Smith Clove Elementary School

Our daughter's teacher is wonderful, and the children have all the resources they need (computers, supplies, etc.). My daughter loves going to school and is eager to learn. The schools also have a strong and supportive PTA which sponsors a number of enjoyable family fundraising events. Additionally, my daughter has been introduced to the Daisy's (Girl Scouts) through the school, which is a great extra-curricular activity for her!
--Submitted by a parent

Like most parents sending their child off to Kindergarten for the first time, I was very apprehensive. The staff and bus drivers were so warm and comforting and it's clear to me that things run like clockwork at Smith Clove. My son is happy and loves his teacher. His teacher, Miss Filippone is wonderful- she sends home weekly newsletters letting the parents know what the kids are up to. Fantastic school system.
--Submitted by a parent

Smith Clove has been a great school for both my daughters. My youngest is now in first grade, and I have found that Smith Clove does an excellent job of identifying and providing help wherever needed: speech, math, reading, etc. One of my daughters started school reading and very ahead academically in other areas. Yet she never once said she was 'bored.' She loved kindergarten and is loving first grade too. The school is one of two K-1 centers in this large district. There are15 to 17 classes of each grade. However, I have found that the principal knows every student by name, and the atmosphere at school is very warm and friendly. I am so happy I moved to this district.
--Submitted by a parent

Some of the other parents giving reviews should see the school my kids were in in the Bronx. When we were looking to move, the first thing I did was look for this school district. My 5 year old speaks like an adult using phrases that my 14 yr old didn't use until 10yr. He is constantly telling me about all the 'cool' things he does which seem to be mixed with acedemic lessons. So far, most extracurricular activities had some learning experience attached, I only wish I had more time to be involved in more of the parent/child activities. A major plus for us as working parents is the attainable information online. The tax cost seems in-line with my returns.
--Submitted by P Cruz, a parent

This is a fantastic school. There are lots of programs for the kids. I think where this school really excels in the area of identifying and treating learing disorders, or other impairments. My 1st grader had a little trouble with starting to read and was placed in a special reading program. A few months later he was up to speed with his classmates. My sister has learning disabled children in this school and the amount of help that they get is great. They moved from the Washingtonville school district where they got minimal help. My sister was amazed at the difference! Parent involvement is your choice. There's the PTA, SEPTA, and parents are invited to many events at the school. Parents are also asked to volunteer their time if they are able. I have to say though that the school taxes in this district are very high!
--Submitted by Dianne S, a parent

Discovering that MW school dist. may not be all it's cracked up to be. My daughter went here for K through 1. Main complaint from my child all year--I'm bored. all we do is go over stuff i know already. Looking at private schools next year.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year at Smith Clove and she is in Kindergarten. So far we are extremely pleased with the school and the district on a whole. The principal is a highly dynamic leader who knows each of the over 550 children by name. My only concern so far is that the school is bursting at the seems. So much so that there is concern where to fit the anticipated growth for the next school year. This school is one of two K-1 buildings in our district. Smith Clove has 17 kindergarten classes and the other K-1 school has 12!! Other than the growing enrollment issues, I have not heard one complaint from a parent about the school. I am a kindergarten teacher myself and was critical in the beginning of the school year, however my husband & I and more importantly our daughter are very happy at Smith Clove
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. My daughter loves it. We moved here in October and she just started kindergarden -- the teachers are wonderful and the staff very helpful. Very impressed with the various programs and extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by Theresa Cruceta, a parent