Z - International Academy of Smyrna

Overall this is a good school. The school is definitely more than test scores. It is an environment of learning. Both of my students have had great experiences at IAS. The family oriented and safe environment allows my children to flourish. Like any school, there is always room for improvement. I will not change the experience that my children receive at IAS for anything. Also, this is a school of choice. There is no reason to complain if you are not happy with the school because it is a CHOICE and you can always attend your zone school or homeschool.

I've been an employee of this school. This place is a nightmare. The great kids are great, I don't know what else to say about that. They are sweet and caring, they try so hard to make up for classmates that are absolutely disrespectful and horrible to the teachers. The administration (in general) is absolutely useless. Impossible to get them when you actually NEED them, but God forbid you have one who's just out of control. I spent whole class periods calling some parents, tried everything I could think of. Needless to say, I'm not returning, and I urge them to take a long, hard look at how many teachers are walking out that door, and realize who is to blame. It's not us. It's you.

Very disappointed in my child's experience here. She will not be returning. Her teacher was "okay," but the majority of her shortcomings were out of her control. She really just needed a little more assistance in her classroom. She struggled to keep the children under control and just looked so tired all day long. I visited with the class for a day and was just shocked at how difficult it was for her to keep the class under control. My daughter is advanced academically, reading two grades above her age group. I don't say this to be boastful, but just to put some perspective to my review. I needed desperately for her to be in a situation where she was being challenged to do more and to push her limits, but it was nearly impossible in the learning environment that she was in everyday. Students yelling, shouting, singing, walking around and worse during instructional time were huge distractions not just for my daughter but other students who were there to learn. It was really just a sad sight to witness. The teacher wanted so badly to be able to teach but she just didn't have the support and/or resources to be successful. There are no books. There were no pencils. The teacher didn't even have an eraser for her whiteboard. She was really trying but I felt like she was set up to lose. I sympathize with her situation, but as a parent, I have to do what's best for my child, and for these reasons and more, my child will not be returning.

I like the school, a few things could be improved but overall it's been a good experience for me and my child.

My daughter went to this school for two years. I am currently searching for a new school. I absolutely loved her kindergarten teacher. Pros about the school include the high parent involvement and the fact that my daughter did do very well, educationally, here. Ultimately, that is what it's all about--in a sense. The cons include her teacher. Considering the fact that my daughter is still very young and impressionable, I felt that the teacher was not a good fit for her or any young child, for that matter. My daughter overheard her and another teacher discussing her in a negative manner. I was unaware, until she mentioned it one morning on the way to school. Needless, to say she missed school that day. I was so upset that I turned around and told her it would be a mommy & me day. Totally unacceptable. She was also very strict and rude, to an extent. My daughter no longer found going to school and learning. She is very bright and catches on rather quickly, however if she senses negative vibes from the adult, it causes her to become withdrawn. In all fairness, I had previously had a couple of run-ins with the teacher (addressed by the principal), and since this happened towards the end of the year , I didn't want to cause any more added disruption to my child's learning environment. During the meet and greet I'd already sensed that this probably wasn't going to be a good fit for my child or me, but I tried to remain open-minded, and give her a chance. I should've followed my instincts, but either way, I felt as if I was in a lose/lose situation because the public school I live closest to fails miserably academically. Nevertheless, I chose the better of the two. My advice to future parents of students who attend the school is to stay involved, hold the teachers/principal totally accountable, and if nothing is resolved, leave the school(if possible). Communicate through email so everything is documented and there's no he say/she say. My greatest regret is not letting Mrs. Clark know about the final incident. I am not the only parent who disapproved of this teacher. Everyone, for the most part, tried to make the best out of a bad situation. Honestly, I don't even think she or the principal realizes she is as horrible as she is. Either that or they fake it really well. Overall, there were a couple (literally) of great first grade teachers, that actually made learning fun. Parents, our children are our investment, and I'm not willing to take the chance of letting someone else interfere with that in a negative manner. They are with these teachers for the better part of the day. That's a lot of time. If it's not a positive experience for them, you're doing a huge disservice to YOUR child, yourself, your child's future and society. LISTEN and TALK to your children. BE their advocate--YOU ARE THEIR VOICE.

Disclaimer: This review was not written to deter you from this school, but to give insight about my daughter's experience. The advice given above should be taken no matter what school you choose for your child. Hope this helps and good luck!! :)

Principal Clarke is the worst principal ever.