1617 Chesapeake Ave
Chesapeake, VA 23324

Many of the things mentioned already over the years are still apparent. School spirit is great, the IB program is rigorous and has sent students to top colleges and universities across the nation. I agree with previous reviews about the favoritism and politics which hold the school back as well as principal Paul Joseph and his aloofness unless he feels like engaging with you. Personally, I can say that since he has been there, he has never responded to one e-mail I have sent him for various reasons (none negative or complex, some even positive and upbeat), but I guarantee if is related to his high-profile football program he cannot reply and act fast enough. The crown prince of the Oscar Smith "good old boy" club is Ray Collins, an obvious beneficiary of this insular clique: he has run off many dedicated and experienced coaches (more than any other school in Chesapeake it seems). He is regularly unapproachable, generally incompetent, and simply has no business being an athletic director. Apart from these problems, the school has gotten way too large (2,300 students) and this makes the school less personal and too many students and staff get lost in the masses - not the way it used to be on Rodgers Street at the "old" school. In all honesty, Chesapeake Public Schools should build another high school in the Greenbrier area and reduce Oscar Smith to around 1,500 students maximum (1,200 would be even better).In more positive attributes: the community does a great job supporting the school and many students are more civic minded than your average high schooler. Many graduates go out and distinguish themselves in the world and some come back to share their past and current experiences with the school.

This school sucks! Staff is just rude and unprofessional!!

The administration treats these kids like juvenile delinquents. I'm presently searching for a home outside of South Norfolk because this school is the worst. The kids are restricted on nearly everything. Being a prior Tiger Alumni this is saying a lot I don't want my kids to have to deal with this school's nonsense. The principle is definitely part of the problem (top down). Take your children else where.

Amazing teachers and facilitators! Gifted program is amazing. My kids loved it there.