Big Shanty Elementary School

Big Shanty may not have a new building, however, it has a new administration, along with a staff, that is passionate about the success of ALL of our children. The public schools adopting the Common Core Standards is just another example of how we are in the right place, with the right leadership, to be sure that our children are challenged and will be prepared to excel with their future goals.
—Submitted by a parent

Big Shanty has a new administration and it shows! Everyone in the school is full of energy and enthusiasm. The staff has high morale and the students are eager to learn. Look for great things to come from Big Shanty in the coming years!
—Submitted by a parent

I had two children go through Big Shanty, both were challenged and looked forward to going to school everyday. I could not be happier with a school, both my children became independent and ready for middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest child is currently in their 2nd year at Big Shanty and will be taken out at mid year when we can transfer somewhere else. She has always loved school and scores in the 99th percentile on standardized tests. She is a very bright child but we now spend hours each night doing the teaching that she isn't getting at school. This is further complicated by the lack of communication. The rooms are over crowded and the teachers have turned into baby sitters just looking to collect a check The thought that my child should be challenged is an absolute foreign concept. If you have other options, take them - we will be. If you do not have any other good option then prepare to teach your child everything they need without any assistance from the school. I'm sure some of the teachers are fine but it is luck of the draw and not worth risking your child's future to their overall incompetence.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Big Shanty Elementary School, the worst school ever; I was very disappointed with this school facility. If your child is different they do not pay attention to them, this school is a racial school (yes I said it because it is). The teachers are rude to the kids and do not assist them when they are in need. My child last year was to worst the teacher used scare tactic to teach. Due to that type of teaching my child could not excel, now he's in middle school and he's on the honor roll every marking cycle. Do not send your child to Big Shanty Elementary School if you love your child. Kennesaw Elementary School very good, they care about the kids and they want your child to excel. Awtrey Middle School very good, they too care about the kids and they want your child to excel.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school!! We removed our children from private school, placed them in Big Shanty. Because the Cobb County curriculum is superior to many of the private schools, we had to have help in being brought back up to "grade equivalent" in math. They were very helpful in working with us. Communication is stellar, at this school!! Teachers and staff are very good with informing parents of the happenings and "goings ons". The office staff is friendly and helpful. Can't say enough good about this place!
—Submitted by a parent

I was apprehensive about sending my child to this school however the teachers that he did have were excellent. He went there for 3rd and 4th grade. If a child is academically strong, they will thrive in any environment. That said, the building and environment of the school leaves much to be desired, the classrooms are overcrowded. On the first day of school, there was no desk for my son and he had to sit outside while they found a desk. The class was so large in size that there was hardly any room to walk between the desks, the children were literally on top of each other. Also not too happy with the adminstration either. Overall the school needs to be updated, and brought up to date with technology and made bigger. Teachers and parent volunteers made this school way better than it seemed at first!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a mess!! Administration has no concern over the value of a parent's time. Teachers have no tolerance to a child's normal behavior pattern. Communication is terrible. Teachers demote children to other classes without notifying parents. Classrooms are overcrowded and children are overstimulated. How can one learn in this environment???
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is not a walking vegetable, do not send him/her here. Children are not able to behave as normal children do. This school has ruined my child's self esteem. Administration has no consideration to the importance of a parent's time. Classrooms are overcrowded. Communication is terrible. Parents are not notified if children are placed in a new class (demoted). I wish I would have pulled my child out of this school a long time ago but being new to the area and just getting settled, I felt that another change would have been more detrimental. I am now regretting my decision.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome! I have enjoyed having my child at this school. My daughter is hearing impaired and the staff and teachers have been wonderful. This was our first year. Her teacher, Ms. Betsey Kenneday has been wonderful. She motivates and challenges her students to their fullest potential. We have also had great experiences with Mr. Cook and Ms. Palen (Art Teacher). The administrative team were helpful. We felt at home. I can wait for my son to start there nexy year!
—Submitted by a parent

Not thrilled with this school AT ALL! There is absolutely no structure in the school. Classrooms are overcrowded. My child went from being an honor roll student to just skimming by. If you are moving to this area, there is a charter school around the corner if you can not afford a private school. I would try there first.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Big Shanty and feel very confident in the level of education they are getting. My youngest son is a 3rd grader and has a hard time focussing, his teacher came up with the wonderful idea of putting a timer on his desk to help him keep track of his time...he treats it like a competition to beat the clock. This type of thinking outside the box it what makes Big Shanty such a wondeful school. Thanks for all you do!
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately the teaching my child received was very unprofessional. I don t think my son teachers got the support that they need. My son is autistic I don t know if that was the problem not much knowledge from administration from the school. The principal and supervisor for especial education for that school did very little to help us. This last school year Big Shanty made many changes on my son classes without letting me know a head of time. My son has many food allergies that Big Shanty did not want to work with us. I had to request an IEP just to strait this issue. They should have thought on that before make the changes. A good thing is Parents are very much involved on their children education at Big Shanty and teachers are very caring.
—Submitted by a parent

Big Shanty is a great school. The Staff is friendly and the teachers are knowledgeable and caring for the students. Lots of extra activities is available. There is a lot of parent involvement in the school and PTA. Very satisfied and my daughter could not be more happy.
—Submitted by a parent

Great scholl, it has been a great experience for our son and for us as parents.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who has just moved to the Kennesaw area, I have been extremely impressed with Big Shanty. The administration is highly visible and available, and there is a real warm and caring feeling at this school. Teachers are motivated and very dedicated. We are very happy that our child has found such a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have seven children and have moved around quite a lot. I have seen many schools some o.K. Some atrocious,but I have never been more pleased and proud to say my children go to big shanty I absolutely love the school!
—Submitted by Pati C, a parent

Big Shanty was the worst experience I have ever had with a school. My daughter attended and I was extremely disappointed and abhorred by the lack of responsibility, supervision, and protection of my child. I recommend running as fast as you can away from this school.
—Submitted by a teacher

Educated parents have quickly realized that the new principal at Big Shanty is dedicated to making this an outstanding school. We have been very pleased with all aspects of education at Big Shanty.
—Submitted by a parent

This has been my daughters first year at Big Shanty and I have been very impressed. The quality of academic programs is outstanding, the extracurricular activities are awesome (especially music!), and the level of parent involvement is average. The new principal this year has made a huge difference. She is always visible at the school, present at the after school activities, and available to the parents. I love Big Shanty and can't wait for my second daughter to go there soon.
—Submitted by a parent