South Olive Elementary School

We are on our second year and I can not express the love I have for the school and Mr. Smith, the princibal. My daughter could not be happier and move loved and safe at South Olive. I am a great believer in children having a diversified enviroment and not being in a social bubble. Thank you to Hank Smith, he brings the best out of every student, no matter they back ground and that tells you a lot about a person. He does not see any difference between wealth or race. Thank you so much for all your hard work and love for the school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started in the 3rd grade this year, 2011, with butterflies in his stomach. He came from a school that acted more as a family unit, Pine Jog Elementary, he has been with the same kids since pre-school and was nervous but excited for a new start when we moved. From the 1st week of school, I started to feel at ease until I discovered the principal, Hank Smith, does not care about the saftety of the children who attend his school. All entrances are closed and the only way in for your child is to walk 10 minutes through a public park and enter through a side entrance. After trying to reason with an unreasonable man I relaized i made a huge mistake by enrolling my son here and we are switching back to Pine Jog.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the second grade at South Olive and I am extrememly happy with all aspects of this school. I am amazed with the academics at this school and with the teachers and staff. They all truly care about what is in the best interest of the children. I am happy to be apart of the S.O. family.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my son second and last year at this school. I feel so safe when I leave my son in SOES every morning. I feel sad that it is my son last year at this place. I love the teachers, the gifted program, the principal, the food in the cafeteria, the enviroment, the cleaness, neatness, the kids, the parents, the programs, the staff always have a big smile on their face... I will missed this school next year very dearly, I'll never forget it!!.
--Submitted by a parent

Top-down, hands on leadership from a great principal, and exceptionally engaged teachers. SO is a great school and has recently had many out of area principals and teachers observe how they do it to try and replicate.
--Submitted by a parent

Love the Principal, teachers and staff here! I'm sending my 3rd child here and my oldest is in 10th grade...it continues to be a fabulous school!
--Submitted by a parent

South Olive continues to excel at producing the county s best students and young citizens. Our family s experience at the campus has been consistently pleasurable throughout the nine years and two students who have enrolled. The administration is led by Hank Smith, a principal who utilizes his knowledge and experience to deliver academic excellence in an environment that fosters faculty growth. The administration and staff have cultivated a relationship that allows for flexibility in providing the best education plan for an individual student. Advanced metrics are utilized to predict student achievement and areas of improvement leading to faculty discussions on how to best challenge the student. Combined with an involved SAC and PTO base of parental involvement, this has lead to a consistent growth in academic achievement that is the envy of public and private elementary schools across the county and state. Partnering in this hotbed of learning is our student body, which is rich in both cultural and economic diversity. The entire faculty has created a culture where success is independent of culture or economic strata. Quite simply, this is your elementary school of choice.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 3 children who have all gone through South Olive Elementary. It is an amazing elementary school with outstanding leadership and academics as well as top notch teachers. It is a true "neighborhood" school.

The criteria for a 5 star rating on this site include excellent teachers, strong principal/school leadership, and challenging academic program. South Olive not only meets the requirements for a 5 star rating, but exceeds the criteria. The teachers are incredible. They have a unique ability to balance between strong academics while continuing to provide this age group comfort, confidence and nurturing to make learning successful. The principal, Hank Smith, has not only surpassed academic hurdles and met high goals year by year but he does so while continuing to work hard to make South Olive a safe haven for the students. His leadership has provided a positive atmosphere for learning. The academic program at South Olive exceeds all expectations. Despite the mess we were handed last year, Mr. Smith, the teachers, and support staff stood up and embraced the challenge and were unbelievably successful in the end. South Olive Elementary School, Mr. Smith, the teachers, the staff, made my children s elementary experience fabulous and provided a solid educational path for their futures. I am thankful, proud, and lucky to be a part of this educational family!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a new parent at this school but am very impressed with my little girl's teacher. I also know that there is alot of parent involvement and it is rated an "A" school. We are looking forward to an excellent year!
--Submitted by a parent