Agnes L. Smith Elementary School

770 17th Street

School District

Huntington Beach City Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Huntington Beach City Elementary 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 11, 2024

I’m only giving a 2, because there are some teachers that are actually there to support and teach our children. I have never experienced such a toxic office environment, where front office is allowed to openly power struggle and demean children and parents. There is zero support from Principal or office staff regarding our children’s feelings of safety and health. They bully and threaten kids and parents. I pulled my kids for two years from this school, as administration makes excuses for their staffs behavior, allowed a teacher to repeatedly yell at and criticize children, and refused to honor requests made by medical professionals regarding our children’s medical concerns. Unfortunately we had no choice but to return and already regret it. It is amazing that this is allowed to continue. Very toxic environment in office and amongst students. Again, I’m giving a 2 only because my kids have amazing teachers this year that really are there for the right reasons. Multiple families have pulled their children and many parents avoid the office toxicity at all costs.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2023

I transferred my child here from Peterson after we moved. We have not been here long. But within the first three weeks my child got punched very hard by another student. First time that's ever happened at school for us. Prior to us transferring, my child told me that Smith has a reputation for its kids being "mean" and I had no idea what that meant. So, since we've transferred - I have heard stories weekly, if not daily, of physical fighting, shoving, punching and a lot of threats of students wanting to fight other students. When I ask my child how they liked the new school the comment was, "Smith is a 'physical' school - the kids hit, shove and threaten physical violence a lot. Myself, personally, I've seen kids waiting outside the school looking to fight other kids two times (boys AND GIRLS) saying they wanted to fight off school grounds with "no rules" -something about no school rules and street rules applying. It is a thing to behold these elementary kids going so hard. The kids do seem a little rogue. My child also told me that kids at Smith do not seem to care to listen to the teachers and they don't care about their schoolwork like they do at Peterson. In our experience, Peterson was pretty orderly - I don't think there was ever one report (that I ever heard) of kids physically fighting. Sometimes not keeping your hands-to-yourself type issues, but not like this. At Peterson, the kids are encouraged to tell the teachers when something is up, and they get involved immediately. Which is great, but can also be kind of its own beast, because it really is just an atmosphere of constant tattling on one another and accusations of bullying that's not actually bullying. I felt like I was always having talks with my child over things I felt weren't really issues for parents to get involved. It was small stuff kids need to learn to sort out on their own. So, pick your poison. The teachers at Smith, I am really happy with, they have been great and the curriculum as well. The PTA communicate well and put together some great events. I think the teachers are overwhelmed by kids that just being unruly (my child can be included in that at times). I am happy with the curriculum. Despite all of what I'm writing, my child seems to like Smith better than Peterson. I don't know how to explain it, it's like they're learning to navigate conflict ???? I can't say I understand it. These are just my first impressions, maybe I'll update this at the end of the year.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2023

My kids are in 4th and 2nd grade now. Every teacher that they have had has been phenomenal. My kids are excelling in their reading and math levels. I've met so many friendly parents in the school. The teacher Mrs. Ashton is amazing. She is involved, cares and handles situations well. I've only had positive experiences in the school. I highly recommend Smith Elementary.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2023

We transferred while my child was in fourth grade. Overall, this school has fallen short of all expectations and standards. The office staff is pleasant and some of the teachers seem to really care but the kids in general are very disrespectful. I read comments of bullying before enrolling my child and I honestly did not think much of it since they are elementary-aged. It is a problem at this school. The staff will address issues but they continue to occur. It has impacted my child's behavior and emotional state. While seriously considering a transfer, we decided against it so that our child does not have to go through any more transition than absolutely necessary. If you are considering Smith or another school, you probably should go with the other school.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2020

If there was a score of zero that is what this school would receive. We left after one year and I wished that it was sooner. This school is an abysmal place.
Submitted by other on August 04, 2020

This team makes a lot of careless errors and then is unaccountable for those errors. I feel that they do not support students and are more concerned with covering their mistakes. I feel they are not inclusive to students of various religions. I felt a toxic atmosphere where employees are not allowed to make mistakes therefore fail to correct their actions and make thing right.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2018

