J. Spencer Smith Elementary School

101 Downey Drive

School District

Tenafly Public
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Tenafly Public 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 March 27, 2022

Some truly wonderful professionals here. And 3 teachers who should not work with children, tenure be damned. The good: teachers advocate for their students with care. My asbergers child is well coached. IEP requests are met with enthusiasm to help. The bad: tenured teachers that with the wrong temperament will be a tough year for any kid with that doesn’t have the disposition to tolerate it all day.
Submitted by principal on November 05, 2021

A dedicated faculty and staff work with K-5 students throughout Smith Elementary School. The entire school community rallies around the success of students and programs. The HSA provides programming and clubs for additional student enrichment. Before and After Care is available to students through the district. All students at Smith School are welcomed, well cared for, and safe at school.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2017

Smith is an amazing school! Love it, and so does the kids.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2013

This school is fantastic, so much parent involvement! The standards are very high! My son loves it here and his teachers. He is excelling in all subjects!
Submitted by other on June 03, 2013

If it wasn't for J. Spencer Smith School, I would have never achieved this far in life. I am an 8th grade student, in a private boarding school CT. I have came to Smith School in kindergarten and graduated in 5th grade. The Smith School has taught me respect, and compassion. There method of teaching anything, especially writing, is superb! The kids are all nice, and supportive of each other. The Smith School has allowed me to go to a private boarding school. When I become, an adult and have a kid, I would send my son/daughter to this school. I highly recommend this school,wait no I don't recommend it, I command it. - Jung Suk (John) Bae '2010 graduate
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2013

Our experience with Smith has been outstanding. We have been in Tenafly for only 18 months now and even though a major reason for us moving to the area was the quality of the schools, one does not really know for sure until your children are enrolled and you experience it hands on. A Principal who is very detail oriented certainly helps to keep everyone's interests aligned. The program is broad and deep at the same time, with a concern not only to inform children, but also to form them, a very important aspect of early education and often left aside, as information only tends to be the main driver. I feel like all my 3 kids are in a place that will ultimately help them become better citizens, since 5 years of age.