John F Kennedy Memorial High School

Save your money. This school is such a disappointment. It is one of the biggest party school in the area. The leadership group only cares about their reputation not about the kids. The communication, when there is a problem, is nonexistant. The majority of teachers are alums who have been there for decades - meaning outmoded methods. There is no additional help for students who are struggling.
--Submitted by a parent

This school may look nice from the outside. But you have heard the saying "never judge a book by it's cover"? Well, you need to open up this school to see the truth. This school lacks sportsmanship in every sport. The athletes themselves are very unkind, and shouldn't even be allowed to be involved in the sport. The coaches should be ashamed of their athletes and themselves also. I would be very ashamed to teach at this school, but also send my child here or even BE a student here.

Excellent school! Teachers and all staff are extremely dedicated to making sure all students succeed, even when it means working after school or coming in early. I am sad that the international student felt this way because the staff work extra hard to help them succeed. Perhaps that student should have stayed in their home country. There is something for every student at this school and even when I was new everyone was nice. No clicks, everyone gets along very well
--Submitted by a student

Principal leadership was poor and condescending at the time my daughter was enrolled. I went through a a very contentious divorce and the school refused to let me have my daughters grades even though I was the parent paying the tuition and having joint custody. Left a very bitter taste, would never recommend this school for their poor leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Kennedy many years ago and now am sending my children to school knowing that it has gotten even better under Mr. Prato's leadership. There is so much to partake of at Kennedy that every student should be able to find their niche. The music department is excellent as are the other arts, and sports. Teachers stay after school to help struggling kids excel. The school is also very racially intergrated which is good for everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

This highschool is great for any student wishing to recive a high education. kennedy is best known for preparing their students for a sucsessful life after highschool. Kennedy does this by having each student find their place in the lancer family enviroment and by attending to every students every need.
--Submitted by a student

I attended Kennedy as an international student for one year. The academic standards at this school are extremely low. I had a GPA of 4.0 and I barely studied at all since it was obviously completely unnecessary. There's hardly any homework to do, and even if there is, it does not nearly take enough time, as it is way too simple and not challenging at all. Sports, religion, and any kind of extracurricular activity seems to be much more important and crucial to a student's reputation than academic success. Even though the teachers are very devoted to their classes, there weren't any challenges for me and I feel like I've lost a year of high school. I would be all but well prepared for college if I had continued to attend Kennedy.
--Submitted by a student

My family has been a part of Kennedy for the past four years, and we all love it. It offers tremendous accademic, spiritual, and extracurricular participation and passion. What people have been saying about Kennedy is simply not true, everytime you walk into the school or a school-activity you feel like you are in your own home. The staff is great, and are always looking for the best of the students. They are respectful and helpful in every circumstance. I am sorry others feel discontented about their experiences, but I don't agree with your false accusations. Kennedy is well-worth the money. It has excellent parent-participation, and events hosted by parents such as the Mother-Daughter Mass and Breakfast, which is always a delight. Kennedy is a great school.

I'm a freshman at Kennedy and I love it. The challenging honors classes actually motivated me to get the 4.0 I'm holding, the band is one of the best in the state, and we have great extracurricular options. The fact that we have great athletic team participation rates (myself included) just goes to show what a well-rounded student body we are. The people who shoot it down sound like they were the ones with some real underlining issues.
--Submitted by a student

We have been a part of Kennedy for seven years now--both with Mr. Schuster and Mr. Prato at the helm. Our oldest received an excellent education at Kennedy under both Principals and went on to excel in college, both academcially and carrying on with Kennedy's tradition of community service and social justice. Our other three daugher's (one is an International student) are getting the same, if not better education, because of the standards that have been raised under Mr. Prato--both academically and spiritually. Remember, no system is perfect. You need to research every school you are considering with realistic expectations. Each Principal brings their own special gifts to the table. Overall, the academics, the parent participation (especially in our Band program) is exceptional and the quality of people that are educating our students are outstanding. The teachers really care about each student and we will forever be grateful to them.
--Submitted by a parent