Southside Elementary School

This school's science curriculum consists of 20 minutes once per week of coloring books. Students are not encouraged to challenge themselves. The pace of learning is slow. The guidance office will never return a phone call. There is no cultural learning in the school, in fact, in the pick up line they play an extremely offensive version of the quiet game that teachers refer to as "chinese school house" in which students must sit on their hands and cannot make facial expressions. Many parents are native spanish speakers, yet there is no foreign language education. If you have a high performing child this is NOT the school for you. If mediocrity is your goal, you will love it, because that's all they care about.
—Submitted by a parent

So far I am hating this school. My first impression for her teacher was that she was hung over at the meet and greet. She kept muttering things under her breath like, "I'll be with it once school starts". Now that school has started I can't seem to build a line of communication with her. I've sent friendly notes to school and emails and the only response I get is from my daughter saying that she told her to tell me that she will get back to me soon. The office is another joke. They told me we didn't need a school physical and then sent home a note saying that she may not return after a certain date if she didn't have one. So the day I pulled her out early to get a last minute school physical done, I called ahead of time to make sure she was waiting in the office and ready to go. I was on my way with a toddler and an infant. When I arrived they called her classroom. I had to wait 15mins for her to pack up and head to the office. It was incredibly unsupportive of and unhelpful, especially after I had literally just called. They told me that it wasn't their policy. I am so happy that we will be leaving this school soon. Schools should be much more supportive of parents!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My experience at Southside has been wonderful. I love that the students get to participate in music, library time,and physical education. The staff encourages the students to be involved in the school and community. Mrs. Hickox has been a wonderful influence on my son.
—Submitted by a parent

It has very caring and loving teachers. It is a great school and needs to be able to grow.

We have an awesome staff and the best students! Everyone is open to change and very flexible. The students love to learn and take great pride in their accomplishments.
—Submitted by a teacher

The teachers are awesome, the principal is really dedicated, and the PTO rocks!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in kindergarten here. It's so great! She has Mrs Hickox who is firm but very loving. The office staff is extremely friendly and helpful and know you right when you come in! I have also found the principal to be top notch!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic scholl great teachers and warm loving inviroment.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! The teachers are awesome and I never have any trouble or concerns with my childs safety or education. They keep the parents well informed and involved in the children's education and activities. I love in another city, but I will make sure all three of my kids attend this school
—Submitted by a parent

We had to beg for information about our child's progress. The lack of communication was terrible. The principal does not care about the students. The teacher was uncooperative. We had to move our child out of the school because of the treatment they received.
—Submitted by a parent

Southside is the greatest school. The children are happy, and safe. It is obvious that the staff love their jobs. Parents are given a lot of encouragment to be a part of Southside. They are also really good at educated parents on how to help their children begin their school experiance right. The music class is awesome and each child does a perfomance annually.
—Submitted by a parent