Big Shanty Elementary School

My child(ren) were affected by the school split. I was very sad to leave kennesaw and i can say that the 04-05 school year was not the best but my daughter had a great teacher. This year my daughter is a 4th grader and with the new principal, ap, front office staff, and ilt big shanty is the place to be. We have had a fantastic year. The administration is accessible and the teachers are thrilled to be under their leadership. Fyi the cafeteria and custodial staff are wonderful. They go out of their way to be helpful and nice. I can't wait for my other child at kennesaw to be apart of the big shanty family.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Big Shanty Elementary for two years now since the split in the schools. During this time I can say that the teachers that he has had were and are very motivating. They work with him when he needs assistance. The environment of the counselors and teachers were warm. I have spoken to the principal and she has always been available to me. I think Big Shanty is improving. What others don't realize is that as parents we also have to go the extra mile and not depend strictly on the teachers and staff to assist and push our children. Big Shanty is coming around the curb and they are doing a good job
—Submitted by a parent

Big Shanty is a mess. The principal leadership is too poor and she is not available when is needed. She protects some teachers with really very bad teaching skills. The students arrived from other schools with high motivation but the lack of organization and interest reduce their performance and motivation.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of education, teaching & learning here is the lowest I've ever experienced with any of my children in ANY school district. Once excellent & excelling students are failing due to poor teaching & environment. Lots of unnecessary involvment by the 'counselors'. Way too much emphasis on state-mandated and local testings. Teachers to-date seem unresponsive to parental concerns and teaching improvements. Principal? Never available. Unacceptable level of serious injuries on playground on a daily basis.
—Submitted by a parent

The pricipal at Big Shanty is not interested in helping or working with parents. My son was at Kennesaw Elementary for first and second grades and he excelled and did not have even one instance of trouble. Since being forced to go to Big Shanty this year (due to school realignment) my son has had trouble with bullys with no support from the Principal. Although his teacher has been excellent the administration is terrible and should be looked at by the County for serious review. If you can avoid it do not send your children to Big Shanty.
—Submitted by a parent

The Principal has not been available to us. Teachers seem to run the school. Big Shanty Elementary School needs some restructuring. There is a big devide between teachers, administration and the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree. Big shanty staff is highly rude and the teachers are not very helpful when it comes to the students. My son was student of the month with straight a's last year. This year at big shanty he is struggling because the teacher has given no feedback to me as to what to do. I have written 4 letters to the teacher. I also will be moving my children out of that school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Big Shanty has a very low motivated staff and has a negative administration. Parental involvement has decreased and the morale of the teachers/staff that had to move to the school is low. Kids are suffering and it's not a positive environment. Parents do not feel welcomed and overall the experience is terrible. Will be moving our kids to another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent