Dr. Phillips High School

6500 Turkey Lake Road

School District

Orange County Public Schools
Grade

PK, 9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Orange County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 22, 2023

La seguridad de la escuela no sirve.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2023

Horrible. I pulled my oldest out during covid when she didn’t have a chemistry teacher for 3 weeks. Now it’s pretty normal for them to not have teachers for classes. Kids have had several geometry teachers in 1 yr, no teacher yet for Spanish or French. The new principal has a lot of work ahead of her. Just 2 days ago, they went on 2 lockdowns because there were several fights throughout the day including tons of kids, a teacher getting fully knocked out. The videos are all over social media. The only way to make this school better is to start a no violence policy. The videos are terrifying. Such a shame, this school used to be the school to send your kids too a few years ago. The only decent thing there is the VPA magnet. I feel bad for those kids and teachers having to deal with the constant nonsense there. OCPS needs to step in.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2023

These reviews seems skewed as most of them are old, written by students, or written by someone who had a bad experience. My child goes to DPHS, and I can't speak for the normal class experience as my child is in the Autism Exceptional Student Education program. So far we've had nothing but positive experiences within this special education program, so here's a review from a different perspective.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2023

My girls took their SAT, PSAT, ACT, and AP tests there. They could hear the roller coaster noise/screams from Universal. At the time, they wished they were having fun at Universal instead of taking important tests.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2023

Lately is just terrible, weak teachers, careless stuff at main office, as a parent you don’t feel welcome or attention! Not doing much in the classes ( I checked with a few kids)! Hard to get some body to answer the phone!
Submitted by other on November 30, 2022

There was a lot of issues I personally saw on a daily basis while attending this school, but I think it’s important to acknowledge the small handful of teachers who genuinely did care and really -saw- their students. The most relevant issue was the fact that this school is absolutely useless to any kid who’s brain doesn’t function in the one singular way they think it should. Ex: My senior year, I was put in remedial freshman math (after being mistakenly put in statistics). I had been in remedial math every year at that point and failed every one of them. You would think that’s a pretty clear sign of a student who needs help, right? Well, the person they thought fit best for me was a woman who “didn’t believe in going over material” in a math class, where if you don’t understand one part of the material, you will be absolutely lost for the rest of the year since it all builds off itself. I had my own issues going on as well, but a good amount of them were made worse from neglect from this school. I wasn’t on track to graduate apparently, but the school decided to wait to inform me/ my parents until there was nothing we could do to fix it. They wanted to pawn me off to some secondary school so I didn’t affect their Ratings. I find out, at 24, that I have dyscalculia! A learning disability similar to dyslexia, just with numbers and other aspects. How did I make it through so many years of miserably failing every math class I’ve ever been in without anyone noticing? Can’t answer that question. I can say that this school won’t notice either. They’ll just let you fall through the cracks like me and so many other kids.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2019

Terrible experience and will be transferring my child next year. Zero focus on academics, devoid of competent leadership with the only focus on sports to be quite honest. If you want an education for your child then steer clear of DPHS.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2016

My daughter is in the CIS Magnet and taking AP classes. It's a tough curriculum but it's preparing her for college and beyond. She's the poster child for "you get what you put in". I'm surprised that DPHS was rated a 5. As a parent, I think it's the best high school in SW Orlando.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2015

We have had the best experience at DPHS these last 4 years. My son's Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Kelly, is the best !!!!
Submitted by student on November 18, 2015

Administration is so biased its disheartening. This is my first year here and I'm definitely making sure its my last. Never have I felt more emotionally unsafe in a school and this is my 5th highschool. Teachers are so quick to dress code girls for showing a little bit of skin and worry more about that than found their job. Don't be fooled when people say "this is the best highschool in Orlando" I wouldn't wish my worst enemy to have to attend this school. They offer absolutely no help, you're always on your own, emotionally and even with academics. I asked my counselor to switch me out of a class I was struggling with and she refused to even when I brought my mom to a conference. Once I started here, I was offered absolutely no information about those "magnificent" programs everyone talks about even though I'm a sophmore and its my last opportunity to join a magnet. If you love your child, do not make them suffer by sending them here.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2015

Great School. Since we arrived therw the teachers were amazing and de enviroment is great. Priund to be part of this comunity
Submitted by other on December 05, 2014

