Newsome has a genuinely toxic social environment. I do not recommend this school if your child is…read moresocially awkward or struggles to make friends, because they will likely be a target for mocking... where newsome excels academically is where they lack in social environment. my child was consistently mocked, excluded, and borderline bullied by other students. the staff didn't seem to care about the harassment until it started to directly affect them. the other high schools such as bloomingdale are generally more tolerant of people with different upbringings, backgrounds and cultures.

My son had some of the most intelligent and fantastic teachers while attending Newsome. They offer…read moremore AP classes and Dual Enrollment Courses than most other schools and it is a very competitive school for both academics and athletics. There are numerous clubs, sports, arts, and music offerings as well as FFA and specialized STEM Courses. It can be intimidating because of the number of students, but it is also what makes Newsome Great!

As a former teacher and substitute teacher I must say that I am not impressed with this school…read more Beginning with the very disorganized new student orientation right down to the lack of information on their website. The greatest amount of information is devoted to fundraising activities. The designers of the physical plant created a building more fortress-like than school-like. The classrooms, the office, the computer lab, and the media center are all undersized and the whole building is claustrophobic. The playground and field are too small for the population. Perhaps the worst part is the location on a very busy street between two businesses. The parking lot is cramped. Since there is no transportation provided, all students must be picked up in the afternoon making the car line a nightmare while leaving the campus is extremely inhibited because of traffic. The only light in this scenario is the gentleman who directs traffic into and out of the campus. He does a wonderful job. The rules at the academy are arbitrary and lack common sense. For example; when it is raining parents must park and collect their children from the cafeteria where they are being held. On dry days if a parent happens to be a couple of minutes late and doesn't make it "behind the gate" even though the car line is not finished, they are required to park and proceed to the crowded office where their children are then summoned from the cafeteria. This exchange could be accomplished the same way as for rainy days, but that wouldn't punish parents enough for not making it behind the gate apparently. I find that much of the staff is aloof and unfriendly and a large percentage have little experience. I would not recommend this school to anyone.

Love this school!! Both my children are challenged daily, great teacher communication too! So…read morethankful that my kids are getting an awesome education!

Great school. Front office staff is friendly and helpful. Teachers are good and my son loves it!read more

Has been a great school since its existence. I am an alumni (c/o '00). I enjoyed my hs years and…read morethis school made everyone feel welcome. Definitely worth checking out if you're considering it for your student.

Durant is an excellent high school! The teachers are awesome! The best four years of her life so…read morefar!

Very disappointed with all the fights, bullying, and vaping...Whe I was walking passed the…read morebathrooms in the hallway to get to my elective there was a strong smell of smoke coming from it...I was very excited for my first year of middle school but did not expect it to be like this.. When I was taking a test I was interrupted by another student many times but nothing even happened when I told the teacher....PS do not send your child there especially if there shy.

There is a lot of fights at this school and the food is not very good the students are mean. The…read morefaculty and staff is nice they treat students very well. The End

Probably the worst decision I've made as a parent was putting my daughter in this school. Please…read moreparents, if you're thinking of this school, don't. They would be better off getting their education in public school. The sports? Bad. Clubs? Bad. Teachers? The turn around is insane. No reason a kid should have multiple teachers in all in one year. Started the year off meeting and learning the styles of a few teachers and ended up with complete different ones before the 2nd semester even started. Kids? Not nice. Teacher response? Completely non-existent.

Heaven help your child if they are being bullied. I have had COUNTLESS emails/phone…read morecalls/conferences throughout the years and NOTHING has changed. They don't have a guidance counselor for kids to go to, they don't have a designated nurse either. I don't think anyone has called me or emailed me ever about something happening TO my child but they sure do reach out if she does something wrong. They go through teachers like crazy! In one year my child had 4 DIFFERENT math teachers! 4!!!! How is my child supposed to thrive like this?! They don't have an indoor lunch room for the children either! Try to get an understanding of what the kids are learning? Good luck! No agendas, no weekly communication, nothing. My child has tried harming herself and had to be put in therapy because of the bullying she has received at this school! I am fed up. Please, please if you love your children DO NOT PUT THEM IN THIS SCHOOL.

Wonderful school with amazing teachers and the students are so nice to each other. It is a great…read moreplace to find friends, learn, and to make unforgettable memories!

Decent school. Had some pretty good teachers. Highschool could of been better, but it could of been…read moreworse as well.

I am a student of the school, and i can guarantee you just because they say the staff is…read moreunderstanding and patient and gentle, that does NOT mean they are telling the truth. i'm glad for the students who have had a lovely experience at center. it's my 2nd year here and progressively it's only gotten worse. Mass loss of students, complaints about the former principal: lopez. I wish it was happy and safe and secure but i want to be honest, if i can save another kid from having the distracting, unwillingness to help, OR be gentle with kids with autism i would'nt run to this "special education system" for help. thank you. Ms jenkins, WE LOVE YOU.

Phenomenal educational and support staff.They are caring and responsive to my child's needs.read more

Not every child is a perfect fit at a school, whether charter, private or public, that is just…read morefacts. With that stated first, let me say this secondly, GCS has been an amazing school. We came to GCS during his high school portion, and what a change it has been for him, on the highest of praise. The school has been attentive towards his educational needs, social interactions as well as tending to all the students and faculty spiritually. We were not sure how he/me was going to adjust but seeing all the friends, his grades improving and how the school really comes together as a family, it was one of the best transitions that we could have ever asked for. Barry and Becky McKeen really have a tight handle on the school, and the interaction/level they have with the parents and students is VERY impressive. I highly suggest that if you have not looked into GCS for your child, that you begin to do so...if there is room. You will be happy for all that GCS will provide for you and your child(ren).

My son graduated from this school, and my daughter currently attends. The school is amazing. The…read morechildren always have activities, and the sports teams are competitive. If you are looking for an excellent well rounded school this is it!