simple solutions to stubborn school problems

Let’s face it: No kid wants to suck in school!

We partner with public schools to remove barriers, empower students, enhance teacher expertise and morale, and transform school culture into an inspiring environment that fosters success.

We help turn schools around

Empowering struggling Students to Own Their Learning Journey

Cultivating a Kind and inclusive School Culture

Embracing the Cycle of Continuous Student Improvement

Meet dr. Garett Smith

A proven leader in transforming schools and unlocking student potential.

Dr. Garett Smith is an award-winning educator and former superintendent known for turning bold ideas into real results. Under his leadership, Staunton City Schools rose from 105th to 43rd in Virginia’s academic rankings, earning the #1 spot in the state for SOL improvement in 2023 and ranking among the top one-third of all school divisions. Graduation rates soared to 93%, achievement gaps closed, and the division ranked among Virginia’s top 10% of “Good Places to Work.”

With a reputation for knowing nearly every student and staff member by name, Dr. Smith blends data-driven strategies with deep human connection. He’s a fierce advocate for equity, a compassionate problem-solver, and a culture-builder who believes that every student, regardless of background, is capable of excellence.

Now, through Garett Smith Educational Solutions, he helps schools and districts design cultures with high academic expectations where everyone can thrive.

Stories of Impact

  • "Thank you so, so much for being an amazing superintendent of Staunton City Schools! All families, students and staff appreciate you more than you could ever know. I'm so thankful to have been a part of the student body that you were overseeing!"

    Kaylynn Crawford, Class of 2025

  • "It was a privilege and a pleasure to serve on the school board for 4 1/2 years during your contract as superintendent of Staunton City Schools. Your leadership style was very much needed as we stood strong and made hard decisions to improve our school system."

    Kenneth Venable, Former Board Chair

  • "I always looked forward to your classroom observations and valued the effective and positive feedback you provided. Beyond your leadership, your approachable nature, humor, and trustworthiness made you a pleasure to work with."

    Sydney Van Fossen, Teacher

  • "We LOVE the Kindness Matters initiative! You have really made such a positive impact across all areas of SCS and will be dearly missed. Thank you for believing in and trusting us as educators."

    Kristan Lachance, Teacher

  • "Thank you for leading with both heart and backbone. You consistently showed us how to navigate tough decisions with compassion, remain focused without losing our humanity or humor, and keep students at the center of every choice, even when that meant you braving a student-led ice water bath for the greater good. It has been a true honor to work under your leadership."

    Amanda Warren, SCS School Nutrition Director

  • "I always looked forward to Dr. Smith reading to my class. But playing basketball with my class took it to the next level. I appreciate how down to earth and caring you are. You truly care about all your students and staff. You will be missed!"

    Susan Eckenrode, Retired Teacher

  • "Dr. Smith has always acted in the best interests of the students. Students were always his priority. I loved how present he was all the time at nearly every event. He also was a huge supporter of the arts. He will be greatly missed!"

    Charlie Nesmith, Middle School Band Director

  • "Our first interaction is when I was just a student teacher, but I remember how welcoming and kind you were. It made a difference in how I already felt valued and respected as an educator. There were many reasons I decided to take my first teaching job in Staunton City and many reasons I have decided to stay since. Your leadership played a big role in both."

    Courtney Janovsky, 2nd Grade Teacher

Let’s get to work.

Interested in working together? Fill out some info, and I’ll be in touch shortly. I look forward to hearing how we can work together.

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