Fred T Foard High School

I am proud to say that I attend Fred T. Foard High School. The faculty at the school go so far beyond just teachers, they are our mentors in life. As far as sports are concerned I know we do not have good teams. But never in my life would I stand at a football game in the pouring rain with 200 other students and watch our team get beat 27 to 0 if I didn't go to Foard. Everyone at school is a family we cry together we laugh together and most important we learn together. As a student that started the 9th with all D's I had a teacher that motivated me to do better and now I am 5th in my class and had a 28 composite score on the 10th grade PLAN test(which only 4% of students in the nation make). My family is Fred T. Foard and there is no other place I would rather be.
--Submitted by a student

This is one of the most diverse schools in the area, and it is not a strength. Cow pastures aside, this is not a redneck school. Cliques (and there are many) are firmly cemented into the fabric at FTF. If you're a student, find one - and quick. In respect to administration, there is no consistency. The principal has been there for almost ten years, but the assistant principals have come and gone every year. Half of the school is in disrepair. Sure, the new additions are fabulous -- but the rest is a relic of the Cold War and is falling apart. It affects a student's confidence to see their school so neglected. The faculty is inconsistent. I graduated from college with a BA in French, but I was very unprepared. The teachers at Foard were often very nice, but many let students get away without learning anything. The variety of teaching styles in the same department can confuse students. One year will be easy, the next year will be over their heads. Fred T. Foard lacks continuity. It's no wonder many alumni choose not to support the school; for different reasons, my three siblings and I have no pride in our alma mater. Our family has 10 years with Foard under our belts.
--Submitted by a student

The good: Some pretty good kids in the school compared to some of the other places in the county. The bad: Athletic facilities are really bad (gym and football stadium/field). Foard is a pretty good place compared to most places. I would put it in the top 2 schools in the county (Bandys and Foard). Not very many "bad" kids. It has a lot of the same problems every school in the area has. Some good teachers mixed in with a few that aren't real strong. Not many athletes, but a lot of the parents think their kids are all going to be college level athletes.
--Submitted by a parent

In response to an earlier email, the coaching is not all bad. Some of our programs are doing a real good job. The volleyball team is doing well again, cross country fields a competitive team, the wrestling team just won a state title, and the softball team is above average. I will agree that the athletic facilites are as bad as anywhere in the state. I guess we need to let our school board members know! Also, the AD is very power hungry. If it's not her idea, then it's a bad idea!
--Submitted by a parent

The athletic facilites are really BAD. The football stadium is falling apart (home side), and has loose gravel all over the place. The gym is also really bad. The gym floor needs sanding and another paint job. The gym walls are dirty, and the banners need to be hung up straight! Also, FTHS is the only school in the county without an athletic field house, and 1 of only 2 without a 2nd gym. I guess we are the red-headed step child of the county when it comes to facilites. However, the front office/library area is really nice.
--Submitted by a parent

Needs a new principal for sure, some teachers are wonderful but some are there ONLY for a paycheck and the coaching is horrible. The band director loves what he does and it shows. He is wonderful. I believe FOARD falls short in academics as well. DEFINATELY NEEDS AN OVER-HALL...GET RID OF THE PRINCIPAL !!!
--Submitted by a parent

In Catawba County I doubt you'll do much better than Foard. It's certainly no Enloe or School of Math and Science, but there's no excuse not to be prepared for college after graduating from Foard. There are definitely plenty of extracurricular activities beyond sports. The marching band and band director is one of the best in the area and there are competitive academic teams that consistently beat out the expensive Raleigh private schools in state competitions. When I was starting middle school my family moved specifically because my parents wanted my brother and me to go to Foard.
--Submitted by a student

As a former student, current education major, and future middle grades teacher, I would like to say that I was disappointed with the education I received at FTF. I was in every AP class I could take, involved with clubs, and always followed the 'rules' (as ridiculous as they were). Upon entering college I realized how unprepared I was to compete with and work at the same level as other students from various areas. I am successful in college only because of the extra work I put in to get my skills to the level they needed to be, not because of my education at Foard. If you need proof of this, read some of the comments from other students. Their grammar is atrocious. The principal honestly did put too much focus on the dress code. I dressed conservatively and was chastised for my outfit at times.
--Submitted by a student

While reading the reviews, I noticed only one negative review from a student, and her main complaint was with the principal's enforcement of the rules of the school. Just maybe if that student would fall within the boundries of those rules the pricipal might not have to enforce them. I, for one, believe that she is doing a wonderful job. Now the school has many extracurricular activties. The teachers for the most part are motivating and knowledgable. The arts and music departments are great. So, I have no complaints, no, I am proud to be sending my child to Fred T. Foard. Pat Moss, president FTF Choral Boosters
--Submitted by a parent

FTF high school is like most high schools. The school it self has its up and downs, but the school has a lot to offer. There are numerous extracurricular activties to choose from like Marching Band, some of the sports available to play, and the numerous clubs. The majority of the teachers are excellent and try to motivate their students to succeed. The principal is tough, but she has the schools needs as her first priority. She is trying to make the school as an efficient learning ground as possible for the students so that they may succeed in life after they have graduated. Also, the school is very safe, there are very few fights and there is no tension between the racial groups attending the school. There is no problems with drugs being distributed through out the school, or a problem with students bringing weapons. Although the school is overcrowded, and even with the new addition to the building, all the halls are severely congested. But overall the school has an excellent program for young men and women to learn and grow in.
--Submitted by a student