Southside Elementary School

This is a great school. Both of my children go here and they did improve and get a great academy in their schooling. I was so impress with the staffs and teachers who are very care and be love to each of their student as their own child
--Submitted by a parent

My children just finished thier first year of school after moving from the northest. I continue to extremely impressed with not only the quality of the teachers, but the personal interest from the teachers and administrators. Teachers picked up on my childrens concerns when one parent was in the hospital, and another teacher spent many hours after school on a regular basis helping students. We came away with the feeling that the educational experience at Southside is truely about the students. Sadly this was not always the case in my childrens previous experience.
--Submitted by a parent

I've being teaching at Southside since 1987 and I love every part of it. The staff is superb from the administration to the custodians. Every adult involved with this school makes it what it is today. What I like most is that most teachers and staff knows the parents and families of most of the students because we work with all students whether they are assigned to our class or not. We collaborate together to come up with academic plans to meet the needs of each student. The parents are superb. They are active and supportive. We have one of the best Parent Groups and Community groups anywhere. Southside is a Community School and we all work together investing in our future:: the students.
--Submitted by a teacher

This is a small, historic and charming public school near downtown Sarasota. The school just underwent a complete renovation which included a huge addition. The grounds are cloistered and safe. The principal is hands-on and the teachers dedicated. Parents are very involved and welcome. I can't imagine why anyone would pay for a private school if they live in the Southside Elementary School District!
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic..ALL A's from our family!My daughter has been there for 5 years and she has had fantastic experiences in all areas: academics, art, computers, music and reading. I have never felt pressure financially nor has my child expressed a moment of concern in that area. Parental involvement is unbelievable and encouraged but it is not demanded. My daughter has received the benefits of having different styles of teaching, all great, which will help her throughout her school career. Sharon Marks, principal, has her students as her #1 concern and knows most all by name! I would recommend Southside to all!
--Submitted by Tanya Farley, a parent

The quality of academics at southside is outstanding. I'm not extemely familiar with the music, art, or sports programs but I believe they are comparable to other elementary schools. The level of parent involvement is extremly high. The school requires parent involvement and encourages it. There are many volunteer activities that parents participate in such as holiday house, a program where the students get points based on good academics and exchange the points for items they can 'buy' at xmas time for presents for family members. Programs like this are common for southside and encourage both parent participation as well as rewarding children for academic efforts.
--Submitted by a parent

Southside is an excellent school with teachers and staff that really care about students and families. The prinicipal is always available and willing to help. Special programs are fantastic especially the science and computer labs.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, child loves it there
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest started school here. I thought that it tould be the best in the district with all of the acclaim that it recieves. I have to say that I was very happy. It's a very creative and enriching school. The teachers are top notch, the grounds are charming, and the parents are involved. Downer: the school's focus is quite obviously #1 Funds, #2 Students and Education. I know funds = better education in some sense, BUT Southside's BEST functions for scholastics have NOTHING to do with donations! I give it a 3 just because of the sheer pressure on aligning our finances in public schools. It rubs off on the kids. Otherwise, WONDERFUL!
--Submitted by a parent

an amazing school with 100%parental and community involvement. all teachers/classrooms have laptops and use of digital cameras. uptodate websites to email teachers. awesome principal, Sharon Marks.
--Submitted by shari FERREIRO, a parent