Southwood Middle School

Wow, Sounds like Our children attend two different schools. I know the school is not perfect,nothing is. but it is sad that you are labeling a whole building full of people. I have been at this school for many years and have always been able to get help with any concern. I also have some teachers that are better than others on my childs team. I hope you can finish out this year better than you feel now.
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion this school is pathetic and full of incompetent staff that give the Florida school system, especially Miami-Dade, a bad reputation. My experience has been horrific and I cannot even mention what my children have experienced. They are literally afraid to go to the school I feel sorry for the children of the school. I welcome any discussions to relate my experiences in detail and even listen to any positives.
—Submitted by a parent

I am in the 7th grade this year in the choir magnet the choir teacher is great she and over prepare us for fieldtrip and contest and competiton. That is a good thing !The only thing i dont like is lunch. I recomend the club dfyit it a great club I recommend southwood to all 5th grader because it a great school
—Submitted by a student

My child attended this school and was in gifted classes--thank God--otherwise she would have been in the average population which seemed kid of rough. The school is overcrowded. The building is like a fallout shelter- no windows, cramped classrooms. The bathrooms were always filthy. The cafeteria is a joke. It cant handle the colume of kids, so everyday the kids are rushed thru eating, so they can go outside to the 'spillout' area. They often ran out of most choices of food by the time my daughter had lunch. The traffic problems at this school are horrendous-beware! An average middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is graduating 8th grade after attending Southwood Photography Magnet for the past three years. The photography teacher is extremely dedicated and knowledgeable and strives to help the students excel. The academic curriculum is challenging and does a very good job prepaing the students for High School. There is an active group of parents in the PTSA. Each magnet provides activities available for participation: photography field trips, drama plays, band competitions etc. We have been more than satisfied with Southwood.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year at Southwood Middle School. She is in the full time gifted program and the drama magnet. The gifted program has provided her with creative projects and great teachers. The drama magnet provides her with an opportunity to learn about the arts and take part in performances throughout the year.
—Submitted by a parent

Southwood middle school is a awsome school.It has a great magnet program,including band,keybord,drama,photography,orcestra,chorus,and much more.It has many great teachers.I will recomend you this school.
—Submitted by Jonathan Vazquez, a student

My son is doing great at this school. The Magnet Arts program is excellent it keeps the children motivated and busy. Academically it is high. Parents are very much involve.
—Submitted by a parent

I sent my children to Southwood Middle School directly after private school. We were pleased with the level of education received and the quality of the teachers. We also were greatly pleased with the availablility of extracurricular programs available in music. My children were able to join the band and chorus and have many memorable experiences from their music organizations. My only problem with the school was the facilities themselves. My children once commented it felt like a jail! On the other hand, this can provide a high level of safety in such a big city. I would recommend this school to other parents with children coming out of private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Southwood has an outstanding 'gifted program' and excellent teachers as well as an amazing principal. The creativity is respected as all the magnet programs are well above average. The classes are too large, but an exceptional student wil still excell but I do agree a smaller teacher to student ratio is always preferable.Parents are always invited to participate.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides a wonderful learing experience for the whole child.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in 7th grade this year. She seems to be learning a lot, however 4 out of the 4 teachers teaching her academic subjects, are not certified in that area of teaching. They are teaching out of their area of expertise. She is in honors classes and for the most part separated from the general population of the school, otherwise I would not send her there due to safety issues. The district buses in children from a 'not good' neighborhood to mix with children from upper-middle class families, and the results are challenging.
—Submitted by a parent