School - Overview & Recognition

History & Profile

History
Sarah R. Smith Elementary School opened its doors to students in 1952. It was named for the late Sarah Rawson Smith. Mrs. Smith was a member of a pioneer family long prominent in the educational, civic, and social life of Atlanta. She was born on November 4, 1891, and attended Crew Street School. Her education was completed in New York and she married Marion Smith, a distinguished Atlanta attorney, in 1914. Mrs. Smith was the inspiration of her husband and four children and exerted wide influence for good among her associates and in the community. Mrs. Smith died in 1929. The school was originally known as the Marion Smith Elementary School but was changed to Sarah Rawson Smith Elementary School on July 12, 1954. Alda W. Cannon was the first principal serving from 1952 until 1974. Charles Pepe served as principal from 1975 until 1989. Lee Friedman became principal in 1989 and retired in 2000. The current principal is Dr. Sidney Baker. Sarah Smith Elementary’s school colors are red, white, and blue with the mascot being the Superstars. Our middle school is Sutton Middle School and our high school is North Atlanta High School. The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Public School System sponsor the Partners in Education program. It is a program designed to enhance the learning process by bringing together business and education. Sarah Smith has several partners for which we are truly appreciative. The staff and students have greatly benefited from these partnerships. Sarah Smith Elementary became an authorized International Baccalaureate World School in July, 2006.

Profile
931 students

3% Asian; 8% Black; 3% Hispanic; 2% Multi-Racial; 84% White

8% eligible to receive free lunches

Students made gains in all subject areas tested on the Georgia Criterion Reference Competency Test

School motto: “Anchored In Excellence”

School Mascot: Superstars

Two campuses: The primary campus (grades K-2) is located on Old Ivy Road. Sarah Smith’s new Intermediate Campus for grades 3-5 opened in January 2010 and is located on Wieuca Road.