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GreatSchools Rating

Smith Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 345 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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23 reviews of this school


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Posted May 10, 2013

Let alone the fact that the school is ancient, the staff could also use updating. I'm not calling the school terrible but it's not great. The school could use major improvement from the buildings to the recreation outside. The basketball court and gym should be demolished and made a new. That is mainly the only things that need improvement.


Posted May 10, 2010

I am a birmingham city schools employee and I don't think Smith has a nice school. Compared to Martha Gaskins a wonderful school ! they are ignorant of such things. As far as work goes teachers are yelling each and every minute. Hudson acts better than them. This is why I rated Smith one 1. It is not my fault for uch madness!!!


Posted April 14, 2010

My name is karen watkins I am a proud parent of Smith Middle School I have three kids attend their I have enjoyed the staff at Smith Middle they are awsome. Thanks Dr. Willis and staff for with the Pettway and Allison family .
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 23, 2009

My name is Malehia Pruitt. I attended Smith Middle School 1 year ago.I think it is a wonder school for your child to enroll in. I believe that it helped me recieve the best education to help me in my future to accomplish my goals.
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 26, 2008

At first, I listened to all the 'nay sayers' about Smith school. Sure, it's just like any other school. They have their good days and their bad days. Overall, they are doing an excellent job. There is a need for more teachers so that they can offer more elective classes and technology is a major issue with the school. However, my child really enjoys his school, teachers, and administrators. As parents we must support them and stop looking for someone to blame.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 23, 2008

Smith Middle School has come a long way. I am very satisfied with the school. My child loves it
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 8, 2008

This school lacks professionalism. Some of the teachers seem disconnected and unconcerned with the well being of the students in 7th grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 30, 2008

Hello! My name is De'Eria Wimbley.I attented Smith Middle School from 6th grade to the middle of my 8th grade year.As a student,I would like to say that I think that overall,Smith is a great school. Sure,there are some things that needs too be improved,but the changes that are needed are similar to those of other schools. Mr.Willis is doing all he can,and it's working.Through my years of attending Smith,I could see the school improving. However,in the class room,the teachers would struggle to get their lesson across because of the students.Smith is lacking professionalism? Put yourself in these teachers place for a minute.Trying to teach these kids their daily lesson with their excessive talking. Not saying that I'm perfect.In conclusion,I would like to thank these teachers for giving me an education.And I am proud to say that because of this education received,I will be attending Ramsay Prepatory High School this fall!
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 11, 2008

My name is Diamonta Marshall and I've been attending this school for the past three years .To me Smith is a very great school with smart and intelligent students.This is my last year and I've had fun at this school.I'd like to thank the teachers for giving me a chance at life and giving me an education.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 15, 2008

My name is malehia pruitt. im in the 8th grade and i go to smith middle school. i know for a fact that smith middle school is a great school. Im finally excited to learn and the teacher who all the students like because he teaches use well is ....Mr. Hannon. everyone need to attend smith because we have a loving principle and loving teachers!!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 1, 2007

This school lacks professionalism. Some of the teachers seem disconnected and unconcerned with the well being of the students in 7th grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 8, 2007

Smith Middle School is a great school. Most people say it is not but I truly think that Smith is a great school , because they have excellent principal leadership and teachers that actually care! My child Brianna attends that school and she loves it. of course that don't let 6th graders be involed a lot because they feel that the students should get time to know the school. Any child that attends Smith should be very proud! and I wish luck to all new 6th graders there
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 13, 2006

I am a proud parent of a Smith Middle School 7th Grader. My son De'Marcus Fitts attended Smith Middle for the first time last year and he enjoyed it and so did his father and I. He got a very good education there and he loved everyone of his teachers last year, and as a parent so did I. My son was so ready to get back to Smith Middle to start his 7th Grade year, and that to me lets me and his father know that Smith Middle isn't this awful School others are trying to say it is. Smith Middle is a great school with a great staff on board there. You Go Cougars!
—Submitted by LaKisha Fitts Coleman, a parent


Posted May 20, 2006

I think smith middle school is a good school.I am a student in the 8th grade and i like the teachers and students. It is good in academics, athletics, and so on. When its time to work we work and when its time for us to have parties, pep ralleys, we have fun. Last year we took the SAT test and scored above our regular total.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 16, 2006

I thimk smith middle is a really good school. I am a student from neworleans,louisiana and have been attending this school for 7 months.They give us a good education and teaches well discipline.The people that talks about this school is very wrong we do succeed in everything we do. Like our principal always tells us 'if we can believe it,we can achieve it'
—Submitted by Ikea Perrier, a student


Posted September 7, 2005

Smith Middle School is making tremendous progress. Many positives were and are occuring daily at the school. We must realize that we as parents have the responsibility of supporting the education, not bashing it because of our various agendas. It's ashame that 'The Truth' has been lost in calculated rhetoric in efforts to undermine the reputation and quality of the school. It is my advice that we speak facts rather than reported 'truths.' Often times, what we hear second-hand, does not remotely match what is true. Understand, it is our spoken word which can either positively enhance our community or destroy it. If we believe in our community as we say we do, why do we not embrace our schools but rather, undermine them? It's time for us to be real parents and stop looking for someone else to blame for many of the problems that start at home. Stay Real.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2005

This is my son first year at Smith Middle School and every thing seems to be going fine for him, He has some great teachers and he comes home and always tell his father and I how he had a great day.
—Submitted by LaKisha Fitts Coleman, a parent


Posted August 31, 2005

Smith Middle school is the worst school my child every attended. Mr. Willis is trying to turn the school around in a positive direction but he really need better teachers that will help him make this goal possible. concern parent
—Submitted by concern parent, a parent


Posted July 8, 2005

Smith Middle School is the worst school to be forced to attend. I found only one teacher during the three years that my child was there that actually taught. The principal is a very nice but uninformed man. The student to teacher ratio is ridiculous. I have taken my child out of the Birmingham School system. I would advise all parents not to let their children attend. -The Truth
—Submitted by Xavier Beaty, a parent


Posted March 12, 2005

I think that Smith Middle school is a great school. I have been a student at Smith for three years.Yes at Smith we have our good days and bad days but what school does not. Smith is a great school with a lot of potential teschers,doctors,and lawyers. I am now a eighth grade student at Smith and I love the teaching environment. What ever a person says about Smith in a negative sense is totally not true. I go to Smith every morning from 8:30 to 3:00 and I leave out with no harm done to me. So if any one tell you that Smith has a lot of negative things going on please turn the other cheek. Because I don't believe there's a school better than L.M. Smith Middle School
—Submitted by Alexis Gibson, a student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2010.

111 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
33%

2007

 
 
44%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010.

112 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
63%

2007

 
 
75%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2010.

107 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
64%

2008

 
 
26%

2007

 
 
39%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2010.

106 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
64%

2007

 
 
67%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2010.

106 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
72%

2008

 
 
61%

2007

 
 
63%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2010.

106 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
68%

2008

 
 
74%

2007

 
 
62%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students80%
Female94%
Male69%
Black80%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch79%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education68%
Students without disabilities83%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English80%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%

Reading

All Students88%
Female94%
Male84%
Black88%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch88%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education47%
Students without disabilities97%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students92%
Female98%
Male84%
Black91%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch91%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education79%
Students without disabilities94%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%

Reading

All Students92%
Female98%
Male86%
Black92%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch92%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education79%
Students without disabilities95%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students78%
Female91%
Male66%
Black78%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch80%
Not economically disadvantaged71%
Special education60%
Students without disabilities83%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English78%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant78%

Reading

All Students81%
Female96%
Male66%
Black81%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch82%
Not economically disadvantaged76%
Special education40%
Students without disabilities91%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English81%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant81%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 69% in 2010.

102 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
53%

2008

 
 
28%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

All Students85%
Female88%
Male82%
Black85%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch83%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education75%
Students without disabilities87%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 98% 35%
White 2% 59%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 1%
Asian/Pacific Islander N/A 1%
Hispanic N/A 4%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 82%N/A52%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A16
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1124 Five Mile Rd
Birmingham, AL 35215
Phone: (205) 231-5675

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