My daughter is a freshman at COHS this year, and unfortunately this experience has been nothing but…read moreproblems. I understand teenagers make mistakes, but the way this school handles situations is extremely frustrating. I constantly receive calls, emails, TalkingPoints messages, and notifications for every little thing my daughter supposedly does -- not looking forward in class, she can't look down, she's put in a group for a group project but can't talk or use her computer for references, being late, being on her phone, etc. One teacher allows music, but then my daughter gets in trouble for being on her phone at the same time. The communication is inconsistent and overwhelming.
What's even more frustrating is the attendance issues. I receive notifications about tardies and absences, and when I call to clarify or correct them, the office acts like it's a simple attendance correction. Later I find out there were even more absences or tardies I was never notified about in the first place.
The school is very quick to point out every flaw or mistake students make, but never acknowledges anything positive they do or explains what THEY are doing to help students improve. I made sure to hear both sides from the teachers and from my daughter and honestly, the teachers never admitted what they may have done wrong. My daughter was more honest about the situation than the adults were. Once I started holding staff accountable and speaking up as a parent, attitudes suddenly changed and they started treating her differently.
The administration has also been disappointing. I spoke directly with the principal looking for support, and instead of helping, I was told he had "more important priorities" and would call me back. He never did. That says a lot about how concerns from parents and students are handled.
I could go on and on. This environment is not supportive. Students need accountability, but they also need support, fairness, and communication from adults who are supposed to help them succeed.
Even though this is a newer school, I had much higher hopes for my daughter's freshman year experience. Unfortunately, it has been nothing but stressful and disappointing. Before enrolling your child into this school, I strongly recommend reading reviews and speaking with other parents first. Communication from staff feels more focused on punishment and constant criticism rather than support or helping students succeed. Parents deserve honesty, follow-through, and staff who are willing to work with families instead of making them feel ignored.
