New Center Elementary

It's been a long time since I went to New Center, but the whole experience was pretty good. The one thing (as another reviewer said) was there aren't a lot of male teachers. But to give you an idea of how great Dr. Sims is as a principal... my brother and I went to this school when we were very little (K and 1st), then we moved away to Michigan for awhile. When we moved back a couple years later, not only did she remember both of us (separately), but she also remembered our mother's name, job, everything. The lady really cares, and her personable personality isn't just a front. When my best friends little brother went there, we'd sometimes pick him up, and even 6 years after we'd both left the school, Dr. Sims still knew who we were. And it's not like either of us were outstanding students that were very involved or in trouble very often. I honestly have nothing bad to say about the school, and I expect the people that do are busy-buddies or people that have had the luxury of seeing schools with more money.

We moved here from Middle TN. We have 18 years of experience in various school systems in the Middle TN area as well as AL. This particular school I wouldn't recommend due to the bullying problem. I have never witnessed such a problem that has been swept under the rug for many years. If you are moving from a great school system then you will be disappointed. We will be transferring our son to The Gatlinburg school. As far as academics go.... I think this school is good. However, my child can't concentrate long enough because of the constant bullying.
—Submitted by a parent

My family moved here15 years ago and my nephew started in the 4th grade. We found the school and the staff to be outstanding....My nephew now is the head programmer for GE....Dr. Sims is very much involved in everything...The people in the area are wonderful...

I have two children in New Center. I am very impressed. Five Star
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended school at New Center for 7 years. We love it. The faculty and support staff know all the kids by name. My son plays many sports, not all through the school, however the principle shows up at the local parks to see her kids play in league games. New Center provides a great foundation for learning.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended since Kindergarten. We find New Center to be an excellant school. In fact, when looking for a new home we made choose this area because of New Center School.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no school in America that all would say was a good one or a bad one.Im sure you will see this one is no different.I have a son who has been going to this school for five years and they have did their best to help him become a fine young man.The only thing I find that could help is male leadership,to many woman with authority and not enough male teachers,the one they have Mr.Brad Loveday is a great teacher and the kids love him and respect him,a very good role model!and perhaps a great principle
—Submitted by Bob, a parent

Leadership is outstanding at this school. Dr. Sims and her associates are top in their field. We are very happy with this school. Thank you,
—Submitted by a parent

New Center has been great for my child. As for politics, show me a place that's not political. My daughter had a wonderful kindergarten teacher, not so great first grade (she was a yeller) and so far 2nd grade she has loved. The principal, Nancy Simms is top notch. She taught my husband 20 years ago and never forgets a name. She cares about each and everyone of those kids and I am certain that she takes each and every complaint to heart.
—Submitted by a parent

Parental involvement is not welcome especially if one has critical things to say about the conduct of some of their teachers. Now they do say they welcome parental involvement...yet there are those who speak out of both sides of their moutbs. One problem is that there are many double standards in some of the classrooms which go on without being addressed which results in confusion. Big lack of uniformity! Administratively, It is tough to be a supervisor and be a teacher's buddy at the same time. Some children receive preferential treatment. Academically, they are at a disadvantage as many of the teachers either set their expectations unrealistically high or have a negative focus and demeanor which contributes to poor performance by the kids. This is a title school which needs better teachers and better community awareness and support. Beware, there is a teacher in this school who enjoys bullying kids!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that New Center School is very political. I have 2 children that attend school here & the only decent teacher they have ever had is in Kindergarten. Ms. Becky Wynn & Ms. Sandra Sams have always been really pleasent & so caring. My son's first grade year was such a drastic change for both of us.I think in first grade thats when the teachers stop caring & just show up for the pay check. The second grade year has been worse then last year! I cannot believe how these people even get their job. Obviously they just like being hateful to others, because thats how the past 2 teachers have been to my family. I hope by posting this that others moving to the area can be warned of this school & understand how New Center School treats their children.
—Submitted by a parent

I really have mixed feelings about this school. There are real problems but it is one of the better schools in the county. There are some teachers here strictly for the paycheck and some for the child. One can really tell the difference as to who really cares about the whole child. There are some instructors who do not really seem to care and do not take their teaching responsibilities seriously to help kids learn. Out the door at 3pm! They shuck the responsibility to the kid or to the kids's parents. I have served as a room mother and seen all kinds of things, good and bad. Some teachers here do not want parent involvement especially because they cannot take constructive criticism. My child 'tolerated' this school but did not find it wonderful. I do not know that I would recommend it to anyone. Asst principal is good and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to New Center school Two years ago. I absolutely loved the school and teachers. I live in Michigan now but that school is the best one I've ever been to. I sould know ive moved around alot I've been to six different schools. The teachers really do care about thier students. When I was going there I was going through some problems at home and they helped me. I will always be happy I went to that school. Like I said previously ITS THE BEST!
—Submitted by a student

Have had relatively good experiences, however, always have to be on the lookout. Was told by a teacher here last year that 'we resent you questioning our authority', when talking about an issue I had brought to light about my child. I suppose this is OK if one is a control freak! but not OK to say to a tax paying parent who largely funds this system. Perhaps if more parents questioned teacher 'authority, motives, professionalism, and conduct' we would all have much better teachers. That would minimize laws ensuring teacher accountability such as no child left behind, and all of the backlash surrounding that. Administrators here at this school fortunately act. There are good people in a dysfunctional setup. This school is better than most in this county school system.
—Submitted by a parent

It is about average. That health care problem here is real because the assigned nurse is not readily available. That part is a question of safety. Very political in this school at times. Some teachers good, some are not so good in the sense that they scream at the kids. Kids learn by what they see and that is not healthy for anyone. The principal and the assistants do try to help with the kids and their parents at times. Crowded school.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, administration is proactive if they are aware that there is a problem. Some educators are more supportive than others, as one can tell who is there for the child and who is there for the check. Principal is an asset. Special ed coordinator is outstanding in ensuring that children obtain the services they need. There are problems with acknowlegement and recognition of health issues in children that affect safety, yet, top officials seem to do the best they can with what they have to work with. This is improving as top officials do act quickly. Large population for a country school.
—Submitted by a parent

Administrators quickly try to resolve problems and issues to their benefit. As for curriculum, it is about average. As for the health care, I would have to say I agree with the second parent review--I have a child with many medical needs who has to go home often because the nurse is inaccessible or the medical needs that present in my child which require attention are blatently disregarded. Principal is an asset. School bus transportation greatly needs improvement---too overcrowded--many that attend this school live in remote areas and the overcrowding issue is dangerous--especially on winding mountain roads.
—Submitted by a parent

I stumbled upon this website completely by accident, but I must say the quality of education received by the students at New Center far excedes that of many of the other schools in this county. The administration assumes a highly active role in the supervision of teachers and curriculum. As a parent of a New Center student with 'fragile' health, I can honestly say that I have no complaints about the care and attention my son has recieved from the school nurse. He recently suffered an injury at school that might have required emergency room care had it not been for the quick and efficient actions of the school nurse. I am especially grateful for her unselfish service in the absence of 'supervision'. We pass two other schools in the system on our way to New Center because I do not want my son to go anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Up until this year I have been really impressed with New Center School. My child has gone into the fifth grade this year, and her grades have dropped a good bit, especially in Math. She has always been an A student, with one or 2 B's. Now she is getting C's and D's in Math. In my opinion, the Math department leaves a lot to be desired in the fifth grade at New Center School in Sevierville, Tennessee. I am not impressed. She has attended school in two other states and we have not had these problems.
—Submitted by a parent