First Colonial High School

I came from a private school, and was a tad nervous about attending a public school. I was also worried that the education wouldn't be the same, but I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly, in some aspects First Colonial did a better job than private school. The teachers are welcoming, and the students made me feel right at home. This is a great school!
—Submitted by a student

First Colonial High is a wonderful school with loving and caring teachers! The teachers truly care about the student and his/her education. First Colonial offers a wide variety of clubs and athletic programs. She is a member of many clubs and is on the basketball team. She loves First Colonial!
—Submitted by a parent

First Colonial provided me with an outstanding education, allowing me to gain early acceptance to the university of my choice. The staff was inspiring, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at FCHS.

My child has been at FC for two years and I am nothing but pleased with her experience. While no school is perfect, FC provides a strong academic program for those that want to achieve, safe environment, broard range of afterschool activities and approachable staff. EVERY school has a few bad seeds, but FC makes overt efforts to keep things in check and transparent! Go Patriots!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Norfolk Academy until transferring to FC in 11th grade. I was worried that FC would not have the same level of education. It has surpassed my expectations in so many ways. I have incredible teachers, who treat us respectfully and for the most part love what they teach. There are, of course, exceptions, but both public and private schools hold on to teachers that should be let go! In regard to violence, I have seen one fight in 2 years that escalated. Teachers are so good about getting opposing parties to talk before anything happens. Drugs and drinking are the same as at any high school. Private schools just hide it better, and the kids have more money to spend on 'better' drugs; which is also a problem at Cox. FC has flaws, but parents need to realize that any school is what their child chooses to make it.
—Submitted by a student

As a graduate of FC, I'm ashamed by things parents have written about my school. I honestly can say the vast majority of teachers are kind, intelligent, and care about the progress of their students. In comparison to other public AND private schools in Virginia Beach, I feel blessed to have gone to FC. I currently go to prestigious university and completely believe I would not have been prepared for the caliber of college work had I gone to a private school. I have no idea what parents are talking about when they say FC has 'drug problem'...90% of the those involved in those kinds of things are caught and disciplined. I always felt safe at FC. The current principal, Mr. Holt is an AMAZING administrator who takes the time to get to know students and listens to concerns of everyone, no matter their role in the school.

I am a student currently attending FC and I enjoy going to this school. I have been going to FC for 3 years now and it's a pleasure. The teachers are great and the staff is very helpful. I am so proud to be a First Colonial Patriot.
—Submitted by a student

This used to be a nice school. Over the past few years, violence has escalated. There are some excellent teachers, and my daughter has enjoyed the gifted program offerings, but I DO NOT plan to let my younger child attend this school. There is also a new principal. Many of us pay high home prices to be in this school district. It is not worth it anymore. I don't know where I will send my younger child, but it won't be First Colonial.
—Submitted by a parent

First Colonial has always provided a strong academic program for students who are motivated. My wife and I graduated from the school as have 3 of our children, and our fourth son will be a senior there this year. The building is quite old, but the school provides both remedial and advanced classes. The old facility may lead to the impression that the school is inferior, but the academic environment will be what the student makes it.
—Submitted by a parent

A few years ago I wrote about my daughter's experience in the Legal Studies Academy (LSA) at First Colonial High School and how she enjoyed it. The LSA program has gotten even better under the direction of Dr. Scherr (program Coord.) and Dr. Jesse (school Principle). The program has won state and national honors and the school itself was ranked in the top 500 of 28,000 high schools in the nation for academics. My daughter will be attending VCU this fall in the Forensic Science program and I credit the LSA faculty and all the countless volunteer judges, lawyers, law enforcement officials, and scientists for providing knowledge and guidance in this program.
—Submitted by Sid Dingman, a parent

This school is awful! the teachers are horrible, the amount of drug use and crime are disgraceful, and the education is below average. The building itself is falling apart, and there is far too much drama and issues that occur. I dont see why it would be a suitable learning center for any highschooler, and i certainly would never want my child to attend again. We swiched over to Cape henry Collegiate, which is right next-door. The facilities are amazing, and the teachers, administration and students are second to none. You would have to be either foolish or incredibly nieve to think of First Colonial High school as a good place for a child to be taught.
—Submitted by a parent

First colinial, from a students point of view, is not a great school. I have attended fc since 9th grade(im now a senior). There are indeed some womderful teachers/administraters at the school, but the bad ones definatly outnumber the good ones by over half. If teachers talked nicer,students would,and that cycle would continue. Some of the rules are ridiculous too. For example, we are not allowed to get out of our seats at football games unless getting a snack or bathroom. Ugh theres so much to write, and so little space.This school disgusts me!
—Submitted by a student

The school manages to provide an above average educational experience, in spite of a pressing need for up-grading the facility (old buildings) and a serious over-crowding problem.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends the Legal Studies Academy within First Colonial High School and it is truly an amazing program. She is in her 2nd year and every day she comes home excited and talking about what she learned that day. The academy director has gone to great lengths to provide the best opportunity for the students including bringing in former and current law enforcement officials, attorneys and judges to teach. There is a full-scale courtroom in the school where the students conduct mock trials. The majority of my daughter's classes are law based which I think breaks away from what kids normally get bored with. The program only invites 100 freshman students from the district each year and it is a challenging curriculum. The school staff, from principle to security has been nothing but helpful and professional.
—Submitted by Sid Dingman, a parent

This is a very fine high school. Most especially I have been impressed with how my student has become involved in the activities offered by First Colonial. The instrumental music programs are wonderful and have given my daughter a chance to excel and to participate in events and performances she would never have been able to in our previous school. As a junior this year she had so many advanced placement courses to choose from, she was actually disappointed that she could only take 8 classes! The administration is student centered and supportive.
—Submitted by a parent