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South Smiths Station Elementary School

Home of the Panthers

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Our School

 

Our Mission

The mission of South Smiths Station Elementary School is to educate every student through a comprehensive and academically challenging curriculum taught in a safe and nurturing environment.  We challenge students to pursue dreams, succeed with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to a diverse society.

Our motto is:
PAWS

  • Putting learning first
  • Achieving academic Excellence
  • Working to do our best
  • Striving for success

 

 

Welcome from our Principal
A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiles at the camera.

 

Welcome to South Smiths Station Elementary School!

Welcome to South Smiths Station Elementary School, where we proudly serve our PreK through 5th grade students and families in the Smiths Station community. For many years, this school has been a place of learning, growth, and connection; one that holds a special place in the hearts of students, families, and educators across Lee County.

It has been my privilege to serve as principal of SSSES for the past year. However, the road that brought me here and the lessons learned along the way were invaluable in preparing me for this role. My journey in education began at Sanford Middle School in Beauregard, where I spent nine years teaching 8th grade science and growing as a teacher, learning how to support students’ academic and emotional development. After a brief time away from Lee County, I returned in 2019 to Smiths Station High School, where I continued teaching until July 2023, when I took on the role of assistant principal at Smiths Station Junior High School. In May 2024, I returned to Smiths Station High School as assistant principal before coming to South Smiths Station Elementary in January 2025.

Through every step of my career, one thing has remained constant: my love for students. I am passionate about providing learning experiences that help children grow both academically and emotionally. I believe every child has inherent value and the potential to become a world changer, and I strive each day to ensure our school is a place where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

At South, we are committed to providing a secure, nurturing environment where students feel respected and ready to learn. Our amazing teachers and staff work tirelessly to empower students academically, socially, and emotionally. Our goal is to help them build confidence, recognize their strengths, and develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

As we approach the final semester under the South Smiths Station name, we proudly celebrate the lasting impact this school has made on our community. Many of our families include parents who once walked these halls as students, and countless educators across Lee County began their careers here. The traditions, relationships, and memories built within these walls will continue to live on through the lives we have touched.

Looking ahead, we are excited that, beginning in August 2026, this same facility will continue to serve the children of Smiths Station as Panther PreK, becoming the home for all PreK students in the attendance zone and building a strong foundation for future learning.

We are grateful for the strong partnerships with families and our community that have defined South Smiths Station Elementary for generations. Thank you for your continued support and trust. It is an honor to serve as principal during this meaningful time, and I look forward to finishing this year strong. Let’s celebrate the legacy of South Smiths Station while preparing for a bright future ahead.


Ms. Amy Long

 

 

School Profile

 

School Environment

South Smiths Station Elementary School is a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students are encouraged to help one another. Each child is viewed as an individual, and their educational needs are thoughtfully considered. Students are offered a well-rounded education that includes art, music, STEM, and counseling services. The school library actively supports learning by collaborating with teachers and providing a variety of materials for students. Parents are encouraged to be involved and participate in a variety of school activities,

Community

Smiths Station is the largest attendance area with an estimated population of over 25,000. The incorporated community of Smiths Station is located in the southeastern part of the county close to the larger towns of Phenix City, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia; home of Fort Benning. The Smiths Station attendance zone experienced additional growth with new families moving into the area associated with Fort Benning and the Army's BRAC realignment completed in 2011. Local restaurants and convenience stores populate the large rural area with very few manufacturing or industrial sites scattered around the area. The majority of residents work in neighboring cities.

At a Glance

500

Students Grades K-5

76

Faculty & Staff

89

State Report Card Score