South Street Elementary School

Run from this school. My kids went here for 1 year, and the other two for 1.5. We moved from a rural area, and that school was great. My oldest tested 3 times and was above average. When I told the teacher this,he didn't believe me. He never scheduled one parent teacher confrence, despite my constant requests for them. When I stopped by at the end of the day, he said he, "didn't have time for this." My kids grades went from straight A's to C's and D's. The bullies rule this school. Not the teachers. With my other 2 kids, they were being taught and tested on Spanish. In second grade. Let these kids be able to read and write in English first. Then when they get that, then throw a new one in there. Every day when I would pick up my kids, they would be in tears. Every Day. Thanks Goodness I found a better place for them all. Avoid This School At All Costs!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My three sons (1st, 4th and 5th graders) go to this school and have since Kindergarten. I had my doubts to be honest. It's an old school (my husband went there!), and very diverse (not just with ethnicity, but also income levels), creating a "real world" experience. This is what I want my children to be exposed to. The teachers and staff have been awesome. My kids are doing extremely well based on grades and CSAP! Above grade level in many subjects. The only problem we have ever had was from another student, and that was handled very well by the teacher and principal. I cannot fault the school for that. There are a lot of ESL students at this school and I think unfortunately that might bring down the schools scores. That should be expected. The proof for me was in my own childrens CSAP scores. I'm involved, I wish more parents could be!
--Submitted by a parent

I moved my kids to a "9" school in DCSD when I took a new job and wanted them closer to where I would be during the day. I am not sure I made the best decision. My kids received a better education at South. The new IB program really allows them to challenge each child individually. My kids may be back if they will take us!
--Submitted by a parent

Despite my initial reservations, I have been very happy with South Elementary. The principal takes an active interests in her students and the concerns of parents. My children continue to learn at or above their grade level and are benefitting from teachers who see and address their potential.
--Submitted by a parent

South Elementary is an excellent school. By halfway through the school year my kindergartener (who has trouble sitting-still and focusing) was reading , writing, learning simple math skills and most of all learning "good conduct". My 2nd grader was doing very complex reports for science and being challenged in the areas of Math and Creative Writing. This school is the best-kept secret in Castle Rock ! Very small class sizes and excellent teachers !
--Submitted by a parent

My kids love this school and as a parent I really believe the teachers and staff go out of there way for all the kids at South. My son loves going to school. How many kids actually love going to school? I am always greeted with a smile and teachers take time to share with me there concerns or awards my kids receive. I would rate this school a 9 out of 10. Play ground equipment is small and parking could be better.
--Submitted by a parent

I have personally volunteered at South and am AMAZED at the teachers! They really do go over and beyond what's required to reach all the children. I didn't know if my son would be challenged enough but his teacher has pushed him beyond even what I would have expected. I think my children are getting valuable lessons about how to live in the real world and are learning to see the world more globally thanks to the I.B. program offered at South. If you have any doubts, just try it for a year and you will be amazed!
--Submitted by a parent

South has a great staff who are friendly and helpful. They have worked with my daughter who is reading higher than her grade level from the beginning to keep her challenged. The REACH behavior system has really made it so I don't worry about my kids' safety. The facility is clean and well cared for with lots of student work on the walls. We just came from a great movie night with a full cafeteria, so more and more families are getting involved.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started K at South this school year. He loves it, I love it! We couldn't be happier. The curriculum is appropriate, his teacher is an angel, the kids are sweet, funny and nice! I even had an experience after school where some older kids asked my child if they could help him , and they approached me when they thought he might be with me. They were kind, caring and concerned. I think a lot of this is due to the IB program that South has instituted, and the commitment from the staff to teach kids about character. I love this school and support it wholeheartedly!
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My son has gone here from K-6 and he is an advanced learner. This school offers the IB program to all students and is one of only 2 in castle Rock to do so. The school is big on technology, diversity, world views, and is a friendly neighborhood school. The teachers are very forward thinking and encourage the children to seek out what they are interested in. I would recommend this school to anyone!
--Submitted by a parent