Federal Way Senior High School

I currently go to FWHS. I am only a freshman but so far in my experience i have learned that fed is a good place to go. We have a lot of good programs here and really good coaches. As a student i am involved in many sports and programs that they have here at fed. When i go to fed i feel safe. The staff is amazing. Being a student i feel like there is a connection between the teachers and students. The students are willing to learn and the teachers love their jobs. As a Cambridge student though i feel like i am not being challenged enough. All my classes are easy, especially since this new grading system. Sometimes i feel like i'm learning middle school all over again. Another flaw is the building. It is falling apart. Fire alarms randomly going off, no heat, clocks breaking down, tiles falling, leaks. All of those are some of the things i have witness during my 6 months here. Recently there was a levy for our school to be rebuilt and sadly it did not pass. We now have to make due with what we have left of this school. Despite those flaws the atmosphere here at fed is amazing. Many kids are kind and respectful. From what i have heard and experienced fed is an overall great school.
—Submitted by a student

The teachers are FANTASTIC but everything in or about the facility is disgusting. The hallways are abnormally crowded, people are extremely rude, and people get privileges they truly don't deserve. This place is NOT diverse, 49% white, but why does that matter?? It shouldn't. The people here are acceptable at times, but the school itself is a piece, and the whole establishment is practically useless. I am NOT challenged in any class because the requirements to be in it are to pass the state tests...So average people end up in advanced classes. I'm in tenth grade, and we were going over how to write a persuasive essay in my Cambridge english class. I LEARNED HOW TO DO THAT IN 5TH GRADE!!! WHY DO THEY ALLOW STUDENTS TO BE IN CLASSES THEY DON'T DESERVE TO BE IN?? I don't know why everyone's so prideful, this school is a dump. GO ROYALS!!
—Submitted by a student

My granddaughter goes there and my son once attended. My granddaughter is on the tennis team and is learning lots, and has great grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Federal Way is NOT perfect, but when it comes to being real, it's as real as it gets. Diversity is not the only key to a good enviorment, but acception to diversity is what matters most. The students can't be generalized, but when it comes to homosexuality, being black, white, asian, whatever... I think Federal Way is one of the best schools in the area for you to feel like you can be yourself.
—Submitted by a student

This school is great. It's a good place to get a good educations and a good place to do sports. Cambridge program is very unique around the Northwest. The rumors about this school being really dangerous and such is not true. The teachers are cool and the principle as well. I know this school is the best school in the Federal Way district. I would definitely recomment you to go to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Im a student, and started my begining school year, as a freshman. And im already liking this school very much, great school spirit, we act as a family, and support one another. I've heard this school has top wasl scores, and have wonderful extracurricular activities, and programs like cambridge. Teachers at Federal Way High School are really helpful, and it does not have a high crime rate like people say, actually it's the least. No student i know of, have committed a crime from federal way. It's an awesome school, and i love it. Eagles Dynasty!
—Submitted by a student

this school is not a school that cares about student opinion anymore, if it ever did. the princapal has told students to not be rude, wile being extremely rude and saying we dont matter. the only reason she has not been caught is because nobody in that school district will listen.
—Submitted by a student

As a student, high jumper, and cheerleader at Federal Way High School I must say that I love my school. We are very diverse and the several different groups get along very well. It's like a family atmosphere here. My teachers are always available to help me with work or just talk about my home life. The staff honestly cares. Our building is a little older then the others in the district but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. In my history class we went to the bomb shelters and learned our lesson. What other school can offer that? No matter what others think of my school I will stand by it always. Eagles Unite, BLUE AND WHITE!
—Submitted by a student

If you want a school where kids can get some of the best education in the Northwest enroll your child in the 'Cambridge Program' at FWHS. There isn't a program like this anywhere west of the Appalachians. This is a very unique opportunity for goal minded students and parents.

FWHS lacks in organization. The school has a huge problem with no crediting excused absences and teachers can't even get absences right. Don't let your child take college writing; my child worked 4 hours a night and hours on the weekend in that class and still got a c-. Now you wonder why they aren't passing the wasl.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm also not parent, but a student at FWHS. I can say that although this school may be diverse, its just that that makes it such a joy to be there. School spirit does lack a little, but i feel that that will change with this coming year. We have very sucessful sports teams, like Basketball, and our drama program is very good. Choir is outstanding at Federal Way High, and also the Dance Team is fantastic. I love this school, and if you are a parent thinking about sending your child here, I think that you should. Eagles of a Feather Stick Together! :]
—Submitted by a student

Im not a parent but a student...Fwhs is a diverse, fun and good school and Im proud to say that I attend fwhs.
—Submitted by a student

Federal Way High School is rich in tradition and has remained a very successful public high school. It is currently dealing with a boundry change (Todd Beamer High School now gets most of what Federal Way used to have)that has it serving a very different clientel than it did even five or six years ago. Still, academics are solid, athletics are successful (in a very competitive region) and it's choirs, drama, speech and debate and drill team aer among the best in the state.
—Submitted by a teacher

Federal way high has a pretty diverse mix of students. They offer many extracurricular activities such as baseball, football, track and ect. I believe it is very possible to get a great quality education at this school. There are many good teachers happy to work with our students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids that go to this high school. The school is old, dirty and way too diverse. The problems that occur between ethnic backgrounds is awful. The sports are okay, but they seem to have a 'secret society' when it comes to informing certain students and/or parents on how to have your child excel in their sport of choice. On the other hand, I will say that my experience with the teachers have been great. The teachers and the principle is great, the school just needs to be torn down and have everything start from scratch!
—Submitted by a parent

This school lacks the involvement of parents, teachers and the community. The school really has no community involvement. The teachers are good and the principal is a great man, but the kids are not great.
—Submitted by a parent

Since going to Federal Way High School, my son has become a drug addict. I am very disappointed in the lack of control over the outbreak of drugs and marijuana roaming the halls. I understand that kids go through this in high school, but the extent of which this is happening is incomprehensible. Along with the drugs, comes violence. There is almost a fight everyday and I am scared to the extent that I pee in my pants that my son will get hurt. DO NOT send your children here unless you want to pee too.
—Submitted by a teacher

I would like to see more securitiy at this school. Too many fights have happened since the first of the year. Maybe it is time to UA several of the kids that may be using drugs. It has been going on for a long time and really needs to be handled. I feel that our new principal is very good and if anyone can get a handle on this school, he can. Since this is the first time in 13 years that I have had a student in FWHS for me it will be a wait and see situation. I have already had 3 children plus several exchange students attend FWHS but with the changing attitude of both kids and teachers I will be watching to see what will happen.
—Submitted by Jan Brouer, a parent