Chesnut Elementary School in Dunwoody

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.
Student Growth	5/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Posted: January 12, 2026

This is our second year at Chestnut, and unfortunately it has been the worst. Students are being taught reading foundations primarily on Chromebooks, with little insight into instruction. Communication from our childs teacher is extremely limited unless supplies or snacks are needed. Grades are often posted months late, sometimes after the quarter ends, making it impossible to know what our child is learning or struggling with. Despite concerns raised by multiple parents, no meaningful changes have been made, and we are now halfway through the year. Our child began the year above average and is now testing below average on the MAP exam, which is very concerning. The lack of transparency and timely feedback makes it difficult for parents to support their children. Additionally, the school facilities need renovation, and there are minimal enrichment activities such as programs or plays. We are considering transferring to give our child a better opportunity to succeed.

Posted: January 12, 2026

Posted: December 23, 2025

As of Dec 2025, Chestnut is one of the best elementary schools in Dunwoody and for that matter, Dekalb county. Generally speaking, I would consider it as a hidden gem because of the attention that other Dunwoody area elementary's receive in comparison. However, the facts remain that Chestnut students perform at a high level just like the other schools, the teachers are fantastic, and the community around the school is known for being engaged and supportive, particularly for the parents with active students. If you are considering a home in Dunwoody area and schools are a priority for your family, I'd highly recommend that you consider Chestnut for your students.

Posted: December 23, 2025

Posted: July 18, 2025

Me encanta esta escuela, tienen field trips que normalmente la escuela costea, te integran todo el tiempo con comunicados en español.

Posted: July 18, 2025

Posted: November 19, 2022

Chesnut is wonderful. I love how equally diverse the school is and that all subgroups are performing well. The school has many activities for kids to get involved with and my son loves being a Chesnut Cougar.

Posted: November 29, 2021

My son started at Chestnut a month ago and so far I dislike it a lot. His teacher NEVER responded to any of the emails my husband and I sent to her. Very unprofessional! The drop off / pick up line is RIDICULOUS! I have to drive past the school just to take a u-turn, then get in this long line to drop my child off. It has never taken me 15 minutes to drop any of my children off. I live in walking distance of the school, so they dont provide transportation for my son. I dont know why they dont have a police officer out there in the morning to assist with all the traffic in that area. Parents still have jobs and other children they have to drop off at other schools. We shouldnt have to sit in wait that long to drop off our children.

Posted: November 29, 2021

Posted: September 26, 2021

We are new to the Chesnut family and so far we love the school. The homework is not overwhelming, but it does challenge what they have learned in class. The school does a great job with communicating via text and email. Our teachers are very nice and my children come home happy daily.

Posted: September 26, 2021

Posted: February 16, 2020

Reasonable homework load, not just busy work!

Posted: February 16, 2020

We had great teachers for all three of my children.

Posted: February 16, 2020

Chesnut is like a family, and older students look after and know younger students by name. The small number of students give it a family feel.

Posted: February 16, 2020

Great principal who manages to make the most diverse elementary school in Dekalb County so successful.

Posted: February 16, 2020

Fantastic!! We had a great 8 years at the school!

Posted: February 8, 2020

We have been very impressed with the leadership and community. The biggest advantage is that this school is small, and therefore they can focus more on the individual students. Principal Williams really listens to parents, and wants what is best for her students. They promote each child as an individual .

Posted: February 8, 2020

Posted: March 26, 2018

Waaaay too much homework for kids so young. It is a very ineffective counter-productive way to improve test scores. My kids have regressed academically after going to Chesnut.

Posted: March 26, 2018

There are a few great teachers. The majority berate and yell students often. Only a few teachers are there for the passion and love of teaching. The rest are paid mercenaries. This is why we left. This is probably why test scores are so low. Students are not fed the confidence to do well.

Posted: March 26, 2018

This school has made some really bad hiring choices. There are too many teachers who do NOT develop strong character it the students.

Posted: March 26, 2018

Too many teachers yell at students with learning differences and make them feel small when they do not understand what being inadequately taught.

Posted: March 26, 2018

My kids never had a problem with other kids. Much more bullying seemed to exist from teacher-to-student than student-to-student.

