Rome Free Academy

95 Dart Circle

School District

Rome City
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Rome City 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 21, 2024

It really depends on who you hang out with. There are some really cruel, overall rude people here. The volatility could be worse, but it definitely isn’t warm and fuzzy here either. My experience with most of the students was bad. If you’re somewhat different than others you’re bound to be bullied. I had three not-so-great teachers, but most of the teachers are very passionate and involved. They genuinely care for students and are supportive. My global teacher was the best teacher I have ever had, I’ll miss him very much. He cares about students lives and does not disregard bullying. He stands up and supports his students. My guidance counselor was amazing, truly empathetic and caring to all the students and I admire that greatly. My other global was also amazing, I’ll really miss her. She truly cares for her students as well. In such a large group of people you’re going to find both kind and mean. The bathrooms are probably the worst place in the school. You’re given dirty looks for being in there to actually use the bathroom by the people vaping. Girls will take the free pads and tampons out of the dispenser and put them on toilet seats, stick them to the wall, or down the sink drain. General immaturity and disrespect for people and the school property. Vandalism is on the bathroom stalls, putting people down and gossiping, name-dropping to anyone who happens to use the bathroom. People will also vape in the back of buses. The campus itself is very nice. Clean and well maintained. A rather large school. Overall, RFA is a typical “not terrible but not amazing” highschool. Bullying is prominent, some teachers are mean but the good ones are amazing.
Submitted by student on February 12, 2018

This school suck! I’ve wanted to drop out since day one! I’m using my friends name because I don’t want you guys to find me.
Submitted by other on October 01, 2014

In the three years that I went to RFA, it was nothing but hell. The environment was just down right terrifying to the point that one was almost scared for their life. In the three years, the school has been on lock downs at least twice and countless other problems arose over time (Like how the electrical caught fire in the Science hallway and was forced to stand outside in 30 degree weather until it was safe to even enter the building again). I've seen countless fights and seen at least 4 food fights within the school that it makes you wonder where the heck the guards are? On top of that, there was a lot of favoritism amongst the staff to students. There had been times where teachers will turn a blind eye when another student has been bullied (I being a student that dropped out of school from so much bullying that it turned physical.) I was glad when I left the school and hearing about how it turned worse after I left, I thank god I left.
Submitted by student on July 24, 2013

The school is...mediocre. Some teachers could care less about the students, while others try to make the material bearable. The facility in itself is really nice, but the people there vary between flat-out mean to fairly decent. As long as you're out-going, you'll probably fit in. But hey, that's high-school, isn't it?
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2013

RFA is an amazing school. My children have and are attending here. The vast array of elective classes and college credit bearing classes is second to none when it comes to high schools in the area. The teachers are overall very highly educated and challenge the students to excel. There are opportunities for every student to take classes that interest them and push their limits. My oldest son loves science mainly because of the incredible teachers that turned him on with their passion for the subjects they teach. He took AP biology and physics and the SUNY ESF environment class getting college credit in all three. My daughter has taken all of those same classes and the SUPA English and AP Lit classes, the MVCC government and economics and with all the college classes she probably will be a sophomore in the fall. She is going to study Marine biology, and yes it is because of her teacher that she fell in love with the ocean and wanting to make a difference! Each of my kids have come to be critical thinkers thanks to wonderful teachers!!! If I could give this school 10 stars I would!
Submitted by student on November 02, 2012

school security show favoritism, and do not enforce rules on students they like, the teachers show favoritism in classes, and are hypocritical.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2012

As a parent of a child that has been in the JROTC program, I can say that this program is not for everyone. Lacks safety for childrens concerns. There is a lot of favoritsm with the instructor and she is abusive, verbally and physically, to the students. Its almost boarderline gang. All levels of the school administration have been notified and the only thing that was done about the instructor was that she had to attend Anger Management classes. Her behavior has not changed and still treats the students she dont care for, unfairly. The security guards are young and also show favoritsm and will back up the abusive behavior that goes on. Untrained is how I feel and lack communication. Quick to judge. I have another child in the school district that I will NOT allow into the JROTC program once he enters RFA unless this instructor is replaced. This instructor is not professional at all for being in a school disctrict of students that will look up to them and mimic their behavior.
Submitted by student on March 28, 2012

I am a graduate of this school as of 2011 and it has been the best four years of my life in this school. The teachers are wiling do what ever they need to in order for you to learn something new. The music program here is one of the highest in the region. AP classes are offered in many subjects as well as dual enrollment through the local community college, MVCC, for many classes. the SUPA program is in place for senior English and there language courses also offer college credit through schools such as MVCC and University of Albany. Independent studies are available upon request. Because the school is located on an Air Force base, Air Force JROTC is offered and many students are apart of it. The art and communications program are in top shape with new resources such as Mac labs and printers, a dark room photography studio, a communications room for the school newspaper and yearbook classes with new iMacs and Macbooks. The athletics department is also a beauty with so many coaches being teachers within the school district. There is a required swimming program for everyone to take at least one semester of Swimming. There are new events happening everyday thanks to the STASS program.
Submitted by student on November 25, 2010

I'm a sophomore in the school right now and over all the schools great. But the constant heating/air conditioning problem doesn't help the students at all. Sometimes the teachers don't seem like they want to be there and some are actually late to homeroom (When they get on to the students about being late isn't fair).