Deerwood Academy

I am a parent of two boys that are 9 years old and will be 8 years old in july..I am looking to move into a great area with my kids.I am looking for a great school for my boys to attend to get a great excellent education, As I read the reviews on this school, It seems like I am going to have a problems, which I don't want.My kids are already going through enough with drama at that school now and Im tired of it.All I want for them right now is a very good education with no bullying, and no problems from teachers, students, or principal..If I should have a problem..I would need to know that they are in safe, secure, hands of the school if I should have any problems..So I honestly need to know if Deerwood is the school for my kids to attend being though the reviews is stating that this school has changed from great to issues..So I honestly need a Honest parent to let me know if this is the school for my sons to attend, knowing they are going through such a hard time in the school they are in now? Can I get a honest yes or no no for this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the distraught parent. This is no longer a quality school. I am pleased with my child's teacher but I have witnessed some of the teachers mistreating students. I have brought this to the attention of the new principal and nothing has been done. My son has been attending this school for three years. This is the first year that I am absolutely worried about the school program and his progress. Teachers seem angry and the principal seem unconcerned. She is pleasant toward parents but seems ineffective as a leader. I get the impression that the staff does not respect the new leadership. The previous post from the educator/teacher is biased. It is sad. We will be looking for a new school next year. We tried to hang in here based on what was in place previously. The ideas and quality of program is gone.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a student attending Deerwood Academy. I am myself an educator and find the instructional program in place to be challenging. My son is a third grader and has received a top notch education at Deerwood since Kindergarten. Contrary to the previous post, I am more than pleased with my son's educational experience and the dedication of the teachers. I greatly appreciate the new approach to leadership and will continue to support endeavors and new initiatives designed to boost the whole school experience.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my child's fourth year at Deerwood Academy and I am appalled by how quickly the instructional program has gone down hill with the change in leadership. Every program or event has been disorganized. Teachers are allowed to be disrespectful toward parents and mean to children. For the last few years, I have listened to teachers complaining about how much they had to do under the demands of Dr. Lisa Smith. Like a fool, I bought into siding with them and often requested for her to give some relief with the expectations. I now see that it was necessary. This once great school is falling apart. The new superintendent needs to get on his knees and beg Dr. Smith to come back before it is too late. I am one of many discouraged parents. The first Coffee and Conversation was a joke. This is what happens when there is no parent or community input when hiring a new principal. So sad!
--Submitted by a parent

Great delivery of education and caring!!
--Submitted by a parent

It's a Great School with Great Leadership!!
--Submitted by a parent

I love Deerwood Academy because it is a nurturing environment for my children. For four years, my children have all experienced and educational experience unlike any other in the Atlanta Public School system. The vision of the leader is superb, and her passion for properly and effectively education children is felt from the moment you walk into the door. In addition, the teachers my children have received instruction from have been a joy to work with. They really are open to partnering with parents to ensure a great education for your child. I would have to also add that Deerwood has an open door policy, and is very open to parents volunteering and getting involved with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Deerwood Academy needs its principal Lisa Smith back! I am alarmed by the drastic change in programs, expectations, and momentum. Many parents were concerned back in December 2009 about the change in leadership fearing that the change would be to the detriment of the school. Our fear has become reality. The school is simply not the same. They removed the visionary that had high expectations and worked her butt off to make a special school for children and slowly but surely the school is becoming another Fickett and Continental Colony-subpar programming. I am distraught with no options in SW Atlanta. We need our great leader back. We have suffered a great loss!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended deerwood academy three years ina row. I love deerwood academy. The teachers are very involved. The principal is dedicated.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended Deerwood Academy last year, and although we had challenges with bullying and such, I believe the principal was proactive in resolving the issue. The teachers are dedicated and have the vision to ensure all students get a quality education. With further support from the board of education, this school could easily up its rating and become one of the top elementary schools in APS.
--Submitted by a parent