Posted: March 26, 2018

The worst. Sorry. Very happy that my kids are thriving now that they are out of Chesnut.

Posted: January 15, 2018

My child transferred to Chesnut after he "graduated" from Coralwood. Everyone from the teacher's aides, to the inclusion classroom teachers, right up to the principal's office are bound and determined to see him succeed and catch up with his peers. Not every Dunwoody school has this level of commitment to each child. We are relieved that our child has this level of support in his public school.

Posted: November 9, 2017

We've had a great experience at Chesnut. Wonderful, diverse group of students and parents. A small and warm community. The teachers really care about the students. Principal and Assistant Principal have always been very responsive to any questions or concerns.

Posted: November 9, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Too much homework. Studies have shown that homework in the elementary grades have no benefit and can actually harm a child's education.

Posted: November 6, 2017

My daughter has been bullied by students and a teacher. My autistic son was essentially forced out of the school, because the principal didn't want to work with me and find a solution that would keep him in school.

Posted: August 13, 2017

This is 2nd year for my daughter @ Chestnut. She has grown over last 1 year. The teachers focus on her overall development, which is good.

Posted: August 13, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

Our family loves Chesnut. They make sure the children have a good learning experience.

Posted: March 3, 2017

-Former student

Of course it has been years since I attended this school, but after reading some reviews it's obvious that the way classrooms are run are the same. I went to this school K - 4th and all five years I had trouble with bullying. None of the staff cared about the fact that I was bullied because my grandparents weren't top donors for the school. I was behind on my academics because no one took the time to help me, and I was even shamed for asking for "extra" help. After I left this school, my grades improved and by the time I graduated highschool I was top 20 in my class of nearly 500 students. I really hope that this school has more to offer than it used too.

Posted: August 23, 2016

The work and effort they put in is shown in the improving test scores and the Advance ED stem certification. The children are being engaged via legos , the outside garden etc

Posted: August 23, 2016

Homework is given each day with the exception of Fridays as well as optional additional learning opportunities such as Math Stars which the students are usually given several days to complete

Posted: August 23, 2016

Each child has access to the same additional opportunities from Math Stars, iXL, accelerated reader, after school clubs. My child is encouraged to try new things and be honest about her failures and successes. She understands now that her failures can be just as important as her success as she learns what works and what does not. The school is so diverse so interactions with her class mates can range from perfect on one day and her being annoyed or hurt by what was said by a friend. She is learning to make her feelings known and try to talk through the situation with her teacher and her peer.

Posted: August 23, 2016

Our family has been at Chesnut for 4 years now, we have enjoyed it. The teachers have been great always suggesting tools to enhance my child's experience with Coding and math.

Tools such as iXL, reflecx math are available to all students with their own login we utilized it (iXl) during the summer to keep our child on task.

There are extra opportunities like Math Stars and Accelerated reader that you and your child can choose to take part in to enhance their skill sets. We also enjoy the Art our child has made from a hard cover book on Picasso to her yearly framed art pieces.

Yeah I am a fan of Chesnut

Posted: May 23, 2016

Ms. Hobgood has done an excellent job in helping my grandaughter adapt to Chestnut. She loves coming to your class at first it was a struggle for her but she is happy to go to school and proud to do her work.

Posted: May 23, 2016

Posted: May 13, 2016

Chesnut has such a small community feel. We had so much fun at Field Day today. What a great experience for all of the children. Thank you to all of the Chesnut Staff and Teachers for the volunteer parent breakfast. It was wonderful.

Posted: May 4, 2016

The teachers we have had think outside the box to teach in exciting ways using STEM and fun activities.

Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: April 16, 2016

This used to be a wonderful school under Dr Reid. Sadly, the loss of the charter is one indication of the direction this school is taking under the new administration. Parents are slowly being shut out. It's easy to like a school when your child thrives, but if your child has an additional need for learning or emotional support, the Administration sadly cannot be relied upon to deliver those services. I'm surprised by the lack of communication that comes home from the classroom unless it's for a fundraiser, and whilst I am a willing financial supporter of the school, I'd like to be included in more than that (e.g. Class helper, reader etc). That does not happen across the board in all classrooms. Lack of consistency is a problem. And yes, as with all schools, bullying can and will happen, unless the administration does something to intervene and curb it. This doesn't happen effectively at this school.

