Laurel Loop #8, Monterey, TN 38574

Pay attention to red flags! We knew nothing about the area or schools when we purchased our home 2 yrs ago. Took nearly 2 weeks for my son to start pre-k because, although we were in the district, they opened enrollment to the outside community & it was just dependant on if any family with lower income wanted that spot. Yes, because we make more than other families, ny son was on the back burner. He was on an IEP when moving here and it wasn't long before they decided he no longer needed it. 3 days after removing the plan, I started receiving daily notes of him not "paying attention". He started kindergarten after the summer and it's been a nightmare. Daily notes about not being able to focus, not completing work in time. He is constantly having recess taken away and having to "stand on the wall" during free time. Talking in the "parent pick up" room is a no no, they have actually written my son up 3x and made him sign disciplinary notes in the office at 5 YEARS OLD! Mind you, school let's out at 230 and kids don't start coming out until almost 3. That's absurd! They also state that these disciplinary notes are part of their permanent school record. Transferring to a different school in the district is impossible because although the county has the open policy, the board of education says they rarely allow it. Several emails to the principal over bullying and you are met with a reply of " I'll look into it", with no follow up. You won't receive a call if your kid has a fever. They give Tylenol and send a note home. You're expected to take your sick kid into the school and let the nurse decide if he is worthy of staying home, otherwise, you'll have to go to the doctor for an excuse. The school does nothing for new students or families, to make the transition easy. No welcome meeting. No explaining how things work. NOTHING. if you get on to some of the community pages on social media, you'll find an abundance of complaints from other parents in regard to this school. I only wish I'd known before buying this house. Truly, the only people who don't have problems are the ones born and/or raised around here. Seems as though newbies are the ones who deal with these issues. Bullying by the school is what it feels like. We are looking to sell our home and relocate to a better area of the state. In the meantime, I'm withdrawing my son and returning to our home state, where I easily put 3 adult kids through school and never had these kind of issues.