Chimneyrock Elementary School

my family and I love Chimneyrock... My daughter is in 1st grade. I am pleased with her teacher, the staff and everything she has learned thus far..
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the test scores are below the national average. I had a bad experience the 1st week of school. My 7 yr old was forced to sign a legal document without parents present and we were not even told about it, it was sent home in folder.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Chimneyrock since 2006. We have been through al of the administration changes and staff upheavals. I think the the quality of some of the staff has gone down since MCS has taken over. I can say that the first grade teachers at Chimneyrock have been the best so far. I felt like I knew each one because of the wonderful stories I got from my daughter. That team TRULY seemed like a genuine family and all of my children have cried when they left first grade!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased and grateful that Chimney Rock is the school my daughter attends, She started Kindergarten this year and just absolutely loves everything about it to her teachers,gym class and even homework. As a military family we have made many moves and our daughter has been exposed to many different environments, people and places...she tells us everyday how she loves her school and wants to stay in TN just for her school...the crazy girl who used to say she couldn't wait to go to highschool is now telling us how she only wants to go the last grade and stay there. Im sure her reponse will change over the years but between uniforms and etc..we are completely satisfied with Chimney Rock.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Chimneyrock! And MCS taking over has been the best thing that's happened for the school in the 4 years we've been there - they came in and completely redid the school - every stick of furniture, computer and library book is brand new. They fixed the things that've needed to be fixed, repainted and freshened up the building down to the ceiling tiles. Because of MCS opening a new school, our overcrowded enrollment was reduced by 400 students. Every teacher K-4 is a returning teacher who chose to stay with the school. And our administration is amazing - far better than we ever had with SCS! We also have more activities offered as well as more individualized instruction for special needs children. Plus free breakfast for every child every morning, so they all have the opportunity to start the day off nourished. The PTA is very active and offers lots of support to our school. We love it! I only gave us 4 stars simply because there's always room for improvement - I'd love to have some foreign language offered as well as more after-school activities offered, but I think that's in the works. We love our school!
—Submitted by a parent

This will be my fourth year at Chimneyrock, and now that MCS is in charge it will be the BEST ever! They are totally committed to providing an environment of excellence that SCS was not able to achieve. We have an outstanding group of teachers who chose to stay and teach at the school instead of transferring to other SCS schools. We are very excited about teaching your children and providing a safe, nurturing environment. Our new administration is AWESOME!!
—Submitted by a teacher

This is a great school. They have a very active reading program and the teachers stay involved with the kids. In the 2 &1/2 years we have been here, the only problems I have seen the teachers have is with the kids whose PARENTS don't stay as focused and invested with their childs education as the teachers and staff do. The teachers have always welcomed and encouraged parent involovement, the school is older but is always well maintained and clean. The only thing I wish they had was spanish classes and a larger play area for the kids like our old school in VA did. Aside from that it is great. When we moved out here people were going nuts about the school being annexed in with Memphis City schools and I think the teachers and staff are handling the change wonderfully.
—Submitted by a parent

Daughter started last year. Everyone was so helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has attended Chimneyrock for three years, now going into his fourth year at the school. I would rate this school as average at best. During this short period of time the school has had three principals. Each time the quality of the principal seems to diminish. Last year his second grade teacher was absent more than she was present. The school did nothing to ensure the children in the class received consistent quality teaching. As with any school there are pluses and minuses, this school seems to accumulate more minuses than pluses with each passing year. I am not looking forward to this school year at Chimneyrock. If we could afford to send my son to private school we would.
—Submitted by a parent

What makes Chimenyrock great is the huge amount of parental involvement. And the administration encourages it because they know it only makes for a better school experience for their students. The PTA is very strong, with dedicated leaders and servers. The curriculum is excellent, with the teachers being very diligent about making sure our children are learning. The vast majority of teachers and staff are caring, compassionate people with a heart for teaching. We have seen 4 different principals in 7 years, and there is some anxiety over switching to City School governance next year (06-07). However, I think the school will continue to thrive if the level of parental involvement and staff dedication remains. Overall, my children and I have loved this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall view after having two children attend Chimneyrock, was a good experience. It seemed like parents and grandparents were always there. Most of the teachers seem to show great concern for each child and care about their life as much inside the classroom as outside the classroom. Of course, we did have one horrific experience one afternoon, which was the very first day of school with my first child. She was taken home on the bus when she should have been in after school care. I flew home, with the vice-principal right behind me just to find her sitting at our door step in tears because she could not get in. She was 6 and very scared. She was there for over one and a half hours by herself! Thank God for great neighbors!Took a long time to get over, but for the most part, teachers were really involved.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here 8 yrs ago so our 3 children could attend this nationally awarded school. It rated higher, statewide (2002-03), than any private school at the elemetary level. There is none better in the Memphis or Shelby County area. As long as the Memphis City school System does not get it's grips on this school, it will remain immaculate and at the top of the charts.
—Submitted by a parent