose to have them in this district.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is just happy if the student passes. Let them cut, be absent, not do work, all acceptable with no consequences what-so-ever. There are so many problems that if the child is passing, they turn the other way. Even when the parent confronts them, it does no good.
—Submitted by a parent

I gaduated from NFA in 1983 and I had achild that graduated in 2003, now I have another child entering in and I was surprised to see all of the things NFA had to offer. No student should leave there undecided about their life after NFA and if they did then they wasted 3 years. If your willing to learn then the teachers are their to teach you and there should be zero tolerance for students that come there their parents expect for them to be there but they spend the day giving the teachers, security guards and other students a hard way to go.' A graduate of the class of 1983.
—Submitted by a parent

To start with this school doesn't even have enough desks and chairs for the number of kids in a class, this is outrageous. As far as teachers go I had to request 4 times to get calls from my childrens teachers and even at that only a few of them called. To say I am disappointed in this district is an understatement. This is our second year in this district and it will also be our last.
—Submitted by a parent

I have just graduated from NFA this past June (06). I have to say that the school is academically a great school however, the students and the environment in which the school is gives NFA a negative impression. We really didn't need security cameras or medal detectors in the entrances. The security guards are racist and prejudice against almost everyone who isn't an African American or Hispanic. The teachers and guidance counselors are great. I am good friends with the principle and the asst.s, they were great. The school has a lot to offer with athletics, clubs, and other organizations. I came out of NFA with a great education and idea of what to expect in the world. It's just that the good students were the ones that did not receive any credit for their work.
—Submitted by Matthew Miller, a former student

The quality of academics is very high. Great teachers,that care about the kids. Offers all the courses that Boces offers,because not affiliated with boces. Ex.,Auto body,Chef Prep,Cosmotology,etc...
—Submitted by a teacher

NFA is a good school academically and offers a wide array of class options. However, the school has many problems to work on in terms of many problems occurring at the school (drugs, vandalism, fights, etc). I think it is very difficult for children to learn in such a hard environment.
—Submitted by a parent

This school suffers from a bad reputation due to past events. Although there are many positive things to be said about nfa, many tend to stress only negative aspects. This school has definetly struggled through a difficult past but the future is very bright.
—Submitted by a parent

What you see on this web page certainly does not reflect the Newburgh Free Academy. It is a shining star in a city with many difficulties. Any student who wants to has the opportunity to succeed, and is encouraged to take advantage of what is offered. Few schools out side of the city of New York offer the subjects, and opportunities in the areas of academic or career education that this high school does to as diverse a population, and non english speaking population that this high school has. When people are considering places to live, and schools in an area, it is worth a look - see. Don't be fooled by the scores. The education is there for the taking. The teachers do care, and need only be asked for help. Sincerely; the parent of graduates.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at NFA, and I have to say that NFA is the greatest school compared to the one I attend now. I graduate in 2005, I wish I could be there to graduate with my friends, and the school is very alive in spirit and full of life, teachers really care about there students and they put attention to them. But what I have to say is that nothing compares to NFA.
—Submitted by Yvette Cardona, a student

Great school, very diversified, offers all kinds of programs- has Inner city mixed in with Town - Real Life!
—Submitted by a parent

I was a studemt at NFA, until I moved to Albuquerque, NM. I missed NFA. The school I came to wasn't as good as NFA. The teachers teach you at NFA! I did graduate,2000. I wish I would have stayed to garduate at Newburgh Free Academy. It's a good school!
—Submitted by a former student