Smiley Elementary School

1210 West Cypress Avenue

School District

Redlands Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for Redlands Unified 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 October 11, 2023

My experience at Smiley this year has been beyond disappointing. The principal is not supportive of social emotional support nor is the AM TK teacher. The school is incapable of providing adequate follow up regarding parent concerns. Furthermore, the school lacks the overall ability to implement family engagement and additional support to those who need it most. My 4 year old has had a terrible time trying to adapt to his first experience in a public school and unfortunately having an unsupportive, stern and unfriendly environment has made it more difficult for my child to adapt. I would not recommend this school at all unless your student is independent, older, and pretty much able to skate through school with little to not help from teachers. For those with learning or behavior impairments, I would stay far away from this school as this environment isn’t conducive to positive progression.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2019

My son has been at Smiley since Kinder and is about to finish 5th grade. We have had a few issues, but most of our experience has been great. We have had a couple stand out teachers who really care about the kids and go above and beyond. However, I would say the best part of this school is the parents and children who attend this school. My son has made great friends who are respectful and kind. The parents are so involved and actually care about their kids education. Its a wonderful place to have your child grow up and learn.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2016

I am so impressed with the 5th grade teachers at this school. They are all amazing and go out of their way to make sure the students have an excellent last year of elementary school. They take the 5th graders on a week long trip to Science Camp and put on a pretty spectacular end of the year promotion ceremony. You can tell that the teachers are dedicated to helping the students prepare for middle school, but more importantly they really love and care about their students. My kids have had a wonderful experience at Smiley and 5th grade just topped the cake!
Submitted by other on August 14, 2015

My grandchildren attend Smiley and they LOVE this school! The teachers are kind and caring, as well as setting high expectations for each and every student. All of the staff members are kind and caring, as well as very hardworking. If children are loving their educational atmosphere, the outcome will be that they will be successful and well prepared for their next level of education.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2015

This review is for the bullying issues and the office staff only. Every teacher my child has had had been fantastic. My child had a issue with bullying last year, I understand bullying happens in every school. However, when the bullying comes from the principles own daughter that really ticks me off. My 2nd issue is with the office staff. More specifically Gloria, she is a bully herself. The children are scared of her, and she is very intimidating. My biggest bone to pick with her is that she wouldn't let my child and a friend call either of us parents when they asked, and she forced them to walk home. Even when they told her that they weren't allowed to!! Theses girls are 8&9. She had absolutely no idea where they lived or how far it was. The other child's parent and I went to speak with the principal, and nothing was done about it except for a slap on the wrist.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2014

Great teachers and very on top of things :) My child really enjoys going to school everyday.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2014

I am a parent that went to Smiley . My son attended Smiley about 4 yrs ago,and I have to say , Mr. Peplow was his favorite teacher, and still is!!! I also have a grandson their right now and he loves it!! As for the person who posted the bullying... A geographical change will not " Fix " your bullying problem . Your children will be bullied where ever , IF you don't " arm" them ( give, teach) with the right Tools abnd Strategy or confidence., i sincerely believe, if we give in to these bullies( moving, etc) then THEY win!!! PLEASE. Reconsider your decision, Smiley is a good school!
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2014

I have two children who both attend this school. Ms. Reed in transition kindergarten/kindergarten has been the teacher for both of my children. She has been one of the most wonderful teachers I have known. Her method of teaching is so great my daughter is already reading books as TK student. My son had Ms. Shamblin this year and it was one of the best years we have had. She was very involved in all students education and in direct contact with parents. Even with introducing new common core challenges, she handled and organized the class really well. Ms. Sherman and staff, have always been supportive and first hand involved in children's activities. I am happy to have my children in this school and am looking forward for upcoming years. Regards, Tami Trembinski
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2011

I am an ACTUAL parent, who currently has a child at this school (have had 2 in this school). Bullying IS an issue. I've been shopping around and after the holiday break, I do not plan on my child returning to Smiley. There are a lot of options out there and I'm willing to drive an extra 5 or 10 minutes to have my child in a better situation. This school is just not a good fit for my child and our family. Best of luck!
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2011

I have had 4 children at Smiley and the only reason I didn't send my 5th was because Redlands School District does not provide a dual-immersion program that I recently became aware of in surrounding districts. I do not hesitate to recommend this school to any neighborhood family - there is NO REASON to spend more money on private education when Redlands schools do so well - I read some of the negative comments and it appears they are commenting on specific events rather than the school - and Yes, teachers do not have time to deviate very much from the California Curriculum/Text books and you can blame that on Federal NCLB - not the teacher.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2011

My daughter is attending her second year at Smiley. The teacher she had for 3rd grade was AWESOME!!! She struggled with the structure of the school and learning to study from the textbook. Her previous school only used hand out because they taught to the test. After talking to her teacher he took a little extra time to work with her as did I. She did have trouble with a bully. But I worked with her and the school to stop the problems. Frankly bullying happens in all schools. It is something all schools face at one time or another. The programs at Smiley are great. We came from school that had very few programs so I don't mind the fundraising to allow my daughter to go on an extra field trip or have a school camp out, family fun night etc. The staff that I have encountered have gone out of their way to help and encourage the kids. This year my daughter came home excited to tell me the school was offering free guitar lessons and she will learn gardening. Parents who have children in Smiley should be grateful to the staff and help them to encourage their kids. Not Many schools put out the extra effort that Smiley does.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2011

my grandson brought home a spelling test that he CLEARLY failed and sitting at the bottom of the test was an"A"! I think out of 10 words there were actually 3 correct. How is that passing?? that happened two times during the year.!! tHERE ARE ONLY A SELECT FEW THAT ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE STUDENTS!!. My Grandson's teacher has actually told him that "He don't really care". What a thing to tell your students. Communication with some of the teachers is non-exsistent. Notes go in to teachers but nothing comes back. Un-happy parent!!!
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2011

If you can avoid it, I wouldn't send your child to this school. There is constantly a push for fundraising activities, yet it seems nothing ever improves or gets updated. The staff are lacking training and empathy for the children. A teacher even commented to me about being constrained by testing requirements, and not having the room to make learning fun for the kids. Very robotic with only a couple of teachers that truly give the impression that they care about their kids. A child was curled up under a desk in the office one day, in the fetal position. When I pointed it out to the office staff, they rolled their eyes and just said, "I know!" They can't be bothered with children needing a little extra. It could be so much more than it is, and there is no desire to make anything any better. It's just sad!
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2010

This school is not one I would ever choose to send my child to. From bullying on the play ground to harassment from teachers and faculty, I cant wait to get my child out of here. If I could home school I would, and almost want to quit my job to do so. I wouldn't recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2009

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Submitted by parent on February 11, 2009

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Submitted by parent on January 22, 2008

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Submitted by parent on September 26, 2007

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