Sumner County Schools, Gallatin | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

First let me start by saying Portland Gateview is getting better since Mrs. Denning has taken over being principal and I believe as long as she stays as principal it will only get better.
I gave two stars not because of Mrs. Denning but because what I am about to disclose. I was very upset a second grade teacher who mentally abused my child (whom has special needs). She told me my child wouldn’t go to college, I pushed back and refused to believe what she said. Till this day my son still talks about how he is scared of her. Now he is now in 4th grade. I’m sorry but this teacher is in the wrong field unless she has a change of heart. She is still teacher there. Then I was talking with former teachers and at the time a 5th grader and my jaw dropped when they disclosed this information to me. This former principal was so upset with 5th grade class that the principal climbed on top of the cafeteria tables walk back and forth and begins to yell at these kids. I’m sorry but when a principal gets on top of a cafeteria table to say how upset the principal is with kids, then that principal is a disgrace to not only that school but most of all themselves. I know every school has pros and cons and no one’s perfect that’s why I didn’t disclose the names of these people. I feel like our school system is failing our kids and more concerned with a test score then preparing them for the real world. This is why I am giving strong consideration homeschooling my children.

The schools are a great place for education, boasting multiple AP Scholars, an incredible fine arts program, with teachers that truly care about the students and what they teach. It is clear that the spirit of the schools are those of learning and progress.

The running of said system leaves much to be desired. My personal high school, has recently had a serious problem with illness, and before has had issues with snow and winter weather. The illness (which has seen numerous other counties close to ensure a clean environment,) has had no such thing happen, teachers do not have items required to disinfect their areas, and it is evident the school does not have the required staff to deal with a problem this large. For example, at one point the school nurse was so overloaded with sick students, that they were told to go home instead of staying and getting checked up. The issue with this, is the absentee policy creates an incentive for kids to arrive sick and spread illness, by allowing final exams to be skipped based on attendance and grades. Aside from this, the county refuses to use the “snow days” prescribed [14 days] to allow for a proper response. As such, the county ruins the schools environment by overtaking the environment the faculty help build, and creating one that promotes spreading illness instead of getting students better.

Although I am impressed by the level of education my eldest daughter received at Hendersonville High School and my youngest is receiving at Lakeside Park, I am disappointed that there is no emphasis inclusion of diversity. My children were exposed to more cultural diversity in Alabama, a state known globally for its racist history, than they were/are here. I moved to Sumner County when i transitioned here for work based on its stellar reputation for community and education. I have no issues with my child’s current administrator or teacher(s). However, I know aside from the Board (leadership) they cannot do much on their own without clearance. There should be more built into the curriculum to include all cultural blends that make up these United States and the history that has brought us to where we are as a people. This is just one parent’s opinion. However, there may be others who feel the same.