Smith Elementary School

The school had a good reputation. The present staff is composed of teachers that lead alternative lifestyles. Diversity is good, yet I do not like my children being openly exposed to it
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's second year (and sadly, our last) and we couldn't say nothing but wonderful things about this school. Being new to Atlanta, we didn't know what to expect, other than what I heard about Sarah Smith, and everyone was right! For two years we have had the most dedicated and hard working teaching staff, the office staff is helpful and kind, and the principal is always visible, available, and greeting parents. We love this school and wish we weren't leaving the area!
--Submitted by a parent

Sarah Smith is an excellent school. The teachers are excellent. The environment is nurturing. Dr. Baker, the principal, is great. The Challenge program (gifted education) is superb with excellent teachers and lots of academic challenges in the 4th and 5th grade (Future Problem Solving and Odyssey of the Mind). The music/chorus teacher is absolutely wonderful - my children when they eventually moved on cried because they will miss him so much. Parent involvement is excellent, and funds many extras which makes Sarah Smith many notches above a public elementary school. Finally, it is a very happy place for kids to spend their days. We pulled our kids out of private school PreK and K) for them to attend Sarah Smith. It was one of the best educational decisions we have made.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the best Public school ever. I went there from kindergarten-4th grade and loved it, The teachers are just great. It is such a great school, I do not even have the words to explain it. The teachers and students are especially wonderful, the students are nice and mature and the teachers give the students the best learning expirience. It is just great students
--Submitted by a student

This is the best school in Atlanta--public or private. We moved to Atlanta several years ago, and after looking into both private and public schools decided on Sarah Smith. The Principal and teachers at this school are passionate about providing kids with the best elementary-level education possible. Parents fund many of the extras through the school's foundation. My kids love to go to school here, and my husband and I could not be happier with our choice.
--Submitted by a parent

It is amazing how this school continues to get better and better. As a recent recipient of the authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School, my children's education continues to be enhanced. The teachers are fantastic! They truly want to provide the best possible education around for all children. The principal is amazing! The things that have occurred under his leadership have caused this school to stand out among the best. In fact, he was named one of the top principals in Georgia and recently awarded a grant (one of only 5 principals to do so in Atlanta). He's a visionary for sure. And, the parent involvement and support are phenomenal! They obviously love the school and make sure needs are met. With principal leadership, teacher quality, and parent support, there is no wonder it's a top school in Georgia. I'm so glad my children are there!
--Submitted by a parent

The school scores high, is this due to most of the children come from families with a lot of parent involvement? The teachers I encountered were all very good, even great. However, out of my 4 children I had one that was not being challenged.
--Submitted by a parent

Sarah Smith is the best, and so is the principal and all of the teachers we've encountered. It's amazing that this can happen within Atlanta Public Schools, but it does.
--Submitted by a parent

Great parental involvement. PTA raises a great deal of money for extra programs. High teacher turnover...many parents have different views as to why this happens. Many kids leave for private school after fourth or fifth grade. There is a new push to get more kids on to the middle school, which is improving.
--Submitted by a parent

Based on test scores, we bought our home in Sarah Smith so our three children can attend school there. We have been thrilled and amazed at the level of education they are receiving. Yes, the teaching staff has had a seemingly high level of turn over. I attribute that more to the 'young' staff and them having babies, getting married and moving, etc.... The replacements have been top notch! We bought for the high test scores and what we are receiving is so much more. I can not recommend this experience any higher to parents looking for a warm, nuturing, challenging, and fun learning environment for their children. This place is the full package! The end!
--Submitted by a parent