Signal Mountain Middle High School

This school has a beautiful campus and a good variety of course options. However, communication from teachers is very poor, and the school counselor is of no use whatsoever. If your child can just do the work and needs no assistance, it is fine. If you need assistance (in our case, for health issues that cause my child to miss a lot of school), you are out of luck. My child scored in the top 5% on state tests despite missing 50% of her school days, so she is a very smart girl. She gets no help here and is told to "look online" for any information regarding her missed assignments. We are moving out of the area because of this school, so I think that speaks for itself.
--Submitted by a parent

SMMS was always an outstanding school, and in 2008 when they added a high school, the anticipated high level of excellence was not only met but exceeded by all measures. The strongest and most meaningful asset any school can have is the faculty and staff, and ours is dedicated, caring, and always willing to set the bar higher and help the students achieve the high expectations. The involvement of the community and parents is also outstanding and integral to the success of this new school. My kids, while finding it very difficult, found their respective niches and thrived.
--Submitted by a parent

I think our school is top-notch ! As with any new school, SMMHS has had bumps in the road, but the Administration & Faculty are working hard to correct these problems. Our principal is a wonderful leader & example for the students - he believes in discipline and having each student reach their full potential. The comment about the police officers "standing guard" over lunch every day is a gross exaggeration. There have been some scuffles at school, but certainly not a lot of violence needing police presence ! Overall, the school has a very peaceful atmosphere - many of the students that have transferred from TRULY violent schools will witness to that. I volunteer there frequently & the kids are well-behaved in general. We have a huge amount of community & parental involvement & support. This has enabled the school to have extra benefits & equipment that is not provided by the county school system. I am not so blind as to say that it is the perfect school, but it definitely stands head & shoulders above most of the public schools in our area. My children attend there & have been encouraged & pushed to do their best in classes. I am excited about the future of our school !
--Submitted by a parent

This school was a great idea that just didn't thrive. I have to say that the school does have problems, as any typical public high school today would. As for being a alternative to a "pricy private school", that would certainly be wishful thinking. I am concerned with some of the acts of violence that have taken place on campus; likewise, on a daily basis two or three police officers including the student resource officer, stand guard in the school during lunch. As for the accreditation, students have the same opportunitys at any school in Hamilton County.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to point out first that some of the comments critisizing the school are not founded. The school just received international baccalaureate accreditdation. They have some of the best test scores in Tennessee, and award winning teachers. Also, Signal Mountain in general has a very low crime rate, so I don't believe that there are too many incidents that need to be "covered up." I would say the school is amazing, and a very possible alternative to a pricy private school.

I do not like this school very much. I think everyone is very "clicky" and people are rude and disrespecful to teachers and parents and to even students. Everyone talks trash and has a hillybilly accent. I feel like if you do send your child here you are in for a big treat. The acadimics overall are not as up to date as most. I dont encourage anyone going here. It's awful!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This schools greatest asset is its physical location and outstanding faculty. The only drawback is over involvement by parents, primarily the affluent stay at home Mom's who activities seemingly are more about promoting the social status of their children. However, over involvement is preferable to nothing.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school! It gives me a challenge as a student but there is always help if I need it. The gifted program is great. There are about 10 or 15 clubs to choose from and sports teams on top of that. Every day, I see parents in the building. It is so cool having a brand new school!
--Submitted by a student

Until this year, I have never liked school, but now I absolutely love it. I am a straight-A student, and this school is right at my level, where I have to actually put in a lot of effort to keep my high grades, but it's not over the top. Also, the people here are amazing. Signal Mountain is full of intelligent people, and the community has the financial resources and the parental involvement necessary to make a school this wonderful. After last year, which was my first year of school off the mountain since kindergarten, I can see just how great it is up here. My only regret is that I will only get to go here for grades 10 through 12 because the building wasn't finished soon enough. SMMHS will only continue to improve, as this is its first year and it is just getting established.
--Submitted by a student

If you want high academics with heavy parental involvement and A BRAND NEW FACILITY, this is the place for your student, all in a beautiful, mountain setting.
--Submitted by a parent