Mountain Woods

We have been at Brockett for 3 years. From day 1 we were welcomed with a smile. Most of the teachers and staff know all of the students first names and warmly greet them each morning. The Principal and AP are both easily accessible and quick to address issues. Both of my children are continuing to grow and flourish. Their teachers have been encouraging. Brockett has a true community feel to it.

This school has some great techers including Mr. Boston, who leads the STEM programs. The school does career days for the students.

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.

This a very good school good education

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.