Research JF Kennedy Memorial High School private Schools in Seattle, Washington

“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.”

“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.”

“Our daughter graduated from Kennedy and got a great education there. She was well prepared for college. We especially appreciated the many wonderful teachers she had who not only helped her academically, but also genuinely cared about her as a person.”

“Kennedy is best known for sports. That's about it. Difficulty of classwork--a big joke! to anyone who thinks otherwise, you must have your head buried in the sand! Spend more money and get your child a much, much better education by sending them to a different private school! Trust me! You will be glad you did!”

“The school was a happier, calmer place under the old principal. This new one is a disaster for the 'Kennedy family' & all it represented. The idea of the 'Kennedy family' was the single thing that made being part of JFK so precious. It's so sad that formerly wonderful Kennedy family no longer exists for them to appreciate as we did.”

“It's such a shame this formerly wonderful family has grown so cold”

“As a former teacher at Kennedy, I would advise students and parents to stay away from this school. There is little help for those who struggle.The 'spiritual' development is antiquated. The academics are just plain sad. The teachers mean well but get no support. Don't waste your money here, your kids will get a far better education at a public school.”

“JFK was a huge disappointment. It is probably fine if your child is a perfect athlete or student; if not, he will be perfectly miserable. There is disunity amongst the staff. The projects they do are worthy of 4th graders. The principal refuses to meet with parents. His goals appear to be his own future, but fortunately that sometimes dovetails with the education & future of students. If your goal is Catholic education with folks that exemplify Catholic faith, get your child in a parish youth group. If your goal is an education to prepare for college, your involvement with your child in his public school will accomplish that and save you a fortune. If your goal is to get your athlete favored treatment and press coverage, this most definitely the place for you. Terrible leadership, no Catholic values modeled.”

“I don't normally write reviews but felt the need after reading the most recent. We have had 2 children at Kennedy, one before the current principal and one now. We could not be happier with the new principal. The students and teachers are a much more cohesive group than before. There are great classes which are indeed very challenging and there is a great bunch of sharp, talented students there. With Mr. Prato as principal, organization and pride has returned to Kennedy High School and all the families involved should be proud of the changes he has brought with him.”

“JFK is more about extracurricular activities and sports than it is about Catholicism and education. The principal is all about the politics that make him look good. If it happens to coincide with what's best for the kids, so much the better. Many teachers waste time by showing ridiculous movies to the students.”

“Huge problems at this school, yet they don't enforce their own rules (or the law) by expelling all those caught. There is favoritism to athletes above academics & football above all else. The principal strives (pretends?) to exhibit practicing the faith, but he & the staff do not model Catholic values...it appears to be all for show. Why bother with Catholic tuition for a school that doesn't live its values? The academics are no more rigorous than other schools, they have a high college matriculation simply because college is expected by parents who pay for education there. It's a diverse group of American & international kids, but rarely to do they mix. The administration talks down to the students. Highly educated, motivated and involved parent group, of which the administration is unworthy. Save your money for a good college.”

“Kennedy High School is the highest level of college preparatory education available in the region. The school benefits from sound Catholic morals without being suppressive or overly-pious. A previous reviewer claiming to be a former student blasted the school for being academically lax - this is a complete falsehood. Kennedy offers a well-rounded education, rich in diversity and extra-curricular activities, which is bestowed awards regularly; sends [many] students onto 4-year institutions; amasses more scholarships for its college-bound grads than most in the nation; and has a sense of pride, family, and ownership which is rarely found in today's culture. I highly recommend JFK for your children's education.”

“Kennedy is a great school, with great involvement. Compared to most public schools in the area the degree of parent involvement is extraordinary. There are many extra curricular activities for students to join, as well as clubs and groups. The extra curriculars are top notch, from the 2nd in state girls volleyball team, to the 3rd in state girls swim team. Kennedy is also well rounded in academics. They are able to accommodate every student that walks through the doors. From college chemistry at Seattle U. to English as a Second Language. Kennedy offers a variety of opportunities for your student. The staff at Kennedy is also exemplary. While there are a few teachers that are not up to par, for the most part the staff are well versed in the material, and eager and willing to help your student.”

“Great Education, Well worth money- provides excellent prep for college-great honors program”

“JFK prepares students for college. Most students that graduated from JFK this year recieved more scholarships or awards from colleges all over the country. It was wonderful to see how many kids acheived their goals.”

“I am a student a khs and I absolutly love it there. You get the sense of comfortability that only a close knit school can provide.”

“Great environment for learning with outstanding teachers. Has family atmosphere. All the bells and whistles.”

“was not happy with the spiritual development that my children experienced at khs....feel the school has some real underlining problems that are hidden with the so-called catholic education would not send my kids there if i had to do it all over again...was a big mistake”

“I was a student at Kennedy for two years. I do not feel that the school has tough enough classes. While I attended Kennedy, I was never even assigned to write a research paper! I only found one class that was actually challenging. The rest of the classes to me, were basically at the same level as that one would find in a public high school. There was hardly ever any homework given. A lot of the teachers allowed the seniors to pretty much slack off, instead of making them do the hard work that their parents had paid good money for. I do not recommend Kennedy. I guess it is true what they say about you get what you pay for. Kennedy may be at the lower end of the tuition scale, and that sure shows in the lack of work that is expected of you. Please--take my advice. Pay more money and send your child to a different private school. As far as I am concerned, I feel like I was robbed of 2 years of my high school career.”

“Kennedy High School has high standards for their students, the education that is received is above many schools. They prepare the youth for college as well as being good citizens. The accountability is rarely found in schools today. The staff stays in communication with the parents in regards to the student & activities.”

“John F. Kennedy provides a safe and involved learning environment for their students. Sports are the main interest of most the students, although there are many students on the honor rolls too. The teachers are compassionate and understanding of their students.”