Smithfield Elementary

3200 Smithfield Church Road

School District

Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 06, 2024

Although our little boy was only there for Kindergarten, he absolutely loved it. He adored his teacher and learned as much as could be expected. I was unaware of the demographics of the school; however, I do know that the abundance of non-English speaking students increased and had to make the teaching a bit more complex. Our son had no issues while there and we spent less time than we should have being involved. The school was very well run and organized and they did a geat job of communicating with us as parets.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2022

If it doesn’t feel right then it’s not right. I had a bad feeling about my child’s teacher the day I met her, but since she was “certified “ in ways he needed I thought she was the best fit. The WHOLE year was miserable! I would never get updates on what he was doing all year unless it was an annual meeting for his IEP and then I was just told “it’s fine, he’s fine” never anything helpful or insightful! When I would ask things I would get responses that were short or came across as me being a bother to her. Then came a time when I witnessed for myself the blatant ignoring of my crying child. Then on a second incident I was told of by a volunteer that was so bothered by his mistreatment they reached out to me to inform me of the VERY upsetting neglect of my son — I called for a meeting and all they said was in laments terms is that I was wrong and they did what they needed to do and more or less it was my child that was the problem. If I could rate the teachers individually I would bc there are some AMAZING ones, but unfortunately the office staff has tainted my ratings on this school overall. So do your research, read the comments and if there’s more than one saying the same thing it’s probably true.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2020

Smithfield has become an extension of my family. The teachers are involved, principal is wonderful!
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2019

THE WORST! THE WORST! THE WORST! THE WORST! THE WORST! THE WORST!
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2018

It was terrible I was a ameliorated by my son's teacher
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2018

Not recommended, unlesss you believe this is what you want for your child.
Submitted by parent on December 23, 2017

Couldn’t be better overall! We love that diversity is celebrated and every student is understood and important.
Submitted by principal on December 13, 2017

Good place for students and awesome staff
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2016

My family had a great year at Smithfield. I was nervous about sending my 2nd and 3rd graders there but could not have been more pleased with the principle and our teachers. The TD program ( and Ms. B) are fantastic. My kids felt welcome, challenged and had a lot of fun.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2015

I have been so happy with Smithfield, it has truly exceeded my expectations. My child has been having problems this year and has just started up with an IEP. The school has been extremely helpful and quick to respond through the whole process. I truly believe they have my child's best interests at heart and want my child to succeed. The teacher has been extremely helpful and patient through this difficult process also! So my child is not a "neurotypical" child, which I believe was the words of a previous reviewer, and I have had nothing but a great experience. I have dealt with the school psychologist and exceptional children team and I give them all 5 stars.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2014

Smithfield is a great school if you are a white, middle to upper-class family with neurotypical children! You will feel right at home with the PTA, who will exclude and shun all others. If you don't fit that mold, expect the front office and door monitors to pretend they don't recognize you, each and every time you pick your child up. Expect to have your concerns ignored and be bullied out of speaking about them by Principal Harris. Also, who are you, parent who also loathes Class Dojo? I was made to believe that I was the only parent who disapproves of it. My child loves the school and enjoys his classmates, but administration grates. We will not be returning next year.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2014

We like Smithfield in general but do not love it. I will give very high marks for Principal Harris - without her leadership this school would likely suffer greatly. I agree with a prior reviewer that the PTA is a social clique and basically worthless. Many teachers seem straight out of college and overwhelmed with no assistants (not Smithfield's fault). Due to this, the "squeaky wheels" get the grease while other students can be overlooked - unless they too misbehave. This year, they took the highest achieving teachers out of the classroom (?) and "promoted" them to a non-classroom role that noone has been able to adequately explain. Finally, they instituted a "Class Dojo" system this past year that has infuriated almost everyone we have spoken with - at least those who dont completely ignore it. The only kids that seem to benefit from this app are the "Teacher's Pet" types. We are looking into Charters for next year.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2014

My three children have all attended Smithfield and our experience has been absolutely wonderful. The staff is cheerful and caring, children feel loved, and there are lots of ways to get involved. Best of all, every one of them had a great teacher every year.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2014

This is NOT a great school despite all the cheerleading you hear. Suggestions for change aren't welcome by leadership The PTA is active but is a social clique that is not welcoming to 'different' parents. Smithfield has a few excellent teachers, but too many of the teachers seem more interested in keeping the kids silent and in their seats than engaged. One teacher who has been there for a long time has a reputation as mean and controlling. Everyone knows it, even the various Principals. Students are afraid of her and yet they keep her as a teacher. We did not have her, but many parents said when they complained their complaints were blown off by the Principals and Vice Principals. In general, I saw more teachers and school personnel over controlling kids so they are like silent little drones, always being corrected and admonished. This seems to be a bigger emphasis than learning. I would not choose to send a child to Smithfield again. It needs a lot of change. Also, my children's test scores, which were always high, dropped while at Smithfield and then went up at other schools. I
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2013

Great community school. Very involved parent base, lots of PTA support. Awesome principal & assistant principal.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

Smithfield is a positive and encouraging institution for learning. When you enter, you see the enthusiasm of the students, staff and parents. Witness the strong relationships during welcomed lunch visits. Every staff member is approachable. You will see students encouraging one another & being respectful of others. The school impressively has ALL students participate daily in recycling & re-purposing items. Their lunch ends with the students sorting out their trash into recycle, garbage & compost (used in the school garden). They strive in being current with today's technology and preparing our children for success in the changing world around them: computer testing, Smartboards, iPads, tablet Apps, Bring Your Own Technology to School & Sensory Lab. I have 2 children attending Smithfield. Every time I had a concern, I was given time to discuss and work with staff on it. The principal puts so much personal and professional commitment into students. Her high energy and passion show through her interactions with students, staff, parents, and community. For a large education system, we are surprisingly pleased with our experience and education over the years at Smithfield.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2012

This school used to do "whatever it takes". This is no longer the case! We have lost some top teachers over the pat few years and administration is no longer approachable.