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I'm not a parent (I'm a sophomore at FCHS), but who better than a student to say what the school's REALLY like? I really love FCHS. There's a great atmosphere of friendships and learning, and all the teachers are really willing to help with any situations that arise. Middle School was tough for me, so I didn’t have many friends, but in the past few months, I’ve made so many friends-even people I wouldn’t expect are nice. In general, everyone is more comfortable with who they are and are therefore more accepting and comfortable with other people. There are tons of clubs that meet all the time, ranging from rock climbing clubs to Rotary clubs to all the debate and science and math bowl clubs. There's most definitely something for every student to do. We have a TON of school spirit, and we kind of need it, being one of the wimpiest of the mascots - by other people's standards. (We're the lambkins. BAAA!) Every school assembly, there's shouting contests, songs, and lot's of goofy surprises from the peer counselors and student counsel. It keeps everyone in a good mood, and breaks up the monotony of school. Just a few weeks ago was homecoming week. Each day’s outfit was a different theme (Monday – Robe and Slippers, Tuesday-Techno, Wednesday- Ugly Sweater Day, Thursday- Decades Day, and Friday- Class Colors.) Tickets were awarded to those who dressed according to the theme, and there was a contest between classes to see who had the most school spirit. The seniors won. True, it is high school, so there is homework to do and tests to take, but the teachers are mindful of keeping it low-key, or it's not fun for anybody. I can't say I know much about the Special Needs Program - sorry not to be of help there. This year, we have late start Monday mornings-we start an hour later than usual. Although we have less days off because of it, I love the slow start after a weekend, and it just helps ease into school again. Classes go a lot faster so we can end at the same time as usual. The abundance of Hispanic students may be a put-off to some people (it's unfortunate how our society is that way), but have no fear - they're not evil or anything. There is kind of a separation between hispanics and whites, simply because there are so many from each group that neither of them are necessarily a minority. Compared to Hispanics, there is a surprisingly small amount of black and African American students, but it doesn’t seem as though they are discriminated against. New students such as myself often worry about finding their way around in a new school. FCHS is by far the easiest high school in Fort Collins to navigate around. There is the spine, or main hallway, and three major hallways jutting out from it. There are two levels, but there are many staircases and catwalks you can use to get from one place to the next quickly. FCHS offers dozens of electives, so no worries there. You can also take selected classes (like nursing, greenhouse sciences, silversmithing, culinary arts, some sort of carpentry class, veterinary classes, some type of art class, and many more) at the Front Range Community College during Junior and Senior years. If you pass the class, you will be reimbursed the cost of the class. There's a ton more I could say, but overall, FCHS is a great high school, and I'll be proud to graduate as a lambkin.