This is a great school if you have higher order classes, Regulars classes may have some students that don't take work seriously enough so that may not be an environment you like. But like I said, Honors and AP classes have enthusiastic teachers and students. They have many wonderful programs (athletic/performing arts/dual enrollment, etc)They have an outstanding football team, theatre program, and a student-driven publications staff.There are a lot of students in this school, so of course they wouldn't always get along. (fights occur on campus) but that happens in every school. Otherwise, from an academic POV this school offers many opportunities. Frankly, I didn't really enjoy my freshman year, but as I chose better classes later on, I started to see the true potential and value of this school. DPHS is extremely diverse, so be open to all cultures and people, once you do, you'll have a great time. Also, they have a really caring administration and hands-on counselors. (classes usually range from 20-35 students) As a former student, I had a lot of complaints about DP, but then I realized it offered many things a lot of other schools nationwide didn't. I'm sad to leave it now.
Submitted by other on April 16, 2014

This school really is my second home. As a freshman I've gone through some life-changing things and with fantastic peers, well mannered to help me get along. I love my Art magnet and all that it is teaching me in Drawing one and Ceramics one, I am learning French my friend is learning Japanese and my other friends are learning German and Spanish, Not to mention the amazing array different ethenicities you see throughout the the school and almost every student has a little something in their backround. The school is 80 acres and a maze of classrooms, currently under construction, and I havent even been to half of the school. The thing I love most about the school is the magnet programs and the kids amazing talent and how I can live on the other side of the city and get to go to the school. This school offers many AP classes and as a 9th grader I am in AP Human Geography. What I dont like about the school is the birds living in the skywalk but thats the kids fault for being dirty during lunch but love the wild cats that live in the school that some kids call "Panthers" after our mascot and The Athletics is the best in Orlando leading with our football team.
Submitted by other on November 03, 2013

Ok the student to teacher ratio on zillow says its 19-1 but thats a LIE because i am currently going there as a sophomore and majority of classes have at least 20 students in each of them!!! its a good school with plenty of diversity. The CIS magnet program isn't very good. The Visual and Performing Arts magnet program is good but if you choose the theatre part of the magnet then you have to do ALOT of work and parents have to pay for ALOT of fundraisers and parents probably won't pick up their kid until like 10pm or some where around that time daily. Academics are good if you get the good teachers. Has a GREAT football team!!!
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2013

DPHS has an award-winning Drama Magnet Program that does an amazing job of preparing students for their future careers - whether within the field of entertainment or otherwise. Students are given high expectations that help them to become their best.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2013

My daughter has just begun the theater magnet program at Dr. Phillips and loves it. I drive from the east side of Orlando to take her every morning, and I am happy about it, because she is happy. The program that Ms. Rugario has poured herself into is one of excellence. This, combined with the great education she is getting with caring teachers shows up that Dr. Phillips is the right high school for her. In 2 years, her brother wants for follow his sister to the magnet program because, he too, loves theater.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2013

My daughter is a senior in the Dr. Phillips Theater Magnet. Her education has exceeded every one of our expectations! She is well trained and prepared for the world of theater and beyond. Not only have her academics been comprehensive and excellent, but also the life lessons she has been taught will be something she will use for the rest of her life. Integrity, discipline and fortitude is what it takes to be successful in life and she has been given the opportunity through this program to develop all 3 of these character traits. This is the reason that this program is a nationally recognized program. The Theater Magnet doesn't just do drama, they develop the mind, spirit and character of it's students!!
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2013

A year ago, My daugther decided to go to "Performing arts at DPHS". This was the most extraordinary cross that she could take in her life. Studying at a Magnet program, at a high School with a prestigious "A" average highlighted for years at DPHS, is the perfect combination for a high academic level. I am extremely happy for her results. Thank you DPHS
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2013

The Theater Magnet program at this school should be celebrated, supported, and encouraged. This program has developed over 40 years, a national reputation of excellence that attracts the best Performing Arts colleges and Universities to seek out its graduates with Millions in scholarships. It is not just the talent but the discipline given the students that proves so valuable. We must strive to hold such programs as the example to be emulated. Such excellence is not achieved by accident and the leadership in this program has no peer. That has led to this program being recognized as the finest in the state of Florida and one of the very best in the entire country. This is supported by the fact that graduates from this DPHS Magnet have been invited to attend the Best Colleges in this country. Students from all backgrounds are invited into this program. And this leads to achievement by all who participate. This is a success story and one to be cherished. Few programs in our public schools have achieved such levels of excellence. Bravo for the Dr Phillips High School Theatre Magnet program.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2013

I am a proud parent of a recent graduate of Dr. Phillips high school. I can't brag enough about the high quality and dedication that Dr. Phillips Magnet program for the performing Arts. The leadership of the drama program is incredible, one in which has transformed my son from a nerdy unconfident little boy to a hard working focused and outgoing young man who now is attending school in New York City by himself because of the help guidance and care that his teachers gave him.