Seventy-First High School

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

One of my children graduated from 71st. The other is currently a student there. I have always been proud that my children were Falcons! My children's teachers and counselors have always been the best, but the leadership there has gone downhill the past year and a half. My child comes home and tells me about gang members trying to recruit students during school. My child tells me about the athletic advisor hugging and kissing football players in the hall. She allows the athletes to skip class, take their lunch to her office, and buys them lunch. This is not fair to the other students who are not athletes. The school secretary is rude and acts as the principal. I find it insulting when someone who is not qualified takes it on herself to interpret my child's transcript instead of referring me to my child's counselor. The principal rarely answers my calls. The time I've been to see her about a concern, she promised to take care of it and never did. I am not the only one who feels this way. I am at the point of pulling my child out of this school and yes, I have voiced my complaints to the Board of Education.
--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