E. O. Smith High School

This school has a whole lot of things going for it. It's a pity that they are not more responsive to students with some type of special needs. My son is a senior this year and has been dealing with being on the spectrum his whole life. The school has been non-communicative with us, and when his grades started to go down for whatever reason the only way we were able to find out was by daily checks through power-school. It took nearly 3 months to line up the proper tutors, and only one of his teachers was able to offer any kind of assistance in bringing him current. He routinely has 2-3 hours of homework per night. It seems to me that this high school, due to its proximity to UCONN, has adopted the attitude of a college. It is a public school, and the children who need a little extra help or push deserve to get it. I am also unhappy with the vast amounts of money we have funneled directly into the school, most notably the 'senior-photo' ridiculousness. How the school can force parents to use a specific photographer who charges a minimum of 175 dollars for a photo package is beyond me.

Great school but could use some work when it comes to students who need some help keeping up... I was a student there class of 2009 and I needed help but did not get it so my grades dropped dramatically

E.O.Smith is an environment in which motivated students without disabilities can do well. Special education students, on the other hand, are seen as a financial burden on the budget and some are undoubtedly "The children left behind". The upper administration puts on a facade of integrity meanwhile their true agenda lies only with fiscal responsibilities. In short, heed caution if your child is a special education student.

I don't understand why E. O. Smith has received a 5 out of 10. It deserves at minimum an 8 out of 10. Every school has its flaws but there are so many opportunities at this school. There are a wide range of classes available to take, sports teams to join and a bunch of extra curricular activities for students. The teachers and staff are always willing to help a student even if they aren't that student's teacher. I think EO should have more student activities like dances and other social events. We do have a lot of drama productions, choral and band concerts, fundraisers etc... I really enjoy going to this school. I have made friendships that will last for the rest of my life. THis school is so diverse and in any class, no matter what level, there are people from the different surrounding towns in that class. I am currently entering my Junior year and I meet more and more new people every year while still staying close with my old friends.