Is SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY a good school?

Published quality ratings aren't available for SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills.

What grades does SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY serve?

SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY serves grades Pre-K to 5.

How do students get into SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY?

SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.

Is SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY public, charter, or private?

SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY is a private school.

What neighborhood is SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY in?

SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY is in Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills, Staten Island.

SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY

At a Glance

A Tiny, Intimate Elementary Community on Staten Island

Best suited for

Families seeking an intimate, highly personalized elementary education on Staten Island — particularly those who value knowing every teacher and classmate by name, and who are comfortable with a demographically homogeneous community. This school works best for parents who prioritize close adult-student relationships over diverse peer experiences.

What stands out

Remarkably small scale with only 58 students across pre-K through 5th grade
Exceptional 3.9:1 student-teacher ratio — among the lowest in the city
Nonsectarian approach without religious affiliation
Elementary-only focus means all programs and resources are tailored to young learners
Coed environment from preschool through 5th grade

Things to consider

Very homogeneous student body — limited diversity exposure for students
Small size may not suit children who thrive in larger peer groups
Geographic isolation on Staten Island means longer commutes for families elsewhere
Low enrollment means limited extracurricular options typical of larger schools
Tuition costs (not provided) should be weighed against the personalized attention offered

IdentityThe School'S Name Suggests A Warm, Child-Centered Approach. The Tiny Scale Means There Are No Large Classes Or Anonymous Hallways — Every Student Participates Fully In The Community. As A Nonsectarian School, There Is No Religious Curriculum, Though The Name'S Emphasis On 'Smiles' Hints At An Environment Prioritizing Social-Emotional Well-Being Alongside Academic Learning.

A very small, intimate elementary school with an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio, offering personalized attention in a nonsectarian setting.

CommunityHomogeneous

This is a tightly knit community of fewer than 60 students across six grade levels. The homogeneity of the student body (over 91% white) means families here share a similar cultural background, which can create a cohesive community but also limited exposure to diversity.

NeighborhoodGrasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills

Located in the Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills area of Staten Island, this school sits in a residential neighborhood with moderate family density. Staten Island offers a suburban feel with single-family homes and quieter streets, though it is geographically separated from the rest of New York City.

The neighborhood is car-dependent by New York City standards. Most families will drive or rely on school transportation; walking to school is practical only for those living very nearby.

Notable Programs

Lego RoboticsComputer CodingChessRussianSpanish

What Parents Are Saying

Mixed reviews: praised for academic rigor, warm environment, and dedicated teachers; criticized for Russian-focused culture, rude staff, and organizational issues. Recent negative reviews cite head injury reporting concerns and payment processing problems.

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY a good school?: Published quality ratings aren't available for SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills.
What grades does SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY serve?: SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY?: SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY public, charter, or private?: SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY is a private school.
What neighborhood is SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY in?: SMILES AROUND US ACADEMY is in Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills, Staten Island.

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