Smiley Elementary School

I am an ACTUAL parent, who currently has a child at this school (have had 2 in this school). Bullying IS an issue. I've been shopping around and after the holiday break, I do not plan on my child returning to Smiley. There are a lot of options out there and I'm willing to drive an extra 5 or 10 minutes to have my child in a better situation. This school is just not a good fit for my child and our family. Best of luck!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 4 children at Smiley and the only reason I didn't send my 5th was because Redlands School District does not provide a dual-immersion program that I recently became aware of in surrounding districts. I do not hesitate to recommend this school to any neighborhood family - there is NO REASON to spend more money on private education when Redlands schools do so well - I read some of the negative comments and it appears they are commenting on specific events rather than the school - and Yes, teachers do not have time to deviate very much from the California Curriculum/Text books and you can blame that on Federal NCLB - not the teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is attending her second year at Smiley. The teacher she had for 3rd grade was AWESOME!!! She struggled with the structure of the school and learning to study from the textbook. Her previous school only used hand out because they taught to the test. After talking to her teacher he took a little extra time to work with her as did I. She did have trouble with a bully. But I worked with her and the school to stop the problems. Frankly bullying happens in all schools. It is something all schools face at one time or another. The programs at Smiley are great. We came from school that had very few programs so I don't mind the fundraising to allow my daughter to go on an extra field trip or have a school camp out, family fun night etc. The staff that I have encountered have gone out of their way to help and encourage the kids. This year my daughter came home excited to tell me the school was offering free guitar lessons and she will learn gardening. Parents who have children in Smiley should be grateful to the staff and help them to encourage their kids. Not Many schools put out the extra effort that Smiley does.
--Submitted by a parent

my grandson brought home a spelling test that he CLEARLY failed and sitting at the bottom of the test was an"A"! I think out of 10 words there were actually 3 correct. How is that passing?? that happened two times during the year.!! tHERE ARE ONLY A SELECT FEW THAT ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE STUDENTS!!. My Grandson's teacher has actually told him that "He don't really care". What a thing to tell your students. Communication with some of the teachers is non-exsistent. Notes go in to teachers but nothing comes back. Un-happy parent!!!
--Submitted by a parent

If you can avoid it, I wouldn't send your child to this school. There is constantly a push for fundraising activities, yet it seems nothing ever improves or gets updated. The staff are lacking training and empathy for the children. A teacher even commented to me about being constrained by testing requirements, and not having the room to make learning fun for the kids. Very robotic with only a couple of teachers that truly give the impression that they care about their kids. A child was curled up under a desk in the office one day, in the fetal position. When I pointed it out to the office staff, they rolled their eyes and just said, "I know!" They can't be bothered with children needing a little extra. It could be so much more than it is, and there is no desire to make anything any better. It's just sad!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is not one I would ever choose to send my child to. From bullying on the play ground to harassment from teachers and faculty, I cant wait to get my child out of here. If I could home school I would, and almost want to quit my job to do so. I wouldn't recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Mr. Cloutier was the best teacher ever!! My daughter was in his class in 1st and 2nd grade.. I say, Smiley is the best elem. school here in Redlands.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest just finished her 5th grade year and it was a great experience for her. I'm very happy for the five years she spent there and how that she is moving on to Cope Middle school I now have a 5 year old starting Kindergarten at Smiley.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so blessed to have such outstanding teachers here at Smiley! It really is the best of all the Redlands schools!
--Submitted by a parent

This was my daughter's 1st year of elementary school. She learnt a lot at Smiley and was encouraged to learn. Her teacher had some behaviorally challenging students, but the teacher worked very hard to make sure nobody was left behind. Also that no student was too bored because some student's required extra attention. My daughter enjoyed her 1st year of school and is looking forward to starting grade 2 at Smiley.
--Submitted by a parent