Dodge Elementary School

Posted: December 6, 2025

This review reflects my personal experience with Dodge Elementary School, and unfortunately most of the issues stem from its leadership. In my interactions with Principal Smilinich, I often felt he became frustrated, raised his voice, or spoke in an unprofessional tone when communication didn’t go the way he wanted. In my view, this kind of behavior toward parents is completely unacceptable and sets the tone for the rest of the school.

Although the school promotes itself as “dynamic,” that was not my experience. If your child is active, curious, energetic, or needs a more flexible learning environment, this may not be the right fit. The overall approach felt very rigid and close-minded, favoring only very quiet, compliant children who don’t ask questions or need additional support to learn effectively.

Because of the leadership style and the overall atmosphere it creates, I personally cannot recommend this school for families with children who think differently, move differently, or need more engagement. My experience was overwhelmingly negative, and I would encourage parents to consider other options if their child is anything other than the traditional silent, sit-still type.

Posted: December 6, 2025

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Posted: March 13, 2024

The vice principal says they cannot share certain things, when in fact they have in the past. This school is really bad since the new people took over. I mean they won't even let you inside to pick up your child. They make you wait outside.

Posted: March 13, 2024

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Posted: June 16, 2023

It is important to have a good leader in life.

Posted: June 16, 2023

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Posted: March 8, 2022

This school is no good. It was a long time ago. Since the new people took over not a chance. They should be below average in everything. Especially the teachers with the kids. One of my kids asks for help but the teacher shrugs him off. Another is a little too friendly with another one of my kids. I just don't think that's okay. This school has become trash pretty much. They don't even help the kindergartners with tying shoes or if they can't quite get their pants buttoned. That's what teachers are for...to HELP by 1st grade I would expect my kids to button their own pants or toe their shoes. But kindergarten?

Posted: March 8, 2022

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Posted: November 16, 2020

Dynamic school for sure !! Not sure why the overall rating is poor. My daughter learns a lot from the school. I could see good improvement in her.

Posted: November 16, 2020

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Posted: October 27, 2017

I caution anyone who reads the below reviews. A leadership change roughly 3 years ago has transformed this school. Mr. Smilnich calls Dodge the Most Dynamic school...and it certainly is. The energy level, the respect, the character and the engagement of the students, teachers and parents is excellent an unparalleled. This rating is not giving the school its due. I would note an oddity or element that may be diminishing the rating...I'd like GreatSchools.org to explain to me a (1) in Student Progress; couple things to think off: they already have high test scores, room for improvement is less, and as far as advancement, how can Dodge be a (1) in progress yet Casey Middle and Williamsville North HS, the two schools Dodge feeds be (9) overall and well above on test scores, college readiness and advanced classes. Somehow that doesn't make sense; if they weren't growing or being prepared at Dodge, how would those schools be rated so high? Again don't believe everything you read, if you are genuinely interested in a school, go and visit it. See it for yourself. Dodge is well above any of the schools I experience in Charlotte, NC including Hawk Ridge Elementary which is rated a (10) - high income affluent area, overcapacity with trailers as classrooms, and student test scores that are above the state average, but that isn't saying much in NC.

Posted: October 27, 2017

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Posted: October 8, 2014

The worst performing school in the district and for good reason - because they believe it is the best and will not listen to any constructive criticism. Principal, Vice, board members and teachers have their head in their sand and refuse to acknowledge performance issues with the school and will either ignore your concerns or employ an "attack the messenger" mentality. As a result, parents and students are left with little options but to leave or find tutors to supplement.

Posted: August 31, 2014

I just graduated from Dodge and I feel that it is the perfect school for any child. The teachers are all welcoming and friendly and they help children at all paces and teach concepts, methods, and skills that fit that specific child perfectly. The school's staff and PTA (Parent Teacher Association) organize fun events. Parents can always be involved so they can keep up with their child's progress. Williamsville Central School District is the best in the area, and Dodge is also one of the best in this district. This school is excellent! -Submitted by a student

Posted: August 26, 2014

The Assistant Principal and Principal are rude and this school does not have the good direction at all. The development of the children is lacking and the teachers don't care when constructive advice is shared at conferences. The School District seem preoccupied with the better performing elementary schools and the issues never get resolved. I was told not to even approach the Board and the Super about the School because you will be attacked personally for even asking the question. Going to send my 3 kids to a different school.

Posted: August 25, 2014

I've been at Dodge and I can only say it's average. There are lots of distractions and kids that don't work hard. The environment is only average and the assistant principal is rude and acts like the actual principal. There's little diversity in students and most teachers aren't teaching as much as they should be. I do not recommend this school.

Posted: September 16, 2013

Dodge is the lowest performing school in Williamsville and in my opinion, it is that way for a reason. The administration is non-responsive, the School Board deflects comments and focuses its attention on the "better performing" schools in the district. As a result, it is forcing us to send our children to private school. That is a shame given the overall high level of parental involvement.

Posted: July 1, 2013

Compared to the other schools in this district, Dodge is terribly behind and I feel as though the District has turned a blind eye to the needs and improvements at Dodge. Dodge's scores are 15-20 points behind others in this district. That is why I am moving to another school district. I feeam hopeful but feel sorry for the parents who are trying to make it work there.

Posted: June 20, 2013

I found that this school does not measure up to the other elementary schools in the district. The test scores are very low and commitment to the children is, in my opinion, disappointing overall. Children that are sent to other schools (private, catholic other elementary school in district) perform much better and excel.