Folsom High School

Posted: July 29, 2026

As a parent here, I'm not writing about my own child or airing a personal complaint. I'm sharing what I've observed firsthand and what other families have told me over the past several months, which is independent, strikingly consistent, and difficult to ignore.

Start with what's easily verifiable. I've used the men's restroom during school events and seen students smoking inside. Many fixtures were clogged, some clearly for a long time. I'm told this is daily rather than isolated, and that fights there aren't uncommon. I wouldn't call the facilities unpleasant; they're unusable. It's a plain failure of supervision and maintenance, and anyone can confirm it in thirty seconds.

On instruction, I can only pass along what I've been told, but the number of families and classrooms involved means I can no longer dismiss it as anecdote. In a significant number of classes, no actual teaching takes place. Students are told to work on their own, or a film is shown with no apparent connection to the course material. Several accounts involve upper-level courses, the ones families plan around. What's listed in the catalog and what happens in the classroom aren't consistently the same.

Both issues point to the same underlying problem. What I hear repeatedly isn't hostility, but indifference. Concerns brought to the principal, assistant principals, or counselors aren't treated as issues needing resolution, but as topics for discussion. More than one family has mentioned that details about their child later reached adults with no legitimate educational reason to know them. I can't prove any specific instance or make a legal accusation, but if these accounts are true, the practice comes very close to violating FERPA, and a school confident in its own conduct would want that examined rather than left to fester as rumor.

The same pattern appears in how incidents are handled. In none of the cases described to me did the school seem to investigate thoroughly. Decisions were apparently made on one person's account and hearsay, with no evident effort to speak with everyone involved. Such a process cannot claim impartiality, and doesn't appear designed to achieve it.

If you're considering this school, visit unannounced rather than on a scheduled tour. Ask how complaints are documented, who reviews them, and what records are kept. Speak with current students and parents directly. I have no stake in your decision. I only wish I'd known these things beforehand.

Posted: July 29, 2026

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Posted: December 12, 2024

Gross disparity in disciplinary action taken against students for the same exact behavior. Be careful of this administration. Don't expect transparency. Consider yourself lucky if they are honest with you. Do your own due diligence. They certainly won't do it. They make decisions that are unethical, inconsistent and contradict their own code of conduct.

Posted: December 12, 2024

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Posted: August 4, 2023

The administration is a joke. They lack integrity and competence.

Posted: August 4, 2023

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Posted: December 7, 2022

i am a student here and I have been cyber bullied and sexually harassed this school does nothing about it and the teachers are terrible! then the vice principles are god awful and don't do anything to help! i will never recommend this school for anyone! STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL THEY ARE TERRIBLE TO THEIR STUDENTS

Posted: December 7, 2022

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Posted: January 30, 2022

This schools allows and turns a blind eye to racist bullying from white students. Your child will not be protected.

Posted: January 30, 2022

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Posted: May 2, 2021

Homework: This really depends on your teacher. Most AP classes don't properly balance homework, while some normal level teachers struggle to give homework that accurately reviews what went on during class. There are some exceptions, as with every school, where the teachers have learned to balance their workload.

Teachers: They're average. Some are worse than others, many don't actually teach anything and expect you to teach it to yourself. Some offer help when you're struggling, many don't. This also goes with counselors. This goes hand-in-hand with homework, where many teachers don't recognize that students have a home life and need a balance.

Leadership: Sucky, at best. Some staff truly try their best to make the school enjoyable, while others don't care in the slightest. Counselors don't care about mental health in the slightest, despite the whole first few weeks being about supporting those who need it. UNLESS, of course, you're a perfect student. If you are anywhere below the top 5%, you aren't getting help.

Character: The teachers value your average life lessons that you teach to kids. Don't do harmful drugs, get help, don't bully. They support integrity, but don't do anything to stop dishonest actions.

Learning differences: Special Ed teachers (mostly) do their best to support their students. For those who may be struggling financially, this school does not pressure you to spend money and supplies a great amount of materials themselves. In comparison to other schools, if you have a learning difficulty, most teachers will do their best to help you.

Bullying: I've only ever experienced bullying a few times here, none of which were from the students. The teachers, again, are average at best, and most who are stressed take their problems out on students. HOWEVER, while I've personally never experienced bullying via other students, I've seen it. Nothing much happens, since it almost all takes place online.

Overall, this school is decent if you EITHER have a learning difference that other schools in the area may not handle as well, OR you're a top-level student who is focusing solely on school. Otherwise, if you are the average student who wants a balanced social life and school life, this may not be the best option.

Posted: May 2, 2021

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Posted: January 19, 2017

Posted: January 19, 2017

Posted: January 19, 2017

Great school. LOved it. Teachers are great. You should sent your chld yo this school

Posted: January 19, 2017

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Posted: November 13, 2014

The music program at this school is legendary as the "A" jazz band has placed 1st in the nation for the last 9 years. Also, there are close to 1000 trophies that have been won for the school's excellent marching band.

Posted: September 22, 2013

All three of my own children attended Folsom High and all of them were well prepared to be successful in college. I have taught here for twenty years and I cannot imagine a better place to be a teacher. I love FHS and once a bulldog, always a bulldog!

Posted: August 21, 2013

Folsom High School is an amazing school. We offer excellent academics, highly competitive sports and a music program that has gained us national attention.

Posted: August 10, 2013

I can tell you that I'm in utter shock at the lack of credit some of the others have given to Folsom High School. Their AP classes are top notch and even their "regular" classes are more demanding than that of other schools in the area. Yes, there are some teachers on campus who don't teach traditionally or have the students do things on their own without any guidance, but that's called learning. Not everything can be handed to you on a silver spoon nor should students complain to their parents that it is the teachers fault. To get the most out of going to school at Folsom High, one should take advantage of every AP course because they do help you in college and in the real world. I can honestly say that no other school could have prepared me more for college like Folsom High.

Posted: June 6, 2013

We live in Rancho Cordova and commute to FHS. I decided that Cordova High wouldn't prepare my son for SATs, University courses, and life in general. At first, I was leery about the school being too big and my son not fitting in, but we have been pleasantly surprised. My son feels challenged, yet not overwhelmed. The older students interact well with the younger students and bullying is not tolerated. The majority of the staff and teachers are supportive, knowledgable, and excited about teaching. I sometimes feel that too much emphasis is placed upon expensive dances and sports events, but they equally contribute to academic endeavors and programs. Some kids might not thrive in this school because of the size and rigorous academic standards, but I look forward to seeing both my sons graduate as Bulldogs.

Posted: February 20, 2012

I have sent three children to Folsom High, and they were very well prepared for the four year universities to which they were accepted. Math program is excellent.

Posted: February 9, 2012

super bestest school in all the westest. Like my kids are the neatest and sweetest and bestest and they go there, so what does that tell you? BAM.

Posted: February 8, 2012

My daughter attends this school after going to Vista. I have to say this school is way tougher and demanding, in both school she had AP classes but the difficulty level is far greater in FHS. She needs to work harder for the same grade. On the other hand, Vista is more focused on each student and I got the feeling they really try to give support and there is more guidance readily available for the students and parents. In FHS you have to actively seek that support. Folsom High has sports state awards and way more social activities.