Charles Finney School

2070 Five Mile Line Rd

Penfield, NY 14526

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 08, 2024

This school is not the place you’d want to send anyone you love. The teachers are highly unqualified, as many do not have teaching degrees and the turnover rate is high. Learning is minimal, yet they give unbelievable amounts of homework. The students have to almost teach themselves. The administration does not honor students with any type of learning needs and they don’t abide by NYS laws. The school building is very runned down and I was depressed dropping my kids off there each day. The athletic department seems to have lost its way by hiring coaches that do not abide by Christian standards and are poor role models for the players. Many degrade players, get kicked out of games and have little regard for parents. I would think twice before sending your child to this school.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2023

This school is absolutely appalling. It's in a state of disrepair, unclean, and reeks of mold. During my tour, I couldn't help but notice that they prioritize taking money from parents rather than investing in necessary upgrades. They even had the audacity to ask for additional funds to fix an unsafe playground. It's truly revolting. The basement, where classes and instruction are held, is both terrifying and unsanitary, posing a potential hazard. The stairs and walls are riddled with cracks, and the accumulation of dust and dirt gives the impression that it hasn't been cleaned in centuries.What's even more disheartening is their complete lack of support for students facing social and emotional challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic. Children with ADHD receive no assistance whatsoever, and there is a complete absence of enrichment programs. Despite charging exorbitant fees, they provide nothing in return. This school is far from being a solution to avoid "woke" schooling; it's simply a money-grabbing institution that offers minimal instruction at best.There is absolutely nothing unique or valuable that this school provides that cannot be found in a public school. To make matters worse, their technology is severely outdated, reminiscent of the Jurassic era. I urge you to take a closer look at the opulent lives of the board members and compare it to the dilapidated state of the school's infrastructure. It becomes evident that they have no genuine concern for the well-being of your children.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2023

Im a student at this school and the only thing keeping me here is my friends. the other students here are fake as ever. some teachers are nice but can switch up quick when you make a simple mistake
Submitted by other on February 17, 2023

If you care about your kids, don't send them here. I went through a tragedy while at this school and became extremely emotionally distraught. I begged for help many times. The most 'help' I was ever given was being told by the pastor to "pray about it". Later on, the school brought on a "counselor" who created a 'dead parents club' which I and others in the school were forced to attend during our lunch period. Obviously that didn't last long and the overbearing "counselor" became an unsafe person because of it. The teachers allow bullying and sometimes even participate in it. The algebra/ calculus teacher hated me and I'm still unsure why. He refused to ever call me by my name in class even though he had known me for many years. Instead, he chose to use any name he could think of for me. For clarification, I have never changed or altered my name in any way. He also got upset when he was asked to repeat himself or explain something further. His "explanations" consisted of repeating exactly what he had just said but in a condescending tone. I was nearly suspended because I yelled at a bully after being verbally harassed the entire day; he wasn't reprimanded whatsoever. I was tormented by the principal's children. When both my mother and I tried to do anything about it, my mother was sent threatening emails by the principal. The emails were forwarded to the board and he was later removed from the position but the bullying was never addressed. I was given multiple detentions for asking the biology teacher genuine questions because I was "questioning her authority". Teachers play favorites and if you aren't one of the "favorites" that class will be awful for you. I went to this school for 6 years and at the end of the day, they don't care about their students. When I graduated, I left the ceremony in tears because I was finally free from this hellscape. Their 2 main goals are money and creating religious robots who never question anything. If you love your children, please don't subject them to this school.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2022

Four of my children graduated from Finney and I would highly recommend it to those who want a Christian school education for their own. In a day where beliefs, whether political or religious, are not allowed to be shared for fear of retaliation and for fear that you will be labeled I would only trust a school with a strong Christian emphasis on Godly principals to educate my students. And in a day where parents rights are not valued I am so grateful for this school's leadership who have listened and advocated for families on multiple issues.For my daughter, who first attended, it was a Godsend and completely and positively changed her high school experience when she transferred from public school in 10th grade. Finney taught my children how to think critically and gave them opportunities to grow and lead in a way they wouldn't have at our public school. Also, there was a variety of activities for my children who participated in drama/theater, praise band, sports, field trips and missions trips. I am forever grateful for the choice and for this particular Christian school.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2022

They Definitely will leave children behind educationally.
Submitted by other on September 15, 2022

Homophobic and proud of it. As a former student, I thought that the clear suppression of self-expression was one of those things that would get better with time, and I am saddened to find out that I was wrong. As far as values go, this school cares more about showing off a conservative image than the love and image of God that they claim to worship. It's unfortunate, really. Love between friends of the same sex ((hugging, handholding, general affection)) was punished so as "not to send the wrong message". Most of the teachers were fine, though favoritism was a common factor in the classroom. My younger sister (also a former student) was antagonized relentlessly by a classmate, and the principal did nothing but threaten to suspend her ((sister, not the bully)). As I am unlearning the personal and religious trauma that I developed in my time at Finney, I would hope that any parents looking for a "compassionate" and encouraging school environment turn their attentions elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2021

The Charles Finney School has been a blessing to all three of our kids for the last 6 years. My kids have received a great education, developed lasting friendships, learned to serve others and experienced opportunities that would not have been available to them in other schools. Finney presents everything with a Christian worldview which is the biggest reason we love the school. Nothing is ever perfect and there are situations that arise (we all know kids are well...kids), however the school handles them with great balance. This past year has been a difficult one for all schools (Covid) and Finney has done an amazing job navigating this unusual situation and making sure our kids are in school 5 days a week!
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2018

