Smiley Elementary achieved a five-star climate rating for providing an exceptional learning environment that supports all stakeholders. Each school in the state receives a 1- to 5-star rating, with five stars representing an excellent school climate, and one star representing a school climate most in need of improvement.

The School Climate Star Rating is calculated using data from the Georgia Student Health Survey 2.0, Georgia School Personnel Survey, Georgia Parent Survey, student discipline data and attendance records for students, teachers, staff and administrators. 

Beverly Smiley-Hill, Principal of Smiley Elementary said that the key to obtaining this status has been the district’s commitment to providing a quality learning environment where all students have an opportunity to be successful. Key players in the district include the Long County School Superintendent, the Long County Board of Education, district office personnel, administrators, faculty and staff, parents and neighbors, Smiley-Hill said.