Smiths Station Elementary School

171 Mill Creek Drive

School District

Lee County
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Lee 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 12, 2023

This school effectively deals with bullying:My granddaughter would come home crying everyday, of bullying from the children at this school. This school has toxic learning environments that are unsafe for children.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2018

This review is for East Smiths Station Elementary School (ESSES). This past school year, with this school, has been a struggle. We feel that our child's education, should we continue (which we will not) at this school will be significantly stunted. The administration is uncommitted and MIA most of the time. Is it too much to ask to have a principal that greets their students, or tries to learn their faces? The front office is the most disorganized and unprofessional group of ladies we've ever witnessed I'm a school system, and is a true nightmare to deal with. The PTO is the biggest CLIQUE run by a leader that would rather do it all herself than welcome help. I have always been very involved in my child's school/class but upon joining the PTO and filling out the information form, I was never reached out to and even we I reached out offeed to volunteer, it wasn't accepted. They basically just want money from parents and then do what THEY choose. There are several EXCELLENT teachers at this school. There are also terrible ones and the administration is clueless about the bad habits because they themselves don't care enough to BE INVOLVED beyond what they feel is required. The school security is a joke as well. Just an illusion to make you think it's a safe school. All in all, I'm so glad we will NOT be returning to this school.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2017

SSSES: This school has a bullying and violence issue. There is no accountability on the part of the administration, nor is there any measurable effort to correct the problem.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2015

My review is specifically for East Smiths Station Elementary School/ESSES (they have all split now, but that information is not up to date here on greatschools.org). ESSES is a wonderful school with great leadership and a great staff. Mr. Kohler is an outstanding Principal who listens to, respects, and supports his teaching staff. The teachers there are all wonderful and professional, and combined they make ESSES a great school. I have two children in ESSES and one is a special needs child with an IEP. From the moment that I stepped foot in the front door to register my son, I was introduced to the staff in the Special Education department and they hit the ground running to provide my son with services and take special care of him. This is the 3rd year that I have had kids at ESSES and I do not have a single complaint about the school. They have all been wonderful and my children love it there.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014

I was a bit nervous about switching schools for my kiddo ;however, after discovering all the progress he has made and the look of enjoyment on my sons face, my anxious mind was put to ease. My son loves to read and SSES encourages reading and ways to increase reading skills. It's a very rewarding feeling as a parent when your child comes home loving to read and we can enjoy reading together more now as well. I'm very glad for the switch and we are looking forward to the years to come.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2012

there is entirely TOO MUCH emphasis on the children earning their 'stamps' for their behavior that day! Our child has all A's but comes home with yellows or reds 3-4x per week due to him 'getting out of his seat without permission & not doing what he is asked the 1st time." Once the children move to yellow or red, there is no going back to green for the day. This causes our son alot of stress because altho he tries really hard, he sometimes doesnt hear the teacher or is day-dreaming. My son has been bullyied on the bus numerous times and i have filed reports. I have called & left msg's to speak to the Principal or Asst, and they will never call you back or inform you how situations like this were or will be handled. There is NO RECESS, NO music, and Silent lunches when the kids get too loud in the cafeteria. SSSES is too strict, un-realistic expectations from Kindergartners, and doesnt seem to let children be children. We are seriously considering going to Lakewood next year regardless of his report card! much exp
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2011

I have two sons who both went through this school. At first I didn't know much about the school and how things are run there. Academics are the main focus at the school and it shows. My children were given lots of opportunities to shine and do their best. The school is very safe and you can be sure your children are taken care of. Every time I needed something, it was taken care of with a smile and done professionaly.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2011

You do have other options, if you are as unhappy with this school as I was. Initially, transferred our child to a private school. Then, via other parents, we learned that we could use Lakewood Elementary. Wow~what a fantastic change!I have never heard one parent complain about Lakewood. The principal, Mrs. Nicey Eller~the best! The teachers~most, if not all, have Masters Degrees. They are a Science Magnet school. Did I mention at least 7 students followed us to this school~leaving SS for the same reason. I went to the local school board office (I believe it was called that), its off 13th st, PC. Ask for a transfer app. Fill the form out and in the reason section, just put "hardship". They dont want the long story. Leave the form with them. In a week or less you should recieve the approval in the mail. Spaces are limited, and they go fast....so I would put in for it asap. You will not regret. Lakewood is a rather new school, and has grown so rapidly they are building another school adjacent to this one~just for 2 grades :))
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2011

Bad, Bad, Bad!!!!! There is no music, art, or even recess at this school. All the principal cares about is how the school looks on paper. You aren't allowed to go to your child's classroom and the front office staff is rude! Even though my child has all A's and great conduct, my child was made to sit outside against a wall and watch as other children had fun, got popsicles and juice and was not allowed to talk because my child did not take enough "AR tests". The other day my child was flat out refused breakfast because they don't tell you that you owe money on the lunch account until it is past due. I was not contacted when this happened so my child had to go hungry. I tried to do research before choosing a school and I wish someone had posted a review like this on here before I bought a house and moved to this area. Unfortunately this is the school my child is zoned to go to next year when it will be a K-5 through 6th grade so we will be paying for a private school from here on out. If you care about your child's education move to Georgia or pay for private school.