Elizabeth Smith Elementary School

The school teaches to the lowest common denominator. If your child is bright or gifted, this is not the place you want to be. Several parents have pulled their child from this school as they are unable to challenge them. The bullying in the school is out of control, both physically and mentally. The principal has become very complacent regarding bullying issues. They say say ZERO tolerance, but they don't practice it. There are some FANTASTIC teachers at this school, but there are also some very bad teachers that make it obvious they don't care. One such teacher with many many complaints and student withdrawls..still remains there, sitting pretty, and educating the GT kids. She does absolutely NOTHING for them.If you need a great Mansfield school for GT or bright kids... I hear from Mommy friends, ROBERTA TIPPS is top notch!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers here work hard but the parent involvement is weak and those parents who aren't spending adequate time with their kids breed behavior problems and kids who soak up all of the resources...we moved here from another state and were drawn to our golf neighborhood by the beautiful, huge and affordable houses. Now I wished we would have looked in the Boren/Willie Brown area, where the homes are not as "nice" but my kids aren't learning gang slang at school. :(
—Submitted by a parent

We have been so lucky to be able to spend 5 full years at Elizabeth Smith. The teachers are dedicated to the students and really work well together as a team! We have been really pleased with our child's progress! As we move on, we will miss the school, teachers and also the awesome parents who are also a tremendous part of the success.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been enriched by the curriculum and the wonderful teachers at Elizabeth Smith. The teachers in this school work hard to insure the kids not only do what is expected, but go beyond what is required so the kids can really excel.
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked in education for 30 years; 5 yrs. in administrations, 17 yrs. at a middle school and 8 yrs. in elementary. The past three years have been at ESE and they have been the best. I have read all of the reviews on ESE and am amazed at a couple of the parents comments about the leadership and teachers here, and felt I just had to reply. ESE has teachers who teach with such caring and heartfelt interest of each individual child's success (academic as well as self esteem, support). As for the leadership of this school from the Principal, VP, and support staff it is among the very best, and my experience backs this up. ESE has more extra curriculum activities for the students to be involved in. I wish parents would look beyond their own personal agenda and see all the good and wonderful things happening here.

Excellent school, blessed with a wonderful teacher and faculty. The end of the year program was awesome! Very well-organized. Looking forward to next year!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school in the third grade. I was very disappointed in the cirriculum. Class time is devoted to TAKS (state) testing, and the homework to cover the basics is way too much, due to very little time left to cover them in class. The bullying level for my child was extreme. The way this school distict handles that is to offer to move the bullied child to a different class. They also do not have any music program such as plays. This was the first school that we have not had a year end program or play. Very disappointing overall. We will put our son in private school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an involved parent and my child has been at this school for 4 years. ESE has many great teachers in spite of poor leadership by the principal. Great test scores are a reflection on students and teachers. When is MISD going to wake up and smell the coffee? This principal needs to be replaced with a loving and positive role model and not one only waiting to retire!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the 4th year for my child to attend ESE. I have an older son that has attended 3 different Elementary schools including 2 Private schools. ESE is the biggest school we have ever attended and I feel very welcome and included. I am very involved and make myself available and the administration welcomes it. Parents who complain about administration and the Teachers are not giving them a chance or are not involved-in my opinion. The different clubs and Programs available to the children are awesome. Whenever I have had an issue, I have taken it to the Teacher, Counselor, or Principal, and have always been treated fairly and with respect. I would recommend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended ESE for the last 3 years and our experience has been outstanding. I am confused to read about the administration only being concerned about test scores and job security. The staff at ESE are exemplary and they have the rating to prove it. We could not ask for better leadership, we have never had a problem with meeting with the teacher or principal and people need to understand that they have schedules too and can not always speak to you when you come to the school. Learn to make an appoitment and look at the situation from the other side and don't be quick to judge our teachers and administration staff. With the recent event of an attack at one of the sister schools, we believe our child is in a safe and supported environment. Keep up the good work ESE and Thanks for being GREAT!
—Submitted by a parent

My children attended ESE for 4 years. I absolutely loved every one of their teachers, however I felt administration was only concerned with test scores and job security. The exemplary rating ESE holds means nothing to me at this time. The main goal was that score and not the knowledge our kids will need to survive in the world in which we live. The principal was extrememly unsupportive of the facutly/staff, the PTA and only seemed to look out for herself. My children no longer attend this school because dealing with admn was a daily beating. The teachers that worked so hard and cared so much were belittled, at times unmotivated and many tried to transfer to other campuses within our district. I wish MISD would take a closer look at the admin they put in place as leadership makes or breaks a school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children that started this year after having attended Cora Spencer. The principal is very unfriendly, unprofessional and uncaring about the student's needs. The practive of 'leveling' cause a huge problem with one of our children. One of the teachers that we have is very uncaring and lacks motivation to actually bring the kids into the class. I am very disappointed in this school, had no action taken by administration and plan to remove my children ASAP.
—Submitted by a parent

This has been a great year for Elizabeth Smith. They received a exemplary status this year. The whole staff is awesome. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher at ESE I find the comment posted on May 18 confusing. The parent says that the 'teachers are great' and then goes on to say 'If you want your children to learn you better put them in another school or teach them yourself.' If in fact the teachers are great they why would it be suggested that people put their children in different schools or teach them at home? Teachers at ESE are highly qualified, sensitive to issues facing students and families in the busy world we are living in, and dedicated to providing the highest quaility education to all students. Teachers meet weekly as grade level teams and monthly, or as needed, with administrators to discuss the needs of the students. I am proud to be a part of a school that cares so much for their students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Teacher are great, principal is not very kid friendly, has no idea of what is going on in the classroom. If you want your child to learn you better put them in another school or teach them yourself. The do not care about your children being behind when the move on to high grades.
—Submitted by a parent

this is a great school with very nice teachers that are always there to help you with your chldren. thaks ESE
—Submitted by a parent

My kids attended to ese for the past two years and it has been a wonderful experienced for them and my self the teachers are very nice and helpful,I'm very please with this school and their teachers
—Submitted by a parent

My kids attended to ese for the past two years and it has been a wonderful experienced for them and my self the teachers are very nice and helpful. I love the programs the this school have for the children such as music,art,pe etc. I'm very pleased with this school.Rate as excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

What an excellent school! I feel blessed to be part on such a child centered environment. Teachers at this school are truely there for the betterment of a generation of children. I feel confident that when my own children attend Elizabeth Smith they will receive the best education Mansfield ISD has to offer.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have had problems with the quality of education from some of the teachers and the principal is non-responsive to complaints.
—Submitted by a parent