Very bad experience. Would not recommend to anyone.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2018

We are so very happy to be part of the Finney family. Bringing our children here is one of the best decisions we have made. The school is small enough that there is a very close, family atmosphere, but big enough to offer all of the experiences our kids could want, from sports to theater to international travel. Having now graduated one of our kids, we've also seen that it was an excellent choice for college readiness. We can't say enough good things about this school!
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2018

The school has grown rapidly within the last couple of years. They supposedly pride themselves with being a "small" classroom size... NOT ANYMORE. It's false advertising. Their classroom size is the same as a public school now. We had a major problem with kids being allowed in this school with behavioral issues and being kicked out of public schools. It really has gone down hill. There is also NO consequences for bad behavior. The principal tells kids to basically deal with the kids who have behavioral issues. Our daughter was hit/punched/tackled by many boys. Parents love to label their kids in this school when problems arise. Instead of saying that their kids have behavioral issues... they will tell you that they are a mama's boy, they are emotional or they are shy (and many other ridiculous reasons). I also felt that they didn't care that we were afraid for our daughter's safety with boys hitting her. I reached out to the principal a couple of times about a certain boy and she never replied. That day after I emailed her , she was punched again by this boy... never saying a word to him. We will NOT be attending this school next year. And I would definitely NOT recommend this school ... EVER!!!!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2018

We love Finney! Our daughter has thrived since entering Finney. She no longer has to worry about bullies, being beat up at school, and her academics are strong!!
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2017

My daughter was attending a large public school in our community and was becoming very apprehensive about attending school. She was becoming school phobic due to the environment at the public school. Switching her to Charles Finney was the *best* decision we ever made. My daughter instantly felt that she belonged at Finney. Within one week of attending Charles Finney, she again was looking forward to going to school. Today she *loves* going to school and loves learning. She has become very involved in missionary work and her confidence and leadership qualities have grown immensely. In my heart I know this has happened because of the social consciousness and the love for God and community that is so important at Charles Finney. My only regret is not starting her at Charles Finney earlier.
Submitted by other on September 29, 2014

I was a student here and they didn't prepare me for college. The kids who have a lot of money could get away with anything. They don't even follow their mission statement.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2013

So many great things are happening at Finney! The school focuses on character development as well as academics. Students are taught that there is a world in need of service, and many are actively involved in missions - locally, nationally, and internationally. The administration is top-notch, and teachers are caring and very quick to respond to emails/phone calls. Student grades are updated and posted on Powerschool so parents can always know how their child is doing, rather than wait for report cards to come out. We love Finney. It's a wonderful environment.
Submitted by teacher on October 30, 2013

If you are looking for a school with a safe environment, small class sizes, loving environment, and a place you an truly call a home away from home, this school is for you or your child. The school emulates what it means to have a community of people that really want your children to succeed in all areas. Make The Charles Finney School your child's next school!
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

My oldest son, who is a seventh grader, is in his second year at Charles Finney. He wanted to stay at public school but quickly warmed to the Finney environment. He has developed leadership qualities that were lacking in his elementary years, which I do not believe would have developed had he remained in the very large public school district where we live. I have two younger children still in the public school system, and it is a completely different feeling attending events at Finney compared to the other school (which we like, but at the beginning, middle and end of the day, must exclude all things Christian). Spiritual and heartwarming to know and experience Christianity in the school environment. All of the kids know each other from the youngest to the oldest and are very friendly to each other. My daughter, who is completing her elementary schooling this year, will be attending Finney next year, too, and has expressed that she is ready for the change. I am thankful that our community has an alternative to what has essentially become an indirectly (and sometimes directly) hostile environment to Christianity.
Submitted by teacher on October 28, 2013

Finney IS Doing Something Greater in the school, the community and in the world around us. There's no other place my husband and I would want our children to be receiving their education. We have graduated one child from Finney and he is ready and equipped to be doing the work that the Lord has called him to do. Our daughters are excelling academically, socially, relationally, spiritually and in their various extra-curricular activities. The teachers, administration, faculty and staff are no less than EXCELLENT. They love the Lord with all their hearts and that is demonstrated in the classroom. We know that our children have all the tools necessary to be successful in everything that they are called to do. Our Board of Administration, led by Mr. Norman Leenhouts continues to make sure that Finney is the leaders in independent Christian K-12 education. Finney is blessed to have Mr. Michael VanLeeuwen and Mrs. Aimee Lyon leading the Finney family in their pursuit of those who are at Finney living lives full of character, compassion, creativity and community.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2013

Finney has been an outstanding choice for our son. I looked at a variety of private school options and did extensive research and Finney came out on top - primarily because in all of my conversations and interactions I felt that the teachers and administration were heavily vested in the personal and academic success of the children. I have not been disappointed - there is outstanding parent/teacher communication, active engagement of parent volunteers inside and outside the classroom. My son loves school and learning, as well as the social and athletic components offered.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

The classes are small for personal attention for every child. The focus of the school is on Character and moral development first.The classwork is challenging and creatively presented. Our kids have never been happier or performed so well academically. This is the best choice we have ever made for our children!