Nickajack Elementary School

We have been at this school for three years and have nothing but good things to say about it. There is a lot of parent involvement, the teachers genuinely care and we have had good relationships with each of them. The administration staff and counselors are outstanding as well and always very visible.
—Submitted by a parent

I was hesitant about sending my daughter to Nickajack for Kindergarten. She was at Primrose for Pre-K and it has not been a good transition. Her Kindergarten class has 23 children with 2 teachers and a floater. She is one of 7 or 8 girls.Everytime I have volunteered all I see is chaos. The teachers cannot control the children with clear behaviorial problems. I do not see how my child can learn in this environment. She also says that she hates school almost every day which she has never said before. Therefore we are enrolling her in a private school for 1st grade. I cannot imagine how it will improve adding more students next year. There are already 7 Kindergarten classes.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, but don't be alarmed by the low score (compared to King Springs). If you read the reviews 99% of the low ratings were 2003-2006 before the administration changed over and the socioeconomic condition of this part of Smyrna improved. Nickajack just completed an expansion project a few months ago and my 2nd grader has done extremely well in the new space. She was a Woodchase Adademy kid and has excelled at Nickajack socially and adademically. The teachers at Nickajack are excellent, and my daughter's 2nd grade class is a great size - only 17 students. We also have a 3 y.o. who will attend Nickajack in a few years.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in 1st grade and so far, we have been very pleased with Nickajack. The teachers are all great, there is active parental and community involvement and support, and strong leadership from the Principal and two Assistant Principals. The guidance counselors are excellent as well. The school is diverse, which is a quality we value. The staff focus on teaching character, community, and personal responsibility in addition to required academics. And finally, the active PTA makes sure there are multiple extracurriculars to choose from to enhance the ASP experience. Overall, we are so pleased we gave Nickajack a try before looking at private schools!
—Submitted by a parent

Only words can explain how happy and satisfied I am with this school. My daughter is in special Ed with Ms. Duris she loves coming to school because they make her use the walker. In Labelle my daughter was left in her wheelchair and her mobility skills were declining. This is what she told her doctor " I like my new school because they make me walk" Thank you Ms Duris and God bless you.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that Nickajack has strong leadership, great parental involvement, and challenges our students. It's in a newly affluent area, which is also a plus, because it means parents have the resources for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

We are starting our fourth year at Nickajack!Our kindergarten year was good. Our first grade year was not - due to teacher. Mrs. Parks, Mr. Perkins and now Mr. Foster are good leaders and love all the children. The teaching staff is great. Our PTA is very involved and while over the years may seem cliquish is trying to appeal to all. Get involved volunteer be at the school with your child it builds their confidence and gives them reason to smile! I volunteer as much as I can and my child loves me being there. I try to have lunch with my child and classmates. Test scores are just numbers seeing what and how your child is learning is the key. While I would like to see strong learning programs I and my child are enjoying NICKAJACK !!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son will be starting his third year at Nickajack in a few weeks and we could not be happier with his experience there. The facilities are top notch without the mess of trailers. The teachers are enthusiastic and engaged with parents. The administration is on top of everything. Parents and grandparents are heavily involved with the school. Every time I go to volunteer, I bump into numerous other parent volunteers. There is an active Foundation that raises money for extras. If you are zoned for Nickajack, there is no need to pay for private school!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son truly enjoys Nickajack, it is a great school and we are excited to see his progress and joy for learning. Thank you
—Submitted by a parent

Nickajack has come full circle since many of the less desirable reviews from 2005. The Principal, Mrs. Parks, the staff and faculty are a wonderful family in education. In 2008 we pulled our oldest child from Private school and started her at Nickajack in 4th grade. She has excelled and moved on to Middle School. Our younger daughter was a candidate for special education and would never have gotten the kind of one on one support in the private school system (outside hiring a private tutor). She has been there 3 years and is thriving after having amazing teachers each year. When the economy reduced county budgets, a group of dedicated parents formed a Foundation to raise funds to hire additional staff and other educational support. There is a reading club for Dads and participation levels are inspiring. Parent involvement is critical in a childs education. Nickajack provides more than their share.
—Submitted by a parent

When we relocated to the Smyrna area 2 years ago we were very conflicted on which route to take regarding school choices and decided to just give Nickajack a try and we are so glad that we did!! We have three children that attend and each one LOVES school!! Most teachers have continued their education and are over-qualified which is to our benefit!! The gifted program is phenomenal and expects the students to go above and beyond! Our principal, Mrs. Parks, is always available. She loves our children and extinquishes any issues before they become problems. Nickajack had a score of 8 here on GreatSchools website when we first started our journey. I am not sure why the score has dropped because as a parent on the inside, I cannot see where anything has changed for my children or the level of education in which they receive. I can truthfully tell you that this score does not reflect the joy that we receive by being a part of Nickajack's family!
—Submitted by a parent

Wow what a great second year we are having at Nickajack. The teachers are exceptional, the homework is spot on where my daughter needs to be, and my daughter comes home everyday happy. What more could you ask for in your school. We are looking forward to sending our other child to Nickajack next year to start Kindegarten. Thank you to Mrs. Parks for taking care of her school and making sure they are teaching our children above and beyond what is asked of every teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started kindergarten this fall at Nickajack and we have been thrilled. She has caring, smart teachers that individualize her work and the school has constant activities going on. Very happy with Nickajack.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and teachers at Nickajack have surpassed my expectations! After several years at private school, we decided to take a chance on the public school. I was worried that my children would "backtrack" in public school but they are actually being more challenged because the school is required to take each child at their current level, and then push them to go farther. The teachers quickly started finding supplemental services for my children to keep them progressing at a "private school" pace. Mrs. Parks, the principal, is really a class act and the PTA and foundation are very strong. The foundation (only in its 2nd year) has already paid for 2 years of a computer lab instructor. I can only imagine that more "extras" will be in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

Our autistic son has been with Ms. Bryant for the last 2 years in the special needs pre k and I can't express in words how amazing that class has been for him. Ms Bryant and all the staff in the SNPK rooms are the best. They get five stars from me, My oldest son had a wonderful experience in the multiage class as well. if you plan to use the after school program be warned, some of the staff they use is just horrible. We have had several problems with the rude staff ( not all of them are terrible just a few rotten apples, the mother / daughter team that does asp are so sweet). So if you can afford better after school care for you kids I would highly recommend steering clear of nicknack asp
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a child that will attend next August, I'm so frustrated as this seems like a great school. Wonderful, caring, very responsive stafft, Parent involved, great PTA. Why can't they get these scores up! I want to be a part of a school people WANT to get in. I am going help with the PTA as I want to be involved and don't want to stand idlly on the sidelines complaining. If you are a parent (and can) lets help get these scores up!
—Submitted by a parent

WOW, this is a hidden gem in the West Cobb school district. I am really impressed with what this school has to offer students!
—Submitted by a parent

They take the time to make sure the children are learning and the teachers are great communicators
—Submitted by a parent

Nickajack is a terrific environment for our child. The teachers are extremely dedicated to making sure each child has what they need to be successful. Principal Parks is always available. The PTA is involved in so many aspects of the school's success. It is like one big family.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been great for our child. The teachers are caring and take great pride in what they do. Mrs. Parks in incredible! She takes pride in Nickajack and is dedicated to making Nickajack a great school.
—Submitted by a parent