Smiths Station Elementary School

I have two sons who both went through this school. At first I didn't know much about the school and how things are run there. Academics are the main focus at the school and it shows. My children were given lots of opportunities to shine and do their best. The school is very safe and you can be sure your children are taken care of. Every time I needed something, it was taken care of with a smile and done professionaly.
--Submitted by a parent

You do have other options, if you are as unhappy with this school as I was. Initially, transferred our child to a private school. Then, via other parents, we learned that we could use Lakewood Elementary. Wow~what a fantastic change!I have never heard one parent complain about Lakewood. The principal, Mrs. Nicey Eller~the best! The teachers~most, if not all, have Masters Degrees. They are a Science Magnet school. Did I mention at least 7 students followed us to this school~leaving SS for the same reason. I went to the local school board office (I believe it was called that), its off 13th st, PC. Ask for a transfer app. Fill the form out and in the reason section, just put "hardship". They dont want the long story. Leave the form with them. In a week or less you should recieve the approval in the mail. Spaces are limited, and they go fast....so I would put in for it asap. You will not regret. Lakewood is a rather new school, and has grown so rapidly they are building another school adjacent to this one~just for 2 grades :))
--Submitted by a parent

Bad, Bad, Bad!!!!! There is no music, art, or even recess at this school. All the principal cares about is how the school looks on paper. You aren't allowed to go to your child's classroom and the front office staff is rude! Even though my child has all A's and great conduct, my child was made to sit outside against a wall and watch as other children had fun, got popsicles and juice and was not allowed to talk because my child did not take enough "AR tests". The other day my child was flat out refused breakfast because they don't tell you that you owe money on the lunch account until it is past due. I was not contacted when this happened so my child had to go hungry. I tried to do research before choosing a school and I wish someone had posted a review like this on here before I bought a house and moved to this area. Unfortunately this is the school my child is zoned to go to next year when it will be a K-5 through 6th grade so we will be paying for a private school from here on out. If you care about your child's education move to Georgia or pay for private school.
--Submitted by a parent

My sons enjoyed the school and were challenged in their classes. My sons both had different teachers in 2nd and 3rd grade and loved them all. I highly recommend the school and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been very inpressed with SSES. My son looked forward to going to school each day. Mrs. Birge made learning for him fun.
--Submitted by a parent

Students are somewhat mean to others and teachers rarly notice when the students are being picked on. Students there made it a living night mare for my daughter. Other wise, it was a great school
--Submitted by a parent

We are a military family and my child attended SSES for 2 years and we were very sad to leave it. This is the best school my child has attended. The stamp issue...Your child receives stamps for completing homework, behaving in class, doing what they are told to do, being prepared for class, and being honest. To loose a stamp, you have to break one of those rules and before a stamp is taken away for not listening in class or misbehaving, your child is given a verbal warning! Your child should be doing all of this anyway, but then again it is all in how you raise your child. Teachers are wonderful...Mrs. Glisson and Mrs. Robinson!! Principal is wonderful and the front office staff is wonderful. You do have to show picture ID to check out child, but that is for the safety of your child!!! Great school!
--Submitted by Lori Van Etten, a parent

My child started S.S.E.S. in January of 2007. At first I was very impressed with the school. Then it seemed that they were more concerned with how many stickers my child lost then how his grades were. There were many times that my husband and I would send letters to the school and not get any response from the teacher. If I take the time out of my busy schedule to write the teacher a letter the least that she or he can do is respond. Before we moved to Smiths Station my husband and I heard a lot of good things about the school. We are hoping that when the new school year starts (2007-2008) that things will be better.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't have to much of a problem except when you are a working family and your child comes home with a lot of homework on top of a project.This school has more projects than any school i've known,and for working parents trying to help them with their homework,help the other kids,cook dinner,get showers,etc. All before bed is not possible.My answer is: slow the projects down to a couple a month?
--Submitted by a parent

While I like the school and the education my child is getting there, I also have points that I dislike. I also feel that there should be more emphasis on grades and working rather than on getting 'stamps'. I understand children need discipline but when a child has to put all of their energy into making sure they don't lose their stamp over every little thing, they don't have much left to put towards concentrating on their work. I also would like it if there were more activities the children could get into...as of now, there are none that I know of.
--Submitted by S Cureton, a parent