Jacob G. Smith Elementary School

This little school is a gem. It is a warm and caring environment with clear expectations of the students both in terms of high academic achievement and in character and good citizenship. Every child is greeted by name with a smile when they get off the school bus or walk into the building, and it just seems like a happy place to be. The Latin program is back this year and there are opportunities for students to participate in violin, dance, soccer, drama club, garden club, fitness club and more. We are so, so happy to have our children at JGS!
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed with the experience we have had at this school. My child has been here since kindergarten. K and 1st grade were wonderful, due to the exceptional teachers, since that time, the changes that have been made have been awful. Teachers are visibly unhappy, and this passes on to the students. The Latin language program has been dropped and the gifted program seems to be on the back burner. Academically there are no challenges and parents are made to feel unwelcome in this school. This school is not what it used to be.
—Submitted by a parent

J G Smith sets high academic standards in a firm yet , very loving environment. The test scores are high and my children always looked forward to attending school. They look up to their teachers and talk about the teachers and what they have learned on a daily basis. Although my son still attends, my daughter has since moved on to middle school however, she always wants to visit and say hello to everyone from the teachers to the cafeteria personel. They strive to make the children feel important and instill in them a desire to learn and exceed.
—Submitted by a parent

We have the best school because of our principal and our fabulous teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student at Jacob G. Smith and I am in sixth grade now. Pre-k was added the year after I left. My sister still attends the school. The principal left the year I left, so I am not sure how it is run now, but I attended the school since kindergarten. I attend Coastal Middle School now. I loved Jacob G. Smith and I cried when I left. The school doent only set a high standard in acedimics, but also in sportsmanship and life values. This school has the gifted program, safety patrols, beta club, and cheerleading. The school offers many oppurtunities to all ages and I hope you send your children to JGS.
—Submitted by a student

My child has been at Jacob G Smith for a little over a year now. He is getting a wonderful education by educators that are truly concerened about all aspects. They do know that these children need to have more than school and that the families need to play a key role in the growth and development of the children. We have a new principal this year. I have found her to be wonderfully involved on all levels. She is very aware of the committment level that is needed to have a wonderful productive educational environment.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school! We have 3 children attending Jacob G. Smith this year and couldn't be happier with the academic and social growth we're seeing in our children. The teachers are approachable and are dedicated to the academic success of the students. I also like the student drop off/pick up changes that are being implemented by the Administration. These changes foster an even safer environment for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers and Administrators strive fr excellence at this school. I have 2 children enrolled (magnet program) at Jacob G. Smith.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends kindergarten at Jacob G. Smith. He has always had a difficult time learning,due to the fact that he is ADHD. Because of the excellent reputation that the school has, I knew that I wanted my son to have a 'solid, traditional education'. He is doing an excellent job there, and for the first time...he actually seems to enjoy school. It is so funny, because when I go there he is always reminding me of the school rules like: no running, quiet in the hallway, and walk on this side of the hall. He knows the school better than he knows our own home. Most of all, he has very loving and attentive teachers. He adores Mrs. Dougal and Mrs. Holland. Not to mention all of his pryme tyme teachers. I take pride in saying that my child is a student at Jacob G. Smith. 'The best!'
—Submitted by Angela Hollingshed-Jackson, a parent

My daughter attended the school from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Low staff turnover, wonderful principal, excellent strings program, and great extra-curricular activities. The after-school program has been a little boring for the kids, however, the staff is *very* dedicated, and you know your child is *safe* there. Latin instruction and Chess club are phenomenal. PTA meetings are standing room only due to high level of parent involvement. Teachers are very dedicated when it comes to preparing the kids for middle school. Admin staff are always very friendly and professional. Kids learn to focus on school activities and teachers do not allow rough-housing or bad language. Gifted and special students have many opportunities. You can send your child to this school and not have any worries. This is the best elementary school in Savannah, GA. Parents care a lot, and teachers do as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Jacob G. Smith. My oldest is a 5th grader preparing for middle school. Talk about never knowing what you have until it's about to be gone...until I started looking closely at area middle schools I never appreciated how absolutely fantastic Jacob G. has been. Our teachers have all been committed and hard working. At times when our children have struggled in certain areas, they have each had teachers tutor them after school for several days each week and for MONTHS on end until they were 'caught up' with their classmates. Because my kids have liked all their teachers, they actually enjoyed the tutoring because it gave them a chance for more one-on-one time with teachers that they liked! The school building is bright, airy and colorful and located in a nice neighborhood that feels very safe. The uniform policy is a definite plus. I love the strings and band program. My children have gotten a wonderful musical education and the only expense to parents is the price of renting the instrument(s) and minor supplies. There is also a very exciting and innovative SEARCH program. The only flies in the ointment are a repetitive menu of poorly balanced hot lunch options and a very weak P.E. program. Elementary children spend long hours in the classroom and yearn for fun and challenging outdoor activities. Unfortunately the P.E. teacher has been known to set the children off walking 'laps' while she chats on her cell. If the P.E. program was of the same caliber as the rest of this school's offerings, then there would be no finer elementary school in the city. There is an adequate after school program which is unfortunately supervised by the P.E. teacher. The program is safe, and homework completion is a top priority - it's just dull.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful academy. There is a low turn-over rate for teachers, the principle is a strong leader, the students receive a quality education, and the teachers work very hard for their students. I am impressed with the teacher who volunteers her time (after retiring) to continue to teach the string students after school. There seems to be a lot of dedication in many of the other parents to be involved in school activities. There is always room for improvement, but I believe that a large role in that lies with the parents, because they have to be willing to give their all to make sure their kids are challenged and nurtured. My child has been at this school for almost 5 years now. I would like to see some improvement in areas, but overall this school is a 'Diamond' among the gems in the rest of the city. Bravo!
—Submitted by a parent