Seventy-First High School

I've attended several basketball games at this school. After listening to the vulgar lyrics of Lil Wayne No Worries I was appalled. Google the lyrics to this song and you will understand why we have a disrespect for young ladies and teenage pregnancy. What does this say about the adults, so called leaders/teachers who is playing this song at the games to pump up their students. I'm totally unsure how this is allowed!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Here's a prime example of what is wrong with our school system. The current principal ranks as one of county's worst. Her one year contract is recently overrided for a four year one and the one who pushed for this action was the superintendent. It is obvious he doesn't have a clue about what is going on at this school or any other in this county. The solution to the "public school problem" is simple. Cut those $100,000 + positions at the board; most of them don't do anything. Fire inept administrators. Quit cutting the teachers and support staff; they're the ones doing all the work. On the state level, use the education lottery funds for what they were intended-education. The Fayetteville Observer should do an expose on what is going on inside the public schools of this county. Many heads would fly and it wouldn't be the ones working in the trenches.
—Submitted by a parent

Had a child graduate in 2010 & one coming out this year. I have a son in middle school & I refuse to let him attend this school. Mr. Miller was a wonderful principal but when he left the school has gotten worse. Dr. Alford tried in the begining but not anymore. There is not enough action being taken on her part about all the disruptive behaviors going on in the school. She hands of the responsibilities to others who are not doing their job. The trouble makers need to be removed from the school yet she spends too much time protecting them instead of the students who need protecting. Teachers are not held accountable for their actions, which teaches the students they shouldnt be held accountable. Many of the teachers are just as immature as the students. The attitude of the the office staff is horrible. They act like you are interrupting them when you come in the office for help. You can not get a hold of the principal with important issues & have to go through her secretary who does not pass on information in a timely manner. The kids at this school are out of control because they do not have good guidance. They need new staff & possibly a new principal.
—Submitted by a parent

71st is a very good school. I always make good grades at 71st. The teachers and adults are caring and understanding. They always try to help you no matter what. 71st is a very safe school too.
—Submitted by a student

This isnt the worst school but it isnt the best school neither. my only complaint about this school is not only revolve around football and basketball so much. Theres other sports teams in this school but nobody really cares because they dont know about it. I think if the school put more funding and work into baseball, soccer, and other sports, we'll be a better school.
—Submitted by a student

I absolutely love this school. My only regret is that there's not enough, if any, funding for the Arts. Basically, everything revolvs around the Football team and the Basketball team. When was the last time you heard the Orchestra? Or seen a showing of the Art Student's art? The Drama and Forensics team are doing great, but no one knows it. As a member of the Theater Department, Forensics Department, and Band Department, I know first hand what's lacking. Sure, the school is fantastic- no fights, acedemically and artistically gifted students, and people who want to learn- but can we get a round of applause and a little support for the Arts? Please?
—Submitted by a student

I love this school. The majority of the staff is really kind. Mr.Miller is a great, caring principal as well as other members of the adminstrative staff. The students are well-behaved compared to previous experiences and I feel extra prepared and safe here.
—Submitted by a student

I am so proud to be a Falcon. I believe in our students, I believe in the teachers. The climate at Seventy First has made an incredible shift and I am glad I have the opportunity to watch students achieve to their highest potential.
—Submitted by a parent

Things have greatly improved since the new principal, Mr. Miller arrived. He honestly loves his job and he's passionate and cares about all of his students. Some students and parents do not like him because he is unable to help them but he tries to help to the best of his ability. Its amazing school but unfortunately, it constantly shows up in the news because of drugs and fights. The news and community takes all of this out of context, making 71st look like its a 'bad' school. But honestly, what high school doesn't have those? One thing about the school that bothers me is that the school is called the Arts Academy but the music department is falling apart. its unorganized, underfunded, and if you're in band, the students practice long hours, late into the night and still have school the next day.
—Submitted by a parent

I just recently graduated from Seventy-First High School (2008) When I first moved to Fayetteville, I was dreading going to SFHS, I soon realized that school is not about the student around, it's about the teachers. Every teacher I encountered seemed to be very attentive towards each and every student. My advice if you or your child believes the rumors going around is to just forget them, because there is a new principal, Mr. Al Miller, and he is going to bring the school to new heights. The Arts Acedemy at SFHS is wonderful, I was lucky to be able to take part in it. All around it is a great school, just know that what effects you or your child's stay is the other students, not the faculty and/or staff.
—Submitted by a student

i think this school is a good school but at the same time they can do better when it comes to picking classes & letting you take the classes you really need to take.
—Submitted by a student

Ever since MR. Miller took over my High school life has been great!!!!! To Bad this is my senior year. Im just glad he's making it memorable. another good thing about mr. Miller is that he is a people person and easy to talk to if a student needs anything
—Submitted by a student

Mr. Jones- Theater Arts Although I m sure there are other great teachers at this school, I never had the pleasure of getting to know them first hand. The greatest after school activity (in my opinion) although sometimes the most frustrating is JROTC. This program is not nearly as rigorous as many students believe. I learned many valuable lessons here in leadership, respect, dedication. I traveled to many places completely free (save for the food I ate sometimes) I ve been to Oklahoma, Ohio, D.C. (twice), Alabama, South Carolina, and many other small trips at no expense to me.
—Submitted by a parent

Seventy First High School has the potential to be a great school if all teachers liked teaching. At this school you have those teachers that are very envolved with their students and others that could careless if their student passes or fails. Seventy First is making more and more rules to follow to keep safety first. Those rule are not always necessary because it restricts other students that do not have bad behaviors 'freedom'. The motto is about learning and all that good stuff but when it comes down to it, it seems as if having a safe school is the main priority and not the education of the students. Students are suspended for being late to class even if you are only late by one minute but they say education comes first.
—Submitted by a student

seventy first is the best high school that there is and they have a good basketball teams and good teachin program
—Submitted by a former student

Very nice school. The teachers are great. Very involved with the hip hop style.
—Submitted by Vanessa P, a student

My child graduated at SFHS and I have no regret sending her to this school. The faculty and staff are wonderful, the Principal is an amazing woman. My daughter loved all her teachers and they loved her back unconditionally. If parents would only get involved and be a part of the school they will discover SFHS is not a bad school afterall. There are a lot of good teachers in this school; students just have to focus and pay attention and not blame the teachers if they get bad grades.Teacers don't make the grades, students do.
—Submitted by a parent

My children love Seventy-First High School. I wish the principle and some of the teachers felt the same way. I am military and was first assigned to this area in 1994. During this time period everyone wanted to attend this school. I left and now I've return and this school on the 'Worst School List'. I can identify with some of the other responses and do not want to place blame on the entire staff. I do question the leadership. I ask my son how often does the principle come to your class and he said 'never'. Yes, the assist may visit the classes but the Principle should be spot checking classes to ensure the teachers are doing their job. If the boss send his assistant I'm not to worried but if the 'Boss' shows up I'm alert. Teachers should be in this mode all the time. Parent involvement is key!
—Submitted by a parent

I have received a top quality education from Seventy-First High School. I feel adequately prepared, not just for college, but for life as well. I have been blessed to have attended this great school. The various extracurricular activities meet the interests of our diverse population. There is something for everyone. People all over the county choose to send their children to Seventy-First, the Cultural Arts Academy. My parents had a choice, and they made the right one by sending me here.
—Submitted by a student

Counsellers are not emphasizing enrollment in core (college prep) courses with parents making the final decisions on class enrollments. Recruiting/tryout process did not select best athletes based on a fair and objective basis-'Finally a new football coach!' The band spends too much time for practice after school, while bandmembers attending class the next school day. Parent involvement would improve if teachers and administrators would keep appointments and treat parents' time with the same importance as they would their time! New Student Orientation was a desaster! Lack of organization does not give new students and parents a good first impression. Seating was horrible and there was too many things being addressed in a short period of time. Overall I have doubts that my son is getting the best preparation for a top college or university of his choice!
—Submitted by a parent