4533 Rambling Rd NE
Kennesaw, GA 30144

McCleskey is a great school and my child has done well here. I am so grateful that it is a small school away from the East Cobb bubble and pressure!

I've had two children at Nicholson over the past 4 years (one of which is now at McCleskey MS). We moved from a larger elementary school (Mountain View) and having both a larger and smaller school experience, I can 100% without hesitation recommend Nicholson. The students are extremely well supported, the teachers are communicative, and the school goes out of their way to ensure families are connected. The school is much smaller than many nearby elementary schools, and even though I never thought that would be something I cared about, I now firmly believe in the smaller, familial environment that Nicholson provides compared to the colder "you're just a number" environment we had before. Everyone at Nicholson knows my kids names and even asks about my son even though he's moved on to Middle School. The teachers truly care about our kids. They also take safety very, very seriously. The doors are always locked and now require ID to get into the building. Even though they know my face by now (4 years of volunteering and coming in/out of the buidling for lunches with my kids), they still stop me and ask me to sign in and provide ID. I appreciate their dedication to ensuring everyone in the building has a reason for being there. The musical theatre program that Ms. Stephan (the music teacher) leads is top notch. Through the program, PSB Creative, the students learn invaluable teamworking skills and how to work towards a goal as a team. I can't emphasize enough how lucky we are to have found this program and this school. I cannot imagine a better environment for my kids to be in.

Our experience at this school has been somewhat disappointing. While there are good academic opportunities on paper, access to them doesn’t always feel equitable. As a parent, I’ve had to advocate strongly to ensure my child was placed in the right classes, particularly advanced or AP courses. The counseling department often feels unapproachable — instead of being a resource, interactions can come across as though you’re asking for too much by simply wanting guidance or information about your child’s academic path.The school promotes diversity and inclusion, but the reality doesn’t always reflect that. For families who are in the minority, it can feel different — not openly hostile, but subtly unequal in how students are supported and included. It’s an area that really needs attention and genuine effort.Extracurricular activities, especially the soccer program, seem to favor certain students regardless of talent or effort. Unfortunately, it often feels like who you know matters more than what you bring to the field.This school has potential and some dedicated teachers, but stronger leadership in fairness, inclusivity, and communication would make a big difference in creating a truly supportive environment for all students