Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School

After a very last minute housing crisis, we had to come stay in Sanford. The district enrolled my first grader very quickly into Sanford Pride. Based on the very very small bit of academic information from her painfully unhelpful school in another district, Pride passed her to Margaret Chase, after a tour of her almost classroom and a long interview with both the principal and guidance and special education services, they also said they couldn't provide what she would need. I admire this. She was moved to Carl J Lamb that day after the tour. The principal called me that night and the next day to get her all set to start the following week (my request because of routines) which she agreed would be good. Her first day she was a mess because she had left the friends and what used to be home behind 2 weeks prior. Her world flipped and she relies heavily on structure constantly and routine. We were greeted to teachers and the principal with kids dancing to music playing on a speaker out front of the school while they got off the bus. I was told they start the day this way because who doesn't love dancing before going to sit and do school. Already in love at this point but my kiddo was still a bit hesitant, definitely WAY MORE relaxed though. After a brief talk outside with the teachers and principal, she went with a nervous look and glared back at me. She didn't throw herself down and melt like the entire morning beforehand though. 6 months later she hates if she can't go to school, cries about it actually. She tells me every single day about what they do and what she learned which is also something she didn't do in the other district, she is turning in 10 times the amount of finished schoolwork then she did in the other district too. They have given her every single thing she needs to succeed and more. Carl J Lamb Elementary can tailor to her every need including her disabilities. The school has been nothing short of life changing for both of us!

Far above average for this area, and slightly above average for the remainder of the country as private schools go - good for kids who like boundaries and like to learn. So far, most teachers are excellent, yet girls tend to get preferential treatment on behavior issues. Haven for conservative Catholics, so if your views vary a bit, or are based on logic and a growing religion, you'll be seen as an "outsider" but still can get a much better quality education than the area public schools. Most students seem respectful and well-boundaried. Girls tend to get away with tattling, and as always, these small communities tend to have rampant gossip so if you are new to the area or community, walk in with a thick skin. Good education, but very conservative religious views, a bit hypocritical but not beyond the typical conservative religious base. Female Principal is nice, but school is clearly run by male conservtive Catholics with very narrow chauvanistic views. Excellent security - the secretary does it all and takes very good care of your children. Just watch out for the gossip - it can be very unpleasant.

The worst school I've ever seen, should be closed down.