Chesnut Elementary School

We are new to Dunwoody and we love Chesnut! The parent and community involvement is great and we love the environmental stewardship of the ecology club and the Wellness Committee. We hope that the school garden and outdoor classroom will be utilized by more teachers because it is such a great idea. The educational offerings are good and the Discovery program is great. Chesnut is a secret gem in Dunwoody. Do not pay attention to the test scores--this is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Based on Dekalb county s school ratings and School Digger s rating, I am very apprehensive about sending my son to Chestnut for Kindergarten. In fact, we are looking to relocate so that we can be in Dunwoody s #1 rated elementary school. School started this past week and I had expectation of having to deal with unhappy staff and misbehaved children. Well, it s been a week since school started and I am overwhelmed with the great impressions I got from everyone from his teacher (Mr.C), the principal, all the way down to the lunch lady. The PTA members and Charter Council members seem to be very knowledgeable with a sincere interest in their child s and the school s life. Due to the school being a charter, parent involvement is required and it is apparent that the parents actually want to participate and not doing it because it s mandatory. In my opinion, parent involvement is what makes a school a great one. Chestnut Charter is a secret gem in Dunwoody! Don t be discouraged by the school s ratings.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful experience, Mrs. Landis was a great 1st grade teacher. I am so happy my 4 year old will be attending this fall in the Pre-K class.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Chestnut. Excellent and caring staff, and high parental involvement. Simply a wonderful environment and community. We moved from a neighboring school that scored a 10 on this website. I mention this only because it weighed heavily on our choice of school, and later we found it to be only a small factor, and one that actually backfired. Pay little attention to the 7 Chestnut is given. I have noticed no academic differences at Chestnut. There are always extras coming home in addition to homework as a challenge. I am grateful for a staff and PTA that focus more on the needs of the child than whether or not a child scores perfectly on a standardized test. Every member of Chestnut's staff we have interacted with have gone out of their way to show our child that they care.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this school! I have encountered a few elementary schools and I had finally found the one when I found Chestnut. Dr. Reid is very approachable and kind. He speaks to everybody and makes you feel right at home. I have been very fortunate in that my kids have and had teachers that they loved. When your children enjoy school there is something great about it! Parents are involved and everyone who works at the school are great! Excellent job Chestnut!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers really do care about the children and my kids are learning so much at the school. My children love the atmosphere and the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is an extension of our family. The teachers and staff truly love and care for the children. They repeatedly go that extra mile to make sure each child receives the instruction needed to succeed and exceed acedemically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

Unbelievably awesome school!!! Ive never in my life seen a school where parents are so involved...from helping in the classroom, to having lunch with your child, to coming out on saturdays fort clean up days, to unbelievable turn outs at spirit nights at local restaurants etc. it's an awesome school with great, caring teachers and staff... And everyone seems to know each other by name...
—Submitted by a parent

Love, love, love this school! The principal down to the janitor have loving hearts and want all the kids to succeed. The kids are happy to be there and my children have developed much faster here than at their previous, PRIVATE school.
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty and parents work together to ensure that our children get the best education possible!
—Submitted by a parent

Chestnut has a lot to offer as far as education is concerned. It is very well structured and I love the diversity. Chestnut is much more than a school is a communtity where parents,students and staff work together to achieve objectives.Chestnut is a positive environment and I feel that my child is safe and secure when away from home.
—Submitted by a parent

Great staff, great leaders and great families
—Submitted by a parent

I love theway that the parents and teachers are involved, the staff is so friendly. The principal, everybody loves Dr. Reid... Mi daughter is so happy, this is her first year and we do not have any complain. Good education and support from teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and parents are so involved and caring of the children. The school is safe and the principal and staff are helpful and caring of the children. I love my child's teacher and she seems to really care about my son. It's a great school and I love everything about it!
—Submitted by a parent

Chesnut Charter is Dunwoody's Best Kept Secret. It's Diverse Students represent the Real World we live in. The Faculty and Staff are Top Notch which creates an ideal environment for children. Because the school is a charter the school is enriched with an Art Program and other Specials for the children to benefit from. Parent involvement is required by each parent and I always feel welcome in the school and classroom. Recess is required everyday which allows children to get their physical energy out and concentrate more when they need to. Chesnut is a true gem.
—Submitted by a parent

Because the parents, staff and students all work so hard together to make this a wonderful part of our children's lives
—Submitted by a parent

It is a small,caring community with an unusually diverse population. The high level of parent involvement also contributes to a more well-rounded education for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great, nurturing and firm. It is a true community school, representing various ethnicities and socio-economic groups. As a parent I am so pleased that my child has this opportunity and exposure. She has learnt so much and so easily in a very short time; she doesn't ever want to skip school. I am often in her school and classroom, I feel welcomed and more importantly, I feel as if I am an integral part of her education. As I should be. I am very excited for my younger child to go there in a couple of years.
—Submitted by a parent

Chesnut Charter is a wonderful school with very involved parents, staff and faculty. My son is in Kindergarten this year. He has learned alot this year in regards to reading, math, science and history. The principal is very involved with the students and parents and he is seen in the hallways everyday during drop off/pick up and during school events. My sons teacher is very warm and caring. It is obvious she cares about her students. Many of the teachers also attend events outside school hours such as Spirit nights and are also involved on various school councils. Since this is a Charter school parent involvement is a requirement. It is wonderful to see so many parents involved with their childrens education. If there was one thing I would like to see change it would be more time for creative play and less time on classic education in Kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Great school that cares about their students. Sad it only goes up to 3rd grade. My child enjoyed.
—Submitted by a parent