Dora L Small Elementary School

The Small school has a fabulous community of teachers, children, parents and administrators that are all engaged in learning while having fun. We have some great gardens around the school. We also have a special place unlike many schools because we have no bus service for students who live 1 mile or less from school. 50 to 70% of our students and parents all scooter, walk or bike to school each day! This makes for a really special community each and every day! Neighborhood schools are one thing that make South Portland a great place to live and go to school!
--Submitted by a parent

A great school. Losers like the parent who rambled on have a grudge because their little precious baby didn't get to be with her friends in the same class. So ignore that readers. It's a wonderful school and the faculty are just outstanding. The only problem with South Portland schools is the leadership at the top. It's been that way for years. They are so far removed from the classroom and enjoy giving teachers more to do with no time to do it. And they believe in all this testing bull. My 2nd grader had to be tested and assessed and measured and reviewed and graded and blah blah constantly. The poor teacher couldn't teach! And it's not because of Bush or No Child Left Behind. S.P. has been doing this for years, waell before George Bush. I have an 18 year old and sat through a lot of meetings
--Submitted by a parent

Love the teacher and the school.
--Submitted by a parent

My impression is mostly favorable in the areas of enrichment, accessibility (speech/physical needs), and general education for the most part. The areas needing adjustment: parental roles children's teacher, & opportunities for discussion surrounding this issue. Instead, parents are not told of the teachers their child will have until last day of school yr for the upcoming school year. There is no consistency from 1 classroom teacher of the same grade level to the other classroom teacher in that the lessons can vary so vastly, with the curriculum being two grade levels below what one would expect for that grade level their child is at. This goes beyond the typical 'review' period following summer-early fall getting-to-know-you weeks into the new school year.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding teachers especially at the lower grades. Teachers are open to parent involvement and talk with parents. Strong PTA which funds field trip. Great facility. We hope the middle schools of South Portland have the same quality. Not much before or after care options.
--Submitted by a parent