Charles Finney School

My daughter has attended Finney for two years. The teachers are excellent: they care about the students while holding them to a high standard of academic rigor. I have heard many students and parents say that this is the first place their child feels safe. I cannot say enough about Finney.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our 5th year at Finney and we have seen many changes over those years, all for the better. Finney is by far the best choice we have made in parenting our kids - a safe, Christian environment where our values are upheld and promoted. The teachers are outstanding and committed to excellence in teaching academics as well as challenging our kids to live out their faith in a "real" world. The communication link between home and school is amazing, teachers respond within a day of getting any of my emails and address concerns almost immediately. The academics are challenging with an honors track added to middle school which works well for our daughter. Students bond together with bullying and fighting being non-existent.. There's a no-tolerance policy for bad behavior, yet grace is always offered with high expections on personal responsibility. This is unheard of at other schools. After getting involved and volunteering at the school, I have been able to see "behind the sceens" all the great things going on, like amazing weekly chapels and incredible PTO involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

As far as a school being a Christian school , Finney is greatly disappointing. There is no integration of Christian belief with the subject matter presented in the classroom or in the textbooks chosen. They may have a convincing advertising program, but the term 'Christian world view ' should not be in any advertising because it is not presented in the classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child is in 2nd year of attendance. We perceive that the new administration has brought unity, clarity of vision, purpose, order and higher standards of behavior to Finney. Community service hours (for high schoolers), uniforms have been put in place - great! New Parent-Teacher Organization is also striving for excellence. Our child has been challenged intellectually, spiritually and physically (the sports programs are overseen by a very dedicated A.D.). More opportunities for music, drama and other extra-curricular activities than at some other Christian schools. Generally feel a 'can-do' optimism in the atmosphere from all who are there.
--Submitted by a parent

We have stuck with Finney for the last 6 years of turmoil. We have made the difficult decision to remove all of our children at the end of this school year. We were very excited when the new administrative changes were made this year however, no details have been made to parents despite our asking. The k-5 is good and then it goes down hill. There isn't any dress code, facilities are filthy and school pride is nil. Enrollment has sunk with a high turnover rate each year. The SAT's (despite earlier posting) are the lowest of all private and some public schools. This school needs to make quick drastic changes(uniforms,discipline,turnover,education) or it will be closing!
--Submitted by a parent

'Ive been at finney since it was NCCS .. it started off great but that last 2 years all the administration changed and everything went down hill. The last 2 years having 3+ english teachers a year!
--Submitted by a student

Charles Finney is the best christian school in Rochester, hands down. My children started at Northstar and transfered to Finney in highschool. It was the best decision of my life. Academiclly, they have no rivals in the area. Look at the SAT scores. Athleticlly, they are far superior. And most importantly, the staff is caring and supportive. You will not find better!
--Submitted by a parent

Honestly in my opinion I feel that finney is on its last leg and wont make it much longer. I went there for 4 years of highschool. The first 2 years were ok, things seemed to be some what under control. However, the administration is a huge problem. They have no backbone and do not stick by their rules or follow the student handbook. Kids can get away with anything there. As far as christian values go...well they go out the window. The students are completely hypocritical. In chapel everyone is like wohoo praise God, but when they walk out the doors they are the deviant kids who would do all the destructive pranks. I wouldnt recommend sending any student here. If you are looking to go to a private school they're are plenty of others that I would strongly suggest looking into.
--Submitted by a student

Finney is a tremendous school despite what others have said. In the Rochester area it really has no rival. Finney has achieved great things like back to back state championships. Its really the best of both worlds here, with private schools and public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended this school thru the changes, unfortunately the changes keep coming. The dress code has all but been eliminated. They have revamped the music dept. but art in the grade school is in need of help. This is a good school if your child wants to play a varsity sport as it is small enough; that isn't as important to us. Communication has always been an issue. The web site is not up to date- the news letter comes out in the middle of the month- no one seems to know what is going on. There is a big division still between the 3 sections of school no school unity.Christian values are present but it is an affordable alternative to public school.
--Submitted by a parent