8405 Snowdrop Way
Ooltewah, TN 37363

Since the new principle started a year ago, teacher environment has suffered.Good teachers are leaving for other schools

I would avoid this school at all costs until the district removes its current administrator. She approaches her school like it’s a prison. Her teachers aren’t respected as professionals and are treated like robots who don’t have lives and families outside of work. The teachers and staff are amazing, but they are holding on for dear life. Small, insignificant things are made a huge deal over, and things that warrant attention and action are made excuse for. Your child may or may not have a fantastic experience, but that all depends on the class makeup. If there are students with extreme behaviors, beware. They won’t be removed from the classroom and your child’s protection will be the last resort. My child had several extreme behaviors in his class and he would complain often that his teacher couldn’t teach the lesson that day or couldn’t do their small groups because she was dealing with the hard students. The principal paints a picture to the district administrators and the public that is not realistic or honest. She will choose not to report things because she doesn’t want them to be on record. She will coach teachers and staff to do things before there are school visits from district administration. It’s all about appearances, while realistically she’s micromanaging and running around in a panic trying to keep things “perfect.” She is suffocating every good thing in that school. They desperately need a new administrator. OES has the potential to be incredible. Wonderful teachers and staff, precious kids and families, and a sweet community.

Honestly this school might not be the best in the world, but its not nearly as bad as it’s made out to be. All that is needed to do good at this school is apply yourself. The teachers do a great job, and I have been able to maintain a Grade average of 98.9 and get A’s on finals in APs. All you have to do is try. It’s an overall great high school experience if you want it to be.