General Details I am currently attending this school in 2024. The teachers are passionate about your education and the majority of the counselors are trustworthy. The school however does have a bit of a workload, ESPECIALLY for Honors/AP classes. The school food is much better than middle school or elementary school but definitely still has its faults. As long as you aren't absent for anything crucial, pay attention, and ASK FOR HELP when you need it, you will understand your courses. AP Human Geography is an especially tough course because of its workload and the fact that your tests and FRQs are definitely challenging. But there isn't anything to seriously stress over. Student Life 90% of the students are chilled and just want to go about their life, so you won't have to worry about fights or conflicts unless they're clearly being instigated. Vending machines have quality food and sometimes you can even get two products when only paying for one. Navigation around the school also isn't bad at all, the elevators are handicap-only access but you have 5 minute passing periods and stairwells all not too far from each other. I will be honest though that there is an issue with students and vaping, but it is not widespread and it will not be forced on you. The #1 goal of the staff at Lakes is to make YOU feel like you belong and can be on the path to the career you want. There are after school events and clubs for everyone's tastes. There are also emails sent out every Monday for your missing assignments to you and your parents and emails of your grades on every Thursday to the same people. There are also plenty of original staff members still here or staff you'll see mentioned in other reviews, such as Mr. Rowells and Mr. Blevins. These teachers are absolutely top tier. If you're looking into anything that has to do with theater/theatre, this school has one of the most advanced set building thinga ma jiggers out of high schools in the state, plus the teacher ( Mr. Esquivel ) is a great person that is especially easy to get along with. Lengthy review, but its everything you need to know. read more

this schools food is garbage and portions are small. and home work is too much. if you go here it is way too hard. freshman year is easy sophomore is hardened. and jr year is on veteran mode. read more

Lakes. A simple school in D117 filled with love, hate, passion, and memories. They have earned themselves a rating due to the influence they have on our community, and our children. Special instructors such as Kevin Kulby, Kurt Rowels, and Stryz, really made this an experience to be remembered. read more

Lakes has definitely had ups and downs. Most of the teachers are passionate, knowledgeable, and willing to connect with students. Some of the best are Ms. Eichman, Mr. Rowells, Mr. Blevins, and Mr. Barbanera. However, the guidance counselors are incompetent. They expect you as a student to initiate ANY and all contact with them, including things beyond your control (essentially doing their jobs for them). If you request a class they can't fit you in, they won't bother to tell you and instead will just pick out a different class FOR you, seemingly at random. Additionally, Nicole Repa especially pushes AP classes on students who cannot handle them, then refuses to let those students move down to a regular, non-AP section when they realize it's too much for them. She also has this idea that everyone HAS to apply to 5+ colleges, even ones they have no interest in attending (e.g. I knew exactly where I wanted to go, and knew I would get in, yet she urged me to apply to University of Iowa for no apparent reason). Bottom line- take what the guidance counselors say with a grain of salt, and don't be afraid to go above their heads as a parent. Besides that, the school is pretty enjoyable to attend. read more