Posted: April 16, 2016

LOVE the teachers! My child has shown great progress this year. Our teachers have always been accessible (even after hours when they don't need to be) and responsive to any concerns we have had. The classes are not as large as most of the elementary schools in Dunwoody. Even though they are not the size of private school classes, my student's teacher is on top of my child's individual academic strengths and where he needs more help.

Posted: April 16, 2016

My neighbor just told me about this web site last night. I didn't know it existed. Wow! My child is is so happy. True, there is a good amount of homework but not any more than other kids I know in other local schools. In my experience, students are given a few days to complete larger homework packets. We are in our third year at Chesnut and speaking for us, we have never seen 4 math pages in one night. Of course the teachers teach, and ours finds creative ways for the kids to learn. I love that. As the child of 2 educators, I sometimes feel bad for the teachers because they have so much that they are required to cover in a constricted amount of time. That's not Chesnut's "fault." DeKalb County has had its challenges but I think it is will be better with the new leadership. Walk the halls, visit during lunch if you can and you will see happy students. Last month there was a Friday night school dance and an auction and there was a big turnout of Chesnut supporters and content parents. A friend told me that at the auction she wanted to win her child an activity with the teacher but the competition was very strong and parents were practically stepping on each other for that. The kids were even having their parents bid on lunch with the vice principal. When my neighbor told me about this site I just had to come on to review and share my positive experience at this school.

Posted: March 21, 2016

This schools facilitates bullying and harassment. Beware if your child is afraid to tell the teacher because the teachers call their children tattle tales and even read them books to reinforce this. They are also punished for bringing a grievance to a teacher at the end of the day where their clips are moved down. Class configuration takes precedent over classroom safety Additionally if you report the bullying you need to specifically say bullying and fill out a form even if bullying is physically demonstrated. Also be ready to deal with the County as teachers and staff are slow to document and quick to defend their practices.

Posted: March 21, 2016

If your child is doing 4 pages of math homework every night and can't remember the last time math was done in class, other than a test, there is a problem. Additionally, teachers should never tell the students that they need "me" time during classroom hours.

Posted: March 21, 2016

It appears that in the 1st grade, math is minimally covered, or not at all. Four pages of Math homework every night is ridiculous.

Posted: March 21, 2016

The rules are applied partially or at the teachers whim. If a parent questions or identifies disparate application of the rules, they are met with hostility and intimidation from administration. This is a horrible example to students

Posted: January 9, 2016

My child is doing wonderful. She's been at Chestnut for two years Pre K was great and very nurturing. Ms Huitt-Green is definitely hands down a great Kindergarten teacher she sends home a packet of homework from Monday toThursday , she also has classwork waiting for them first thing in the morning . She works really hard to make sure her children are exceeding with learning in a fun way. I enjoy Chestnut so much. I don't want my daughter to go else where . They are offering Spanish now as well . Excited for my daughter and her learning here at Chestnut . The one thing i wish the school would renovate for a newer fresher look .

Posted: February 22, 2015

My girls started Chesnut in K and 1st grade. My oldest daughter who started in 1st went all the way through 5th grade and unfortunately my youngest had to leave and go to Dunwoody this school year because we moved. I had absolutely nothing but the best experience at Chesnut. The teacher, staff, administration, and even custodial staff are amazing. This is a true family orientated environment. I am working to get my youngest back in Chesnut for her last year of elementary school. trying the school choice and hopefully we get picked. So anyone skeptical about this school please lose the skepticism and enjoy this wonderful school

Posted: January 30, 2015

My child is a challenged, low IQ, VERY social student that transferred from Sophia Academy. The support and knowledge of the staff at Chesnut has been a miracle. He is in a self contained IEP classroom but the teachers are already trying to incorporate him into a general education classroom two days a week for science and social studies!!! He loves it and it accelerates his will to be the most he can be. MY HUSBAND, MYSELF, AND MOSTLY, MY CHILD LOVES CHESNUT!!!!!

