Ben L. Smith High School

The main way to describe Smith is "up and coming". We've seen a lot of improvements in the last year that shouldn't be forgotten. However, there's still some lingering problems. The school is broken up into Common Population, Honors, AP, and IB students. The main problem is the CP students. The students who don't take the initiative to take higher level classes are the ones who have a larger amount of behavioral problems. These behavioral problems mean less trust from the administration which leads to less fun opportunities for the whole student body (dances, fieldtrips, etc.) It's exciting to see what's offered to motivated students. Today, the top 50% of the senior class went to visit two prestigious NC colleges, and we have more trips planned for this year. We have first rate college advisers, and counselors meet with each grade level regularly to make sure everyone is on track for graduation. To sum it up, Smith is the best place one can be if they're motivated. We have amazing programs and opportunities. If they aren't, they will fail. Smith tries its best for failures (EOC retakes, tutoring several times a week, etc), but ultimately, success is an individual choice.
—Submitted by a student

This school is horrible. I went there in 9th grade and the students are terrible. A load of fights and the teachers could not control their students. Please do not send your kids who want to learn to this school, it's a horrible school.
—Submitted by a student

I think it is the worst school in the county too many fights the administrators dont do their job bullying is very common in school
—Submitted by a student

Really the school overall is good. The problem that I have noticed even when I went to the school, was the lack of care on the part of administrative department. It takes forever to get a transcript (if they feel like sending one out), whoever is answering the phone seems to know nothing about the school, because no matter what you ask all you get is a BS answer and give you the run around.

This school really gets its students ready for the future

this is a good school that more parents should get their children enrolled into. Don't believe all of the negative things that you hear, we do good things also!!
—Submitted by a student

I've seen improvemnt in this school in the last four years, My grandson will be graduating from BLSHS this June, I think the principal has improved the overall rating of this school , has regurlar tutorials, even on Saturdays, keeps parents informed of academics, attndence, etc., works very hard to get parnet support. My experience with this school for the past four years has been great, and I commend the staff that has been there to assure my child remained focused and kept me informed when necessary if any problems.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not that good, the principal has everyone on lock for no reason, we can't do anything around here. The assistant princple is very mean she suspend student for uncalled for reason .
—Submitted by a student

I wish more parents would get involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Smith High School and she fell in love with it. She made life long friends and the staff actively encouraged her to attend college.
—Submitted by a parent

My son entered Ben L. Smith High School during his senior year and he loved it! He wished he could have attended Smith all four years of high school. His was on the honor roll during his senior year, having not been the previous three years. He was very upset after have had to leave Smith High School and he wishes to become a teacher so that he can return to Smith to teach.
—Submitted by a parent

The new administration is by far somewhat incompetent because there is a lack of corroboration and common sense among them. Have you heard the new bell system? Just awful. Many improvements have been made. NOT! The new track field that has been implemented is just a green version of the old, worn out one, and the crew that 'fixed' it up did a great job, seeing as how they painted the grass too. The teachers would be better leaders than the leaders already in place. The teachers at least have better grammar and speech.
—Submitted by Peter Nimos, a student

I am a 2003 graduate of Smith High School, and I can say that the teachers at this school are great. For the most part, I enjoyed my four years here, but the shaky adminstration over the years has held this school back from becoming great like all the other schools in Guilford County. The test scores are quite disappointing, and may be due to the high number of students who speak english as a second language.
—Submitted by a former student

Both my daughter, who is now 24, and my son, 16, attended Smith. So, as a parent I've been priveldged with seeing the evolution that Smith has gone through throughout the years. It is a diverse environment where I feel our youth can really build an understanding for other cultures. I must say, however, that I feel that the new administrators at Smith don't involve parents as much as they should and aren't quite as up to par as their predecessors and the school suffers for it. The teachers do seem to go above and beyond any school I've dealt with with my other two children. All-in-all I believe the school is still a wonderful place for a young-adult to learn and grow as a student and a person.
—Submitted by a parent

Smith High School is one of the most diverse schools in the state. With the new leadership, the school is focused and the teachers are really interested in the students. It is unfortunate that there is such a negative perception of the school. When I visit the school it is always calm and I see young adult being young adults. The students at Smith are fortunate to go to school in such a diverse environment that is a true reflection of society. My child loves it at Smith and I continue to get necessary support from the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My student attends Smith presently. The teachers are wonderful, intelligent, and know what they're teaching. Extracurricular activities are a unique part of the school, there are several clubs to join, and you can always start one if you see fit, all you need is to find an advisor. Over all, it is a good school. when you look deep inside. It is the best representation a school could have to the workplace environment. Students from 46 different countries speaking 47 languages.