Pebble Creek

Livsey is one of the better schools at Dekalb, benefiting from being significantly smaller than most schools in Dekalb and an active (if clique-ish) PTO. Students are well behaved and excited to learn. The level of academic expectation is higher than many Dekalb schools, which helps provide students a strong background. Teachers and administration tend to know every student and every parent.One of the areas they have serious struggles with is supporting students with disabilities. It seems like many of the teachers have inadequate training in neuro-affirming best practices. This sentiment is echoed in numerous disability support groups when the school comes up from past and present parents.There are exceptions. For example, Ms Kastner in first grade is beloved by both typical and neurodivergent students and parents for a reason.The school would benefit professional development with a strong focus on both trauma-informed and neuro-affirming best practices and an implementation plan.The parent groups tend to agree that the teachers in upper levels are not as effective as those for K-2. They are more likely to speak harshly to students and have less interesting lessons than Livsey 3-5 provided years ago. They also communicate less, and only input grades right before progress reports.Bullying has also long been an issue for a very long time and teachers often seem they would rather avoid it than address it-- and in cases encourage it or engage in it themselves against more challenging students, blaming them even when they were not at fault. (This is reported from my elder children, who are easy themselves but sensitive due to having an autistic sibling.) Finally, Livsey could improve at supporting all students and connecting families in need with resources to help. Here they fall far short of other Dekalb schools. They are lucky to have somewhat lower need, but when a family or a student has needs, they can be left to flounder.There are inadequate after-school extracurriculars. A number of parents tried to organize a running club but were summarily shut down.If your child is average or gifted with no serious difficulties, and your family comfortable, this very well might be the best school in Dekalb. If you have a child with disabilities or trauma, you might see room for growth.

My experience with Smoke Rise Elementary School has been deeply disappointing. Unfortunately, it has not been a supportive environment for my child. During our time there, my child experienced bullying from both students and teachers, which was extremely concerning.When I reached out to the school seeking support and intervention, responses—when they came at all—often felt defensive rather than focused on addressing the situation. The priority seemed to be protecting staff rather than ensuring the well-being and safety of students.Additionally, interactions with staff were frequently rude and unprofessional. While the school presents itself as a warm and supportive environment, our experience did not reflect that image. From a parent’s perspective, it often felt like the outward friendliness was more of a façade than a genuine commitment to supporting students and families.I hope the school leadership will take concerns like these seriously and work toward creating a truly supportive environment where every child feels safe, respected, and valued.

This school is great compared to the surroundings. All my children are honored with Straight A or A and B. This rating about this school is totally Wrong.

This school is just rlly bad. They don’t care about any of the students mental health, and they don’t do anything when a student is getting bullied. When I was a student at this school, I would constantly get bullied every single day and I would try to talk to the teachers and counselors about it but they barely did anything ;( I had to deal with the bullying for months until I finally graduated from this school. Kids in this school even sneak in vapes?.. Like chill ur in elementary school buddy

I like this school, the only bad thing is the women at the front desk, she is very rude,her actitud is bad. Otherwise the teachers are nice and no complaints about them, The only thing that makes school bad is the woman at the front desk, If they do not like their job, they should look for another one than if they like it.

Although our son has only been attending since the holiday break, we have seen such a difference in his attitude towards school! He has always been eager to learn and is very bright. Excellent in some areas, rough in others. Our public school was not meeting his needs - he would tell us he was extremely bored, not learning anything, getting picked on every day and didn't want to go. Not only that, but they were unwilling to work with us even though they have a 'gifted' program - nobody seems to want to be bothered with that! *We are not your typical private school folks, just regular people with regular incomes that believe in a good educational foundation.* Since being here he has improved significantly in his math and reading, as they believe more in the individual child than the standardized garbage of catching children up while others are learning nothing. They also incorporate environmental and community responsibility. There is a great student ratio and wonderful teachers that are committed and truly caring. They take field trips often which is a breath of fresh air. This school has an amazing environment - I would encourage you to visit and take a tour to see for yourself!

Even though the Headmaster and an occasional hit or miss teacher is wonderful and Christ-like, the majority of the teachers are religious but not Christ-like at all. The school has a heavy Church of Christ “religious” overtone. Immigration is a big platform for their missions and the majority of the teachers have become very liberal in their political views because of this. Beware if you are a “conservative Christian.” With the current temperature of our nation, their attitudes spill over into the treatment of more conservative students and it is NOT a good reflection of Jesus. I have had conversations with many students who have lost interest in growing their faith because of the “fake Christian” examples that teachers have shown. This weighs heavy on my heart and I pray each of them seeks forgiveness from these students, past and present.