Oscar F. Smith High School

Posted: July 22, 2026

Posted: July 22, 2026

Posted: July 22, 2026

Posted: July 22, 2026

Posted: July 22, 2026

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Posted: July 22, 2026

Posted: July 22, 2026

Three of my children graduated from this high school in 2024 and 2026. One was not really into school and was in average classes. She had a great experience and I really appreciated that they were holding her accountable and not calling me over every little thing. She ultimately took advantage of the program through the career center and graduate with both a CNA license and a Medical Lab Tech certification. She was able to quickly get a job and now supports herself while attending Community College. My twins were very high achieving students. They both graduated with >4.0 even though they decided IB was not for them; they did take several AP/Honors classes. Because of their GPA and more importantly their class rank - they both got several scholarships for college. I am only spending $1500/year to put them through a well regarded Engineering University. The University required an entrance placement exam and they both did very well on it - they placed right where they should based on their high school classes; into English 101 and the next level of Calculus. I have zero complaints about the education they received. They liked some teachers more than others as high school kids can, but I never felt like that had anything less than quality, caring teachers. I know the school has a reputation related to fights etc. There are kids that engage in that and aren't there to learn. All I can say about that is in our experience - if you didn't want to be a part of that it was easy to avoid. It was never an issue for us. They loved being a part of the band and colorguard; the football games were so much fun. The whole community comes out for them and you don't always get that feeling of generational community in a military town/school. Overall I feel like this school is very underrated and you get as good or better education here that you would at any Chesapeake high school.

Posted: July 21, 2026

Posted: July 21, 2026

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Posted: July 21, 2026

Posted: July 21, 2026

As a teacher at Oscar Smith High School, I’ve had a front-row seat to what happens here every day. I know it’s easy to assume that a private school or homeschooling is automatically the better option when you hear the rumors and ratings from this website, but I’d encourage families to take a closer look before making that decision.

Oscar Smith is home to students from every background imaginable, and that’s one of its greatest strengths. Our students learn alongside classmates with different experiences, cultures, talents, and perspectives. This is something that prepares them for college, the workplace, and life in a way that can’t always be replicated in a smaller setting.

What many people don’t realize is that our students have access to outstanding opportunities, including International Baccalaureate coursework, Advanced Placement classes, career and technical education, award-winning arts programs, championship athletics, and dozens of clubs and organizations. There truly is a place for almost every student to find their passion. (Chesapeake Public Schools)

More importantly, I’ve watched teachers stay after school to tutor students, celebrate their victories, comfort them through difficult days, write college recommendations, and become the trusted adult so many teenagers need. Those moments don’t show up in rankings, but they matter the most.

Is Oscar Smith perfect? Of course not, no school is. But I can honestly say there are incredible educators here who care deeply about their students and work tirelessly to help them succeed.

If you’re deciding between public school, private school, or homeschooling, I’d simply encourage you to visit Oscar Smith, ask questions, meet the teachers, and see the school for yourself. Make your decision based on what you experience, not just on assumptions or reputation.

Every child is different, but for many students, Oscar Smith isn’t just a good option, it’s an outstanding one. I’m proud to be part of this community, and and I also know that community is key to making Oscar Smith a top ranked school, and one that people move into the community to attend instead of seeking alternatives.

Posted: April 13, 2025

Posted: April 13, 2025

Posted: April 13, 2025

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Posted: April 13, 2025

Honestly, maybe the school just isn't for me and maybe I'm just looking for something greater, but there is nothing the school offers that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning. With peers, it's an odd situation. The only time I've found myself around people who don't mess around with their work and are genuine is when I was with the IB kids. Now that I've "moved down," it's like no one gets it. "Oh, just use A.I. for this," and "bro wdym I've failed this," and "bro no one knows how to do this essay." Mind you, it was a simple five paragraph essay. Of course, not all the students are like this (stay in Honors or above for your own sanity). Other than that, the students here aren't exactly "top notch" if that's what you're hoping for.

Maybe, just maybe they really are putting in effort, but sometimes with how they act, it's so hard to feel bad for them. Some (heavy emphasis on the some) teachers are way too nice and students don't deserve them. I can see why no one wants to teach or look after them. Honestly though, not all of them are too bad. There is some* sense of community, but its based on the fact that no one wants to be at that school and that the school sucks.

Anyway, this is simply my opinion, and others could say otherwise. Is the school great? Not one bit, but it's definitely an experience. I guess it depends on who you are, I suppose.

