Harrison Road Elementary School

Something I always ask other parents to keep in mind when reading school reviews is that, just like businesses, those who are unhappiest will always post about that. It is valid, and understandable.However, both of my girls have had wonderful experiences at Smith Station. I am involved, communicate with their teachers regularly, and volunteer where I can (around my full-time job). I've found when we invest as parents, schools will do the same! Their general education and encore teachers are passionate and kind; the administration is responsive; there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the school community! During the summer I see their teachers at local swim meets and art shows to support students, even in their off-time.I encourage any parents on the fence to contact the school and not just base it on a few outliers in comments online. Coming from a former educator, they rarely depict the environment that is built and maintained on a daily basis!

Courthouse Road Elementary is an outstanding school. The leadership, teachers, paraprofessionals, reading specialists, cafeteria staff, custodians, administrative staff, counselors, encore team, IT, nurse, safety, and on and on are incredible. The environment is positive and encouraging where each child is welcomed and loved. The end of the day is filled with students going to hug their former teachers and that says it all about the connections the teachers made with the students. The leadership is always engaged with the students welcoming them each morning with energy, music, and kindness! The teachers give their all every single day to help their students reach their potential providing the structure, learning, and love for each child. The school also has a superstar PTA who do such fun events for the students and the staff. CES is the best!

They do not care about your child, they care about meeting their numbers and that’s it. Avoid this school if your child is behind or needs any sort of additional instruction. My son tested behind the entire school year, I received a letter to have a meeting to hold him back (which I was on board with), we had the meeting and then he magically tested on track and they said he was ready for 1st grade. I told them he needs another year of kindergarten and they refused to allow him. He is still learning to write the alphabet, behind on reading, and would really benefit from the extra instruction of doing kindergarten again but they just want to push him through rather than do what’s best for him.

This school has been absolutely wonderful for our kids! The multi- blue ribbon award music department has the best band teacher! We were constantly amazed at the level he was able to teach these students to play, and love music.