Posted: July 10, 2014

There is so much outdated information here about Chesnut... I don't know how things get updated, but here is more recent info. The Principal is Veronica Williams, who took over when Dr. Reid passed away. She was his Asst. Principal, so she was in a great position and knew the school when she stepped up. The 2013-14 tests scores climbed in some areas by double digits and the school was recognized as top 10 in the county for reading. The outdoor learning area (gardens, planting beds, Wellness and Ecology focus) are 3 years old now and each year are used by more and more classes - it's being built into the lesson plants, slowly but surely. There is no longer a language program - this was cut in the budget years ago for all ES schools. Chesnut is only a few steps away from full STEM certification - many schools says they are teaching STEM classes, but this is not the same as the level of commitment for certification, which is very high. There is a science and technology club, and a robotics team, which has won awards in the county competition since it's very first year. There is something awesome for everyone at Chesnut. Great teachers, few exceptions, high parent involvement.

Posted: June 2, 2014

What I have seen of my grandson's work and homework is just wonderful. He always has things to say about his day. His parents are excited about the school. They do a lot with his class. I have been to the school and feel that it is a safe and warm environment. They all are happy, which makes me happy!

Posted: April 27, 2014

Chesnut is a class act charter school! One of the best Dekalb Co has to offer. The teachers and other professionals there know my son by name and make me feel so at ease when we are on campus. My 10 year old is a 4th grader who loves his school. He is bummed that he will only be able to attend one more year there before going to middle school.

Posted: June 25, 2013

Here are the things to know about Chesnut. It's diverse and, yes, that's the real world. That's scary for many families in Dunwoody and some seek to send their kids to Austin in Vanderlyn where there is very little diversity. As is sometimes the case, academic performance can correlate with socio-economic demographics and because Chesnut has a disproportionate number of apartment families with sometimes lower incomes-- overall test scores are sometimes below the other schools in the zone. If you are an involved parent, your child will learn as much and score as high as any other school in the zone. If you are not, your child will not...as they would not anywhere. Aside from that datapoint, Chesnut is a real family, a very small community (only 475 seats compared to nearly double at DES, and NO TRAILERS!) with a loving and committed staff. You could do FAR worse in Dunwoody, even if you end up at the platinum-labeled Austin or Vanderlyn. Schools are more than testing, they're more than reputations. At Chesnut, the administration focuses on that and that helps many kids flourish.

Posted: August 16, 2012

Based on Dekalb county s school ratings and School Digger s rating, I am very apprehensive about sending my son to Chestnut for Kindergarten. In fact, we are looking to relocate so that we can be in Dunwoody s #1 rated elementary school. School started this past week and I had expectation of having to deal with unhappy staff and misbehaved children. Well, it s been a week since school started and I am overwhelmed with the great impressions I got from everyone from his teacher (Mr.C), the principal, all the way down to the lunch lady. The PTA members and Charter Council members seem to be very knowledgeable with a sincere interest in their child s and the school s life. Due to the school being a charter, parent involvement is required and it is apparent that the parents actually want to participate and not doing it because it s mandatory. In my opinion, parent involvement is what makes a school a great one. Chestnut Charter is a secret gem in Dunwoody! Don t be discouraged by the school s ratings.

Posted: June 29, 2012

Wonderful experience, Mrs. Landis was a great 1st grade teacher. I am so happy my 4 year old will be attending this fall in the Pre-K class.

Posted: October 15, 2011

We love Chestnut. Excellent and caring staff, and high parental involvement. Simply a wonderful environment and community. We moved from a neighboring school that scored a 10 on this website. I mention this only because it weighed heavily on our choice of school, and later we found it to be only a small factor, and one that actually backfired. Pay little attention to the 7 Chestnut is given. I have noticed no academic differences at Chestnut. There are always extras coming home in addition to homework as a challenge. I am grateful for a staff and PTA that focus more on the needs of the child than whether or not a child scores perfectly on a standardized test. Every member of Chestnut's staff we have interacted with have gone out of their way to show our child that they care.

Posted: January 19, 2011

I absolutely love this school! I have encountered a few elementary schools and I had finally found the one when I found Chestnut. Dr. Reid is very approachable and kind. He speaks to everybody and makes you feel right at home. I have been very fortunate in that my kids have and had teachers that they loved. When your children enjoy school there is something great about it! Parents are involved and everyone who works at the school are great! Excellent job Chestnut!

