Friedell Middle School

1200 Broadway Avenue South

School District

Rochester Public
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for Rochester Public School District

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 other on August 30, 2016

I attended Friedell for two years, and although it has prepared me for a career in the 21st century, it is definitely not for everyone.Although the curriculum here is more intensive and "challenging", at least at the Highly Gifted level (which I was at), and the teachers are very passionate about their work, I knew a lot of people here who suffered from mental illnesses or a simple lack of self-esteem, mostly from the intense expectations and workload at this school. Although bullying is not a common issue at Friedell, there are insane expectations pushed on students by teachers and by other students that drive students to stay up late and fill their schedules with excruciatingly time-consuming extracurriculars. There was also a mentality that people who didn't get straight A's were not "worthy" of being at the "smart kids'" school. I did also notice that pretty much half of the Highly Gifted program actually deserved to be in Honors, not HG - there were people there who only entered the HG program due to their test scores, not their work ethic or abilities, although their presence did not dampen my experience any.Though, I did meet a lot of great people at this school and improve my abilities considerably, and I feel that this school has been instrumental in my education. I have made memories I can never replace through Science Olympiad and History Day at this school, too (I really do recommend both activities; they're really fun and well-managed). If your child can withstand insanely high expectations and a lot of homework mid-year, then I highly recommend this school to you. However, if your child does not have a strong enough mind to withstand expectations, homework, and peer pressure, please enroll your child in out of school tutoring and send them to a different school.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2016

Stellar SchoolSuperb and caring teachers and staff.Choice school so students self select and "typical" middle school problems are avoided as all students want to be in school.There is a Highly Gifted ("HG") program for select students within the school that is tremendous and well supported. The school recently received national recognition as one of the top middle schools in the country
Submitted by student on September 17, 2015

Starting with the interior part of the school, the classes are very easy to find and 3 minutes is more than enough to cross from one side of the school to the other. Despite looking small on the outside, the inside boasts a large gym, spacious classrooms, and a well stocked and peaceful library. The students all know each other and the class sizes are good. The different teachers have varying teaching styles. Some have a direct and simple approach and analyze why something important & connecting to other topics. One method that was excellent is mini projects using the iPads (most tech in the district! 1:1 tech and allowing gum teaches kids responsibility). The students are affable and teachers don't let students give up.Lastly, the lunch food promotes healthy eating and is of higher quality than more than a Few elementary schools,
Submitted by other on August 22, 2014

Friedell is a nice environment for kids that are socially "awkward" but not for bullies. Bullying is taken very seriously in this school but it is somewhat unfair to those who joke around about those kind of things. The counselors are horrible, the teachers are okay, and the principal is awesome ! The education is fantastic for smart kids but somewhat unfair to those who struggle in school . This school could improve but overall it okay. P.S. kids that go here get bullied for going to friedell by kids that go to different middle schools. NOT OKAY.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

This school is going to be harder and harder to get into given it's excellent and well deserved reputation. I would recommend this be a model for other middle schools that are struggling.
Submitted by other on February 02, 2012

Friedell is a really good school. I am going there now, and I love everything about it!
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2012

I had one child go three years at this school and it was a good experience for him. No-it is not perfect but no schools are. I now have two other kids attending this school. This is their 2nd year and so far it has been nothing but wonderful. Great Principal and great staff. So glad I chose this school for all of my kids.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2011

Think twice and really do your homework. Communication Poor. Many parents have concerns but do not want to say anything. It is hard to get direct answers. Some teachers do what they want and the rules change and when I ask we are told to ask our child. It seems like a run-a-round and confusing. In the books there is swearing and violence and some books describe blood events in details. Maybe we should say something, but maybe just count the days until it (school) is over. I don't know, but it seems like the principal has little leadership and the teachers control the school. The positive is that some teachers like to teach and like their job. I would think again about this option. My friends say that other middle schools in town are not like this and that teachers are open to everyone's questions and want to the students to succeed, that rules and expectations are clear and positive. Some teachers here are like this, but most not.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2011

Not up to par with the expectations of a highly gifted school. No transparency. Teachers can and do change rules and expectations at will. Parents need to stay on top of assignments and search for information as it may or may not be readily available. Conferences-everyone meets in gym and waits in line to talk to teachers. The message is that the students/parents are here for the teachers instead of the teachers being here for the students. Teachers not like being questioned. A lot of weird reading material and many hours spent on topics such as racism and prejudice. Books and movies have a negative twist and dark themes. Some teachers rude and "edgy", disrespectful to students. You get a check mark if you forget a book. At random, it was changed to a check writing system. If you get caught, you MAY have to write a check. If the teacher does not catch you or wants to overlook it, you do not get a check. Seems unfair, like some kids get caught a lot and others rarely do. What is this teaching the students? Parents need to communicate to administration about these things. Incoming 6th grade, Beware! Be involved. Ask questions.Stand for no more gore, violence, profanity. Act!
Submitted by student on March 01, 2010

N/A
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2010

We have had kids at Friedell for 3 years now and I can't say enough good things about it. The small size and family atmosphere set it apart for the others. Not to mention the principal, teachers, and academics. I would not hesitate to recommend this school. We tried Willow Creek first and it was miserable for my son. We LOVE Friedell!