Southgate Academy

I will start with the positives. I like the school schedule as well as the opportunity to have the kids go to the after school program. This works out well for working parents. When it comes to the staff as others said it is run by a bunch of young kids. The new portables for the elementary kids has no security. Anyone can walk right in there. I volunteered in my sons class and the other students there are awful. There is no discipline at all. The poor kids for recess play in a gated area on asphalt. It is hot and dangerous in my opinion. When school is released kids are all over the place. There is no organization and kids can get easily lost or hurt. I also am concerned with what kids are allowed to bring in for snacks. At one of the kids parties they received plates filled and even piled with junk food. A few snack is ok but this was ridiculous. This school is in need of quite a bit of improvement. I hope there is changes because the South side really needs a good school.
--Submitted by a parent

I did a lot of research to find a school for my son, being in the education system myself. I understand how having a quality education is important. I was very VERY pleased with my son going to Southgate. My son received a thorough and solid education while being in a caring and supportive environment. The teachers were collaborative, the open door policy was enforced with both openness and security, all needs were met and kept my child enthusiastic to learn. It was fun how they always had events going on for every occasion throughout the year. It is a perfect school for parents who are actually involved in their children's education. The teachers, counselor, principal, and support staff was amazing! So much so that we kept him in that school even after we moved across town in the middle of the year. Thank you Southgate Academy!
--Submitted by a parent

My son hasbeen at this school for almost there entire school year. I absolutely love his third grade teacher, but it's absolutely amazing to me how terrible the after school program Gator Care is. I pay sixty dollars a month for one child and the after school teacher is on the computer playing internet games the majoruty of the time. Not to mention that the room the children reside in has no air conditioning in it. My child and other children feel that they can't even go to their person of authority because all they are doing is bothering them. I am truely saddened that my child as well as other children have had to endure this nonsense. My son has been to many after school programs and this one by far takes the cake as far as lack of professionalism and supervision.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe Southgate Academy has some very good teachers and I like the fact that there is an open door policy. We as parents can walk in any time of the day and see what our children are being taught. Unfortunately, there are alot of things I don't like about Southgate like having students run the front office, many times I have walked in the office only to find several high school students just standin around chit chatting with their classmates who should be answering the phones. I don't like the fact that my backyard is probably larger than the playground. They don't offer students the opportunity to learn to play real instruments, they don't offer to teach them different languages.....the list is too long. Sadly for my child, I will have to move to another school, a 'real' school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is a great place to work. The students are great and I am really happy to be part of the school. It is wonderful to see students who care about their education.
--Submitted by a teacher

This is an interesting comment from a parent concerning curriculum. The curriculum used at Southgate is state certified in keeping with AZ state standards and with conformity to AIMS testing standards. Perhaps, the parent is misinformed, has a MENSA student or is completely detached from the requirements necessary. I might suggest folks spend a bit of time reading the bulletin boards here, where 3rd and 4th grade students are learning to compose five paragraph essays, which is absent from the public school system based upon my experience. When stating a complaint it would be more acceptable for folks to state fact, rather than general feelings. Respectfully, Staff member
--Submitted by a teacher

After much research and concideration and footwork *whew* I discovered Southgate Academy. They have been a dream come true from after school care to bus schedule to teachers and staff. They have been supportive and understanding every step of the way and I am truly impressed with the results. I have watched my son grow academically and emotionally in just a few months. Any student should be so lucky to have people that care and are reaching out to people who need a better education. Thank you Southgate!
--Submitted by a parent

I would suppose there is a broad perspective of opinions regarding any school that a student has not done well at. It is unfortunate that some have not met the goals and objectives we at Southgate strive to achieve. However, Southgate Academy does try to target to meet the overall needs of ALL our students, including academics. Though academic gains are a priority at Southgate, meeting the emotional and physical needs of our students is of utmost importance as well. Our MACILOS program, (Making A Change In Lives Of Students) began this fall and the pilot program made huge strides. Again, sorry to hear about this student. Hope he/she will make the gains needed in their new school. We know we aren't for every student, but we strive to make the greatest difference in those that are here.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school is ridiculous. my daughter went there for seven years. She had learned almost the things she shouldve learned in 3rd grade she had moved to billy lane lauffer middle school what a difference she told me she hardly knew what the teachers were talking about. One day she went up to the teacher and asked them 'are we suppose to be learning this stuff' the teacher looked at her suprised and said 'well this is your grade level'
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are here for the students. They treat them as kids of their own. It is amazing to see such a bond and the turn around these children make from day one of walking through that door.