Colonel Smith Middle School

We’ve attended another school in the district where they lacked communication between staff and parents but not here. Don’t judge this school by its location, the teachers and students seem genuinely happy to show up every day and we’ve not had any issues with safety concerns. I’ve observed while attending “crafts with parents” and have seen the teachers taking the time to address each student if concerns and compliment their hard work. Some have been there for 15+ years but still enjoy the growth they help their students achieve. Both of my kids have said they’ve preferred this school over the other and I’d have to agree!

My son did kindergarten and first grade at the school and he LOVED it. I truly feel like they set him up for success, he’s well above his grade level in reading and math now because of the tools he learned while attending this school. His teachers are amazing, great communication, and most importantly he feels safe and important at this school. Sad that the military had to uproot us, but I have nothing but great things to say about our experience with Col Johnston, Principal Barr and the entire staff at this school.

This school lead by Dr. Sam Granillo received a NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON AWARD. This award is the the most prestigious award that a school can receive. The school was the only one in Southern Arizona presented this award. Only 297 schools in the United States received this award. The award was presented in Washington DC. Congratulations to Principal Dr. Granillo and your amazing staff.

I am a middle schooler here, this school has had some issues but most of them they dealt with accordingly. I have been to quite a bunch of schools so far this one is the best. You have probably seen a lot of bad review from students here, this school isn’t that bad , the kids sending those mostly are upset because the teachers sometimes punish them by sitting alone or doing a project by themselves if they have bad behavior. This school has dealt before with bullies , it’s just that the kids sometimes are to shy to say anything. Last year we had a bad teacher so some of us kids were a bit behind cause all the teacher would say is “think about it” and not even explain what was going on, thank fully the principal last year fired him because he was also being “touchy” if you know what I mean. The teachers here all try and show the students the way of God. If you are not a Christian they won’t force it on you , and if you believe a little differently they will learn to except it. Overall the staff is friendly. One thing that I pray that they can add is more special education teachers for kids with autism. They try and help the kids if something seems wrong , but not to the point where they will not leave you alone. Most of the teachers will ask at the end if teaching if you need any help or if they need to explain in a different way, but once again it’s the students not excepting that help and they usually just want free time or whatever that’s why some of the kids say that the teachers are teaching bad . Over all a good school and I would recommend it .