The Franciscan School

10000 Saint Francis Drive

Raleigh, NC 27613

26 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on October 12, 2024

TFS is a amazing school with a family like atmosphere and once you grab on its hard to let go
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2024

This school has the most unsafe carpool methods. Instead of funneling all carpool traffic onto the main part of Leesville road the force the bulk of the cars onto the 2 lane narrow part of Leesville. This leaves children and families open to accidents as that is a very busy road at the time of dismissal. In my child's experience staff can be rude to the children at times as well as adults. Disrespecting the adults in front of their own children. Changing the carpool format and direction of traffic post dismissal or providing vans for children whose parents work would go a long way in improving this school.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2023

This school has experienced a significant change this year with the departure of Mike Watson. I am still impressed with the teachers, they have a genuine care for their students. This cannot be said for the new principal. She does not strive to provide a caring environment that is inclusive of all children. If you have a special needs child this is not the place for you. She is very cold and presents a very fake outward appearance for the masses, but day to day is a very different story.Class sizes are getting larger, where as benefits to the students are getting smaller. Makes one question what they are paying for.There is a HUGE bullying problem still at the middle school level, as well as 4th and 5th grade. There seems to be no consequences for any behavior and things are handled very passive aggressively.Very disappointed in the mismanagement of a lot of situations and would not recommend sending your child here.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2022

Despite a prominent statement on the parish website that they are supportive and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community, this school is anything but. The change in leadership at the church with the departure of the Friars has resulted in a disappointing direction away from what was once a welcoming and accepting community. There is a rampant bullying issue in the middle school and administration offers no consequences to the kids exhibiting bad behavior.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2021

I’m extremely disappointed about this school... I find it hypocritical that the school won’t accept a child who they suspect has ADHD or not mature enough, or as other reviewers worded it as not fitting the “ideal student model”. I really find it disturbing and hypocritical that while the Parish is being inclusive by having ministries for LGBTQ, Social Justice, etc... they wouldn’t welcome a family who seeks Catholic education because of a minor issue.As it is written, “Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me”.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2020

Since the Covid crisis this school has implemented some of the harshest draconian measures under Principal Mike Watson. Any chance they get to shut the school down they do. Compared to other Catholic middle and high schools in the area what they have described as an "abundance of caution" has been more an abundance of authoritarianism. My son, who is in 8th grade now will not be able to attend school in person until a week after Christmas break. It is now 12/10/20. Mr. Watson decided to not let children come back the first week after the holidays in case anyone travels. Now, because a few students in 8th grade tested positive he has prohibited them from attending cases in person until January. This has been detrimental for my son. Other schools simply notify parents of positive cases. Watson just shuts it down without any regard to the mental wellbeing of the students. In addition, students are divided up into cohorts and are not allowed to even socialize during recess with the other cohorts otherwise they get yelled at. This school is more like a prisoner camp than a Catholic school. I regret sending my son here. Check out any other Catholic school than this one.
Submitted by other on October 19, 2020

As a TFS grad, the school prepared me well for high school, college, and beyond. I got into my top college and attribute this to the skills I developed at TFS.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2018

The Franciscan School leadership and teachers are fantastic!!! The teachers care so deeply about their students and are committed, knowledgeable and loving. We are incredibly grateful and blessed to be in such caring environment.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2017

The Franciscan School is significantly better than other private religious base (Episcopal) schools we attended in the Raleigh area. We love TFS and so do our kids. The level of education is "top notch" and the teachers and staff care about the education of the students. TFS is the best school in the area.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2017

TFS is a good school if you have mainstream kids. If, however, you have a child with ADHD, high-functioning autism, learning disorders, etc., then you will have problems at TFS and should decidedly find another school. My son was abruptly dismissed from 6th grade due to "engagement" issues. He had zero behavioral issues and no discipline problems. Since his dismissal, we've learned of and even met other families who had a similar experience at TFS, meaning their children were dismissed by the administration for not fitting into the standard model of a student.For a Franciscan school to scrape off students who need the most assistance is both callous and highly hypocritical for a community whose focus is supposedly social service and educating the "whole" student. Moreover, TFS is subsidized by St. Francis of Assisi, which consists of highly-affluent parishioners. If it were a focus of the Church and the community, the school could absolutely support the children of its own community who need additional support. The teachers my son had were wonderful, supportive, and accommodated him to the best of their ability given the atmosphere that the administration has established. The real problem with TFS is the administration. I find them to be untrustworthy, incompetent, and obtuse. As an example, we were told when my son was dismissed that the school does not support retention after 3rd grade. We know this to be a lie. Two of my son's classmates were retained and kept in 5th grade. Why the lie??I've seen similar feedback in other comments here and I agree with another person's comments about the "power families." If you're one of the wealthy who donate to the school, your views are amplified. If, however, you are a "regular" parent and have criticism or want to change things, that view is not well-received.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2016

Our children have attended this school for over five years. This is a true community whose administration, staff, and teachers all have the same goal-to educate the whole child for the real world in a loving and respectful learning environment,
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2015