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

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Posted: September 17, 2024

Great school in safe neighborhood. Great competitive International Baccalaureate (IB) Program in Chesapeake, VA.

Posted: February 2, 2023

Posted: February 2, 2023

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Posted: February 2, 2023

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Posted: February 2, 2023

Many of the things mentioned already over the years are still apparent. School spirit is great, the IB program is rigorous and has sent students to top colleges and universities across the nation.

I agree with previous reviews about the favoritism and politics which hold the school back as well as principal Paul Joseph and his aloofness unless he feels like engaging with you. Personally, I can say that since he has been there, he has never responded to one e-mail I have sent him for various reasons (none negative or complex, some even positive and upbeat), but I guarantee if is related to his high-profile football program he cannot reply and act fast enough.

The crown prince of the Oscar Smith "good old boy" club is Ray Collins, an obvious beneficiary of this insular clique: he has run off many dedicated and experienced coaches (more than any other school in Chesapeake it seems). He is regularly unapproachable, generally incompetent, and simply has no business being an athletic director.

Apart from these problems, the school has gotten way too large (2,300 students) and this makes the school less personal and too many students and staff get lost in the masses - not the way it used to be on Rodgers Street at the "old" school. In all honesty, Chesapeake Public Schools should build another high school in the Greenbrier area and reduce Oscar Smith to around 1,500 students maximum (1,200 would be even better).

In more positive attributes: the community does a great job supporting the school and many students are more civic minded than your average high schooler. Many graduates go out and distinguish themselves in the world and some come back to share their past and current experiences with the school.

Posted: April 7, 2022

Posted: April 7, 2022

Posted: April 7, 2022

I know several parents that had their children attend the school who were very successful. Praises on AP classes and great athletic programs. Great school and great hard working staff.

Posted: April 7, 2022

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Posted: December 16, 2021

Posted: December 16, 2021

Posted: December 16, 2021

As a graduate of this school, I can say that despite the derisive comments others may have this school has much potential and has produced many successful graduates. Current OS students: School is what you make it; therefore, make it good.
Although all schools have it to some extent, the "good old boy" mentality is what holds this school back as noted by a previous poster. A prime example is the excuse for an athletic director Ray Collins who only got that job because he went to school there; he has run a lot of good coaches out and should go back to teaching math - he has no business being an athletic director. Principal Paul Joseph acts like it is a chore to have to interact with you unless he takes a liking to you; attempting to have a conversation with him is like talking to a bowl of Jell-o.
Also, how did a recent, "Joshy come lately" baseball coach manage to become an assistant principal without an active administrator license in effect (and did not get it until almost a year into his tenure as AP) when there are many other more qualified who have put their time in (rhetorical question)? Tiger Nation, we can do better!

Posted: December 16, 2021

Posted: December 16, 2021

Posted: December 16, 2021

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Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

This school is completely unfair when it comes to certain situations, say one person does one thing and another person does the same thing they will give each other 2 different consequences. Their way of approaching situations is bring in the parent and have everyone against the students actions regardless if they are right or wrong. The guidance counselors complain about having to do their job and just get the parents to do it. Also with the dress code….it is so unfair how some of those boys can walk around breaking dress code but as soon a a girl comes in with shorts not at their knees (which is hard to find these days) they automatically get caught, they don’t take in the fact clothes don’t fit all people the same so clothes on short people won’t fit the same on tall people. Overall this school needs to change their approach towards lecturing students and learn how discipline student fairly.

Posted: January 11, 2021

Posted: January 11, 2021

The positives: This school has potential with the current staff and students.
Many alumni give back to the school and support its programs.
IB Program is the bright spot at this school.

The negatives: Too much emphasis on certain sports, too much political nonsense and who has connections. Principal Joseph is okay, but if he does not take a liking to you, you may as well be a ghost.
AD Collins has no business being an AD: he has been outright unfair with coaches not in his circle and the school has lost many good coaches because of him - again too much politics. OFS deserves better!
I noticed a few postings like this one have very conveniently disappeared, I guess the truth hurts when you refuse to change your ways.

Posted: April 7, 2020

It’s a lot at times, but ample to prepare students for the material and be college ready.

Posted: April 7, 2020

The teachers make time and extra study sessions for students on their own time.

Posted: April 7, 2020

Teachers are great examples and strive to produce great citizens.

