205 Mendel Ct
Chesapeake, VA 23324

My son just finished his first year at this school and I couldn't be happier with our experience. The teachers are truly amazing and care about these children and their education. I was very skeptical about sending my son here as we had only been to private schools before here. I am happy to say this was his best year of school yet. He was bullied in private schools and he made friends so easily this year and had a wonderful bully free year. I felt more welcomed and appreciated for my help when volunteering at this school. If you are thinking about sending your child here I recommend giving this school a try. You will not be disappointed. My son is looking forward to next school year already.

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.

My child just started this school yr in Sparrow Intermediate.He had issues with comprehension & speech.I had a complaint about my child's teacher.Opted to talk to Principal first and in the middle me talking to her she just cut me off.It's understandable that they want to hear the side of the teacher too the way she talks you can tell if a person is concern of your child's well being or not, definitely on this one they are not.My son's teacher often makes side comment about something how I don't need to write long notes to her.Sided another student even though my child already said it's not true that he cursed which he did not.He said "Oh shoot".It can be a he-she said but the fact that she had to tell my child "next time if you say a bad word your butt is going to go the office".I expect that from someone outside but not from her. Yes my child told that to me,I do trust my child & never had trouble before.I was telling this to the Principal Sharon &she just cut me off.Reason I called her is so there is a 3rd party.But the way she talked to me is simply no concern at all.Very disappointed.Georgetown was the opposite, teachers my child had were very nurturing & supportive.

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.