Average only because of the lower grades because most teachers are good. A few bad ones, a few show way too much favoritism. Middle grades would get a bad or terrible.I never noticed the bullying although a lot of what they call bullying is just the kids of the right families getting their feelings hurt. The other kids are always at fault when it relates to those families. If they complain about something first, you're screwed. You will NEVER convince the administration that you're right. Mrs. Bigelow is great but the middle school administration does not want to hear complaints or suggestions and will always take the side of the teacher no matter what. The teachers talk too harsh to the kids. The younger ones are so arrogant and feel like they can do whatever they want and the older ones should have retired 5 years ago. If one of the right parents complains, they can get their kid made captain of some team, can get discipline changed, can get grades raised, can get extensions of due dates. No one cares about the kid who did their homework and turned it in on time. But let Little Johnny not be able to finish because his family was off skiing for a week and he'll get special privileges.If you notice in the comments, the tone changed about 3 years ago and I can see that. Too many parents involved, too much favoritism. Too many things scheduled that do not allow working parents to participate in. Who can go to "tea with the principal" at 10am? I wish the administration and parish would listen to ALL the parents and not let certain families dictate what they do. All of our money spends the same.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2015

This school has changed so much over the years. In the past, it was top notch and worth every dollar you paid. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case in any way. The entire school is run by a ineffective administration who wants to hear nothing from parents unless it is what they are doing right. The morale among the teachers is so low and the tools they have to inspire are lacking what is needed to motivate students today.The school allows a few "power families" to run things while the "regular families" are ignored in their thoughts, participation and involvement. The school administration says the right things, but allows all the wrong things to go on. The bullying at this school is out of control and all the "power parents" feel that their kids are ENTITLED versus other kids. The thought of this being a Catholic school is confusing considering the actions that go on there everyday from sex education, bullying and ways the kids who are not from the "power families" are treated.It is really sad as this was at one time probably one of the best options in the area, but today it is a shell of it's once proud tradition.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2015

Please consider sending you child ELSEWHERE. We have had our children enrolled at TFS for close to 10 years and are RELIEVED to have our last child finally graduate TFS. There is a strong cultural of bullying among the children, some teachers are known to humiliate and belittle the students, the administration is unresponsive to parents and the teacher morale is low. The principal is often heard telling the Middle School students that they are "bad and do not deserve" special awards. The academic programs are antiquated with limited technology advances in higher grades. Most parents pay close to half of the cost of tuition on outside tutoring to supplement what is not taught in the classroom. The administration provides a smoke screen of "Anti-Bullying Campaign" and Technology 1:1 and "Tea times with the Principal", but when delved into beyond this paper trail, the negative culture and poor academic teachings in the school are evident. Parents seeking the assistance from the Administration will hear "You are the only parent to raise this concern" or "No One has raised this issue with us before." while this is completely untrue or their favorite "It is an HR issue and cannot be discussed."The younger grades provide a more positive learning environment and there are a number of stellar, caring teachers, especially in the 8th grade. TFS USED to be an academically strong and encouraging school and we did love it way back then but now the negatives quickly outshine the positives. A change in the administration is one clear way to bring positive change to the school.Please save your money and protect your child's well being and look else where. My expectation is there will be a flurry of positive remarks to over shadow this negative comment, but believe me, after investing over $6,000/year/child on tuition, I would have preferred to leave a positive review rather than a negative one!
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2014

I've been a parent in this school community for over 10 years with more than one child. The whole community of the school promotes a very caring attitude. The school is not immune to all of the "Kid" stuff that happens with children these ages but I know that the teachers/staff are committed to making a safe and wonderful learning environment for the children. Every day starts with prayer and it allows everyone to center their priorities. They teach acceptance and understanding in their social justice "theme" in the school. The facilities are wonderful, with many technological advances used. Tuition is slightly higher than some Catholic schools in the area but it seems to be "in line" with the modern/advanced private schools as well. The tuition can be seen in the facilities and technology in the school. Overall, our family has been quite happy here and would highly recommend the school.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014

I have 2 kids at this AWESOME school, one with Learning Disabilities and one without. The staff is excellent with both types of learners, they truly teach to the whole child, provide an excellent faith based education and challenge with appropriate academic rigor. We are THRILLED to call TFS our family. The parents are very involved and welcoming. TFS really makes learning fun for ALL types of kids. Previous negative posts are simply not true! We have been at TFS for 3 wonderful years. Take a tour, you will see for yourself! :)
Submitted by principal on November 13, 2013

We always welcome feedback from our parents if they are experiencing issues with staff or have any concerns. Please feel free to contact me to address your concerns. Thank you.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2013

I have to agree with the previous post. My child attended this school for 2 years. He was happy, but there was definitely a disconnect between parents and administration. I questioned whether the "stagnant" atmosphere would be good for my child in the long run. He is in public school now, and I'm amazed by the difference in atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2013

My child has been at this school since K. I have always felt like it was a good fit for him because of the smaller enviroment and the message they provided. Unfortunately I can't say the same for myself. I feel it is boardline toxic for the adults. I find the administration staff to be weak, unhelpful and generally unpleasant. I have ofter left the school questioning if was truly a healthy place to send my child. I have decided I will not continue to send my child here and his siblings as well.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2013

Enriching curriculum, and the focus on church/prayer and the teachings of St Francis have added so much to our children's lives! The previous poster is incorrect concerning the authentically Catholic comment . We have had only great things to say about the beliefs, teachers, and education at TFS. We are proud of what are children are learning, and becoming, because of the teachings at this school. You can't go wrong!!