Posted: April 7, 2020

I know the leadership cares in academics, but coach selection besides football and baseball is questionable. Boys volleyball and swim coaches are terrible and show favoritism. Play the kids to their strengths in games/matches. Coach at practice to get them ready to compete in other events.

Posted: April 7, 2020

Teachers make time for students outside of the classroom to prepare students for college.

Posted: April 7, 2020

No issues here. This is the same sample of population you have in life. We love it.

Posted: April 7, 2020

My son will be more than prepared to go to college. Thank you for all the hard work.

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Kids in this school today may have it easy, but back in the 2000s decade I can't tell you how different it was, that is, if it's any different today...

Often times reaching out to staff about bullies just led to guidance counseling that resolved nothing, dress code was almost non-existent (students could wear the baggiest of pants and the staff didn't care), I had a gym teacher who had no business with letting me go early to receive a school lunch on time, and the worst of the worst the school sent me the wrong graduation photo in the mail! Good riddance.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

THE BEST HIGH SCHOOL ON THE PLANET!

Posted: August 29, 2018

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Posted: June 20, 2015

I worked at 14 and was in clubs and still got my homework done. Sometimes i did it on the way home or on a break .

Posted: June 20, 2015

I graduated this school in June 2011. before I came to this school I was also at Oscar Smith middle at the beginning of my 7th grade year. before that I was at Norfolk public schools making lo failing grades. my mother moved to Chesapeake for the sake of me and my brothers grades.my first year after Smith middle I made a honor roll. I continue to Oscar Smith high school to make a honor roll. yes I had some teachers who did not know how to teach and it became very infuriating that I could not get help from them. but my mother was involved in my schooling and she made sure that she got down to the bottom of whatever was going on. but my sophomore year everybody on the administration New her by face and name. School is what you make of it. I took early childhood education and also teacher cadet Oscar Smith for 2 years. that's would help me have the career that I'm in today.as a lead teacher at a private school. ihad help from a small group of teachers who really wanted to help, but I also push myself in order to get where I am today. I graduated with honors and a advanced diploma. went to community college, now I am a cosmetology student about to be licensed as well as aprivate school teacher. so number one have your parents get involved at school, to treat high school like your career because it will prepare you for the rest of your life, and 3 enjoy yourself every School has drama, fights, and scandal. you just have to surround yourself around positive people who are motivated to do the same thing that you are doing and you will be just fine. I lived in an urban community as an african american teen and going to the school I had friends had fun,and I wasn't in any drama and It was great. I miss doing the morning announcements and rhe dance battles lol.once the tiger always a tiger! I really appreciate everyone at the school even my bad teachers because they got me ready for the bad people that I have to work with in life. I will be coming to visit soon.

Posted: December 12, 2014

Your school is what you make it. I am very sorry for those students who wrote here but could not even spell and compose a sensible feedback on this forum. Look at the mirror to see how you've educated yourself.

Posted: December 5, 2014

We may not be the best school for education and we may have fights but not every school is perfect. I have met the sweetest people from Oscar Smith! I'm glad I go to Oscar Smith!!! I went to Greenbrier Middle and so most of my friends tell me they hate Indian River! I'm just like I love my school and I wouldnt want to go anywhere else! Everybody is friendly at Oscar Smith! I love to play sports there but not only we win most of our games in general. The teachers work with the students here and Mr.Paul Joseph is by far the best principal!! I'm proud to be a Tiger!!! Once a Tiger always a Tiger

Posted: April 24, 2014

Wonderful school. The principal is amazing and always listens to the students. The academics are challenging and the teachers care about their students. Diverse student body is a wonderful.

Posted: December 1, 2011

I had the privilege to attend Oscar Smith High School as a student from 1999-2003. I was very involved all of my 4 years there: cheerleading, dance team, soccer, student council & Chesapeake Student Leadership Forum. I graduated with honors and was even crowned both Miss OFS & Homecoming queen my senior year. The educators, for the most part, are excellent, professional & caring, and the extracurricular activities are abundant. If your child has a problem with "drama" or "skipping class", that is NOT an accurate overall depiction of the school or of its educators. More so, it is the student's (& sometimes, the parent's) lack to be proactive in their education & lack of maturity to handle various social situations. There is an obvious difference between the students who strive and the students who do not strive. It is what the student makes of it, & there is no excuse for failure in this school since the resources and the staff are all provided there for the students and for their parents/legal guardians. I highly recommend this school. If your child is willing to work hard for their grades, be active & be involved in the right social circle, they will be successful.