Posted: November 5, 2010

The teachers really do care about the children and my kids are learning so much at the school. My children love the atmosphere and the teachers.

Posted: November 4, 2010

The school is an extension of our family. The teachers and staff truly love and care for the children. They repeatedly go that extra mile to make sure each child receives the instruction needed to succeed and exceed acedemically and socially.

Posted: November 4, 2010

Unbelievably awesome school!!! Ive never in my life seen a school where parents are so involved...from helping in the classroom, to having lunch with your child, to coming out on saturdays fort clean up days, to unbelievable turn outs at spirit nights at local restaurants etc. it's an awesome school with great, caring teachers and staff... And everyone seems to know each other by name...

Posted: August 8, 2010

Love, love, love this school! The principal down to the janitor have loving hearts and want all the kids to succeed. The kids are happy to be there and my children have developed much faster here than at their previous, PRIVATE school.

Posted: May 12, 2010

The faculty and parents work together to ensure that our children get the best education possible!

Posted: May 12, 2010

Chestnut has a lot to offer as far as education is concerned. It is very well structured and I love the diversity. Chestnut is much more than a school is a communtity where parents,students and staff work together to achieve objectives.Chestnut is a positive environment and I feel that my child is safe and secure when away from home.

Posted: May 11, 2010

Great staff, great leaders and great families

Posted: May 11, 2010

I love theway that the parents and teachers are involved, the staff is so friendly. The principal, everybody loves Dr. Reid... Mi daughter is so happy, this is her first year and we do not have any complain. Good education and support from teachers.

Posted: May 11, 2010

The teachers and parents are so involved and caring of the children. The school is safe and the principal and staff are helpful and caring of the children. I love my child's teacher and she seems to really care about my son. It's a great school and I love everything about it!

Posted: May 11, 2010

Chesnut Charter is Dunwoody's Best Kept Secret. It's Diverse Students represent the Real World we live in. The Faculty and Staff are Top Notch which creates an ideal environment for children. Because the school is a charter the school is enriched with an Art Program and other Specials for the children to benefit from. Parent involvement is required by each parent and I always feel welcome in the school and classroom. Recess is required everyday which allows children to get their physical energy out and concentrate more when they need to. Chesnut is a true gem.

Posted: May 11, 2010

Because the parents, staff and students all work so hard together to make this a wonderful part of our children's lives

Posted: May 11, 2010

It is a small,caring community with an unusually diverse population. The high level of parent involvement also contributes to a more well-rounded education for our children.

Posted: May 11, 2010

The teachers are great, nurturing and firm. It is a true community school, representing various ethnicities and socio-economic groups. As a parent I am so pleased that my child has this opportunity and exposure. She has learnt so much and so easily in a very short time; she doesn't ever want to skip school. I am often in her school and classroom, I feel welcomed and more importantly, I feel as if I am an integral part of her education. As I should be. I am very excited for my younger child to go there in a couple of years.

Posted: May 1, 2010

Chesnut Charter is a wonderful school with very involved parents, staff and faculty. My son is in Kindergarten this year. He has learned alot this year in regards to reading, math, science and history. The principal is very involved with the students and parents and he is seen in the hallways everyday during drop off/pick up and during school events. My sons teacher is very warm and caring. It is obvious she cares about her students. Many of the teachers also attend events outside school hours such as Spirit nights and are also involved on various school councils. Since this is a Charter school parent involvement is a requirement. It is wonderful to see so many parents involved with their childrens education. If there was one thing I would like to see change it would be more time for creative play and less time on classic education in Kindergarten.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Great Great school that cares about their students. Sad it only goes up to 3rd grade. My child enjoyed.

Posted: April 19, 2010

I love this school. The academics are great, and my children are learning and enjoying every mintue of it.

Posted: July 11, 2009

Posted: April 20, 2009

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Garden Hills	Condominium/Townhouse	Atlanta	GA		8.2 mi
2	Heritage Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Marietta	GA		14.3 mi

Base	Distance
Dobbins ARB	12.7 mi.
Fort Gillem	21.1 mi.
Camp Frank D Merrill	49.5 mi.

Chesnut Elementary School

Dunwoody, GA 30338

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Chesnut Elementary School

Dunwoody, GA 30338

School Ratings

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