Overall, my kids had a good experience at this school. As a parent I had some difficulties. I felt there was more than a bit of snobbery here and I had to go to bat for my child a couple of times. At one meeting I was told that my child was exhibiting some attention seeking behaviors and asked if there were problems in my home. I responded yes someone in the home is having issues and I was doing what I could to avoid problems. The teacher responded with, "well, you know better than that." etc. on and on. The full blown chew out and blame the victim routine. Well, huff and puff lady, I just said I was trying to avoid issues in the home. Dodging bullets, so to speak. I was really expecting some empathy and referrals but when your born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you make all the right mate choices and have all the money in the world to help with other choices, you just don't get what the other half of the world might be experiencing. She obviously had no capacity to put herself in my situation and no ability on how she could help. Now, I would go to the school principal and report her but at the time, I was unable to do anything. That's what I mean by snobbery. I ran into that snobby teacher not to long ago and the snobbery. Well, may I just pick myself up and put myself in a trash can for her. Well, omg, and if we don't help parents when they are in need, the longer they stay in a bad situation and the more these teachers have to talk about. Luckily, I found my way out and my kids are fine. However, as I said I had my kids had some good experience. I on the other hand found myself standing up for them and myself a couple of times.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2018

Not the best school. Parents are nice and easy to get to know. Schools is very blah. My 2nd grader had a teacher with 31 kids, and no teacher aide. I offered to help as a volunteer mom, and she declined saying she prefers to only have a teacher in the room. Should have transferred him then. She was overwhelmed and very hard to communicate with. When I brought this up with the Vice Principal, she said "oh, that's just how she is", and shrugged it off. Again, I should have transferred him then! Learned my lesson.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2017

Principal, teachers and parents are very well.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2017

Year 2013 im looking for school for my 5 years old daughter and i found this one thru the internet. So i call and its perfect my daughter accept for kindergarten and since then she doesnt wanna transfer to different school. As a mom i love this school all the stuff and teachers are very nice. Even the principal Ms. Carolyn Beck. Now its our 3 year for this school and i dont have problem with it. It is awesome i choose Agnes Smith a home school for my two children because of they love it.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2016

Its only our first year (in kinder) but it has been great. There is a terrific sense of community within this school. My son has been supported and challenged and i feel they give the students lots of different experiences.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2016

Last year, which was our first year of school ever, was a little rough but coming in a little more experienced with how Smith Elementary functions I strongly stand by their work ethics.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2015

One of the biggest schools in Huntington Beach, but the staff & teachers make you feel at home. We've had exceptional teachers each year and have taught our kids to make the best out of what happens at school. No school is perfect, but feeling comfortable and safe when leaving our kids at school is critical to our family's happiness.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2015

It was our son's first year at Smith. We were a little worried since he was coming to the school as a 2nd grader. However, his teacher, Miss Sotello helped him to feel welcome right away. She was absolutely amazing. His development over the year was very noticeable, as was his behavior and thirst for learning. He developed an enthusiasm for reading and writing. His relationship with his teacher was a special one that I know he will never forget. If you get Miss Sotello, you are in good hands. She uses an individualized approach to bring the best out of her students!
Submitted by student on June 06, 2015

I fell this way because..... this year 2015 Smith is not a bully free school. Parents and teachers don't understand about the advice they usually recommend. The parent or the teacher doesn't think what also might have happened. Smith teachers and staff don't realize that they are two side to the story. Third grade teachers go on their phone during lessons. Smith has stupid programs and they don't realize that the student is suppose to follow along with the class level. On the other hand teachers teachings are OK. The friendship there don't last. Substitute are mean. Fun there is OK. Kids don't follow boundaries. One time a teacher let 5-10 kids go on a website call "Animal Jam" . As far as I know they make math BORING. Kids get injured a Lot there. 1/3 of the reason is bullies. Teachers are really picky there too. Kids get a lot of fun activities to do. Lunch ladies are mean. That's why Agnes L Smith is an average school but mostly bad
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2015

This school is horrible! Teachers are rude to students and condescending to us parents when we bring it to their attention. My child cries and has begged me to transfer him to another school. He's in 3rd grade... I've talked with several other parents who've actually transferred their child or are in the process of transferring. Teachers (not all) do not seem happy and our kids even notice it.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

Originally picked out as a school to attend because of the strong music program, my daughter is slowly acclimating to her class. Even though she has just started kindergarden, I have bad vibes about this school. I am not happy about the fact that I was accosted on two different occasions (different days) by the vice principal as I was trying to verify my daughter would be attending this school. I found it very strange that the school personnel was nasty to me until proof was shown my daughter would attend. Not cool.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

This school is GREAT! Communication system is wonderful. I feel very comfortable with the staff.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

I love smith! My son has gone her for three years now! Teachers, faculty and parent volunteers are all awesome!!
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2013

Agnes Smith school is only as good as its teachers. Unfortunately, getting those good teachers is strictly luck. If you happen to be unlucky and get a teacher that is sub par and there are a few, you are in for one long year.