Jacob G. Smith Elementary School

210 Lamara Drive

School District

Chatham County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Chatham County 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 January 10, 2024

Amazing school! The teachers are great and the staff is really on top of things. They're all very helpful and want to ensure their students' success!
Submitted by parent on December 31, 2019

My only daughter attended PreK thru 5th (2010-2017). We really lucked out this is our neighborhood elementary school. Teachers, Faculty & Staff are all VERY engaged and school is very connected to the community. Latin program was restarted once they were able to locate a Latin teacher who was able to teach elementary age children (not easy to find today & they had unexpectedly lost their previous Latin teacher due to spouse job transfer). Gifted Program for all grades and Safety Patrol for 4th & 5th graders available. The school's tradition is very driven by good citizenship, behavior, and community. Students recite the Pledge of Alligance in English & Latin every morning. Student body is very diverse economically, culturally & racially. Lottery available for some non district students and many come from all other parts of the county because of the small, close knit, high-achieving results. Loved being able to park at Habersham Village and walk my child into school; it gives you a connection to teachers & staff that dropping your child off by car doesn't do. JGSmith has a very active PTA & has recently engaged Dads, grandfathers & male family members in their Mane Men program to promote positive male interaction. Band program is now in full swing along with expanded chorus. Wide variety of community-based events include Book Fairs, Jump-Rope-for-Heart, FunRun, Talent Show, Fine Arts Showcase, Walk & Bike to School Days, Spirit Days, Spirit Nights at local restaurants. In 2016, JGSmith became the 1st National Blue Ribbon Elementary School in Chatham county.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2017

Couldn’t dream of offering my children better!
Submitted by other on August 17, 2016

My daughter attended this school for first grade three years ago. She had five different teachers in the whole year. There was no permanent teacher when she started and both permanent teachers hired were fired, the rest were long-term substitutes or other school teachers switched out of other positions. There were behavior problems all year long because no one would exercise discipline and the whole year became a babysitting and giving out busy work project until someone else came in. I would never do it again. it was appalling.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2015

This will be my son's first year at Smith; however, registration was quick and efficient. I am confident he will be in good hands.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2015

This school is very focused on high academic performance, citizenship, and parent/community involvement. The staff all seem to enjoy their jobs and their awesome task of helping to educate our children. Love this school!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2014

Our daughter is attending kindergarten at Jacob G. this year, and we are nothing but impressed! Our daughter is making great strides with her sight words and reading!! Her teacher and her assistant are amazing, always willing to go the extra mile to help her and all of the students. They always make themselves available to not only the students but parents alike. We feel very safe sending our daughter here. It is located in a great community in which they involve the students. Keep it up, Lions!
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2014

JGSmith has been fantastic.....very warm and inviting community (which is great for the students and parents alike). It is also comforting that not all students are expected to learn at the same level, and those who are ahead can keep progressing. We have loved our first 2 years here and will look forward to the next 4!
Submitted by other on September 15, 2013

I am a former student of Jacob G. Smith. It is an AWESOME school. All the teachers have been very nice. I was only there for 5th Grade but most of the teachers have called me by my name. It sets very high standards,but the teachers help us exceed that standard. I am now at the Stem Academy and I have to say that my teachers' advises and life lessons have been very helpful. They always try to improve this school so it will be the best. The year I was there it felt like the best year I could have possibly have. However, they managed to make it even better.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2011

This little school is a gem. It is a warm and caring environment with clear expectations of the students both in terms of high academic achievement and in character and good citizenship. Every child is greeted by name with a smile when they get off the school bus or walk into the building, and it just seems like a happy place to be. The Latin program is back this year and there are opportunities for students to participate in violin, dance, soccer, drama club, garden club, fitness club and more. We are so, so happy to have our children at JGS!
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2010

I am disappointed with the experience we have had at this school. My child has been here since kindergarten. K and 1st grade were wonderful, due to the exceptional teachers, since that time, the changes that have been made have been awful. Teachers are visibly unhappy, and this passes on to the students. The Latin language program has been dropped and the gifted program seems to be on the back burner. Academically there are no challenges and parents are made to feel unwelcome in this school. This school is not what it used to be.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2008

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Submitted by parent on May 29, 2007

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