Southwestern High School

I am an alumni of some sorts of this school, even though I only attended two of my four high school years there. I grew up in a surrounding town and knew every person in my class. I also went to a MUCH larger school with somewhere near 1400 students, and I did not like it at all. Southwestern has a real community of students and the teachers were so awesome. The one thing I wish they had was more funding for the sports, because as a former cheerleader I felt like the sports could have been better with a little more help. Other than that I loved going to high school there, and I really think that it is a positive place to get your education.
--Submitted by a student

This school is amazing i have sent all my kids there because of the great teachers and the amazing opportunities my kids have. All my kids have had the best years of their life there and that is comming straight from their mouthes. At this school when someone is having a hard time there is always someone for them to talk to. This year alone students gave up their own money and time to help a fellow student who had cancer and they got together yet again several months later for a group of kids who lost their parents. Even though this school might not be as big as Alton or have as much funding but we are huge at heart. This is a great school and I'm glad my kids went there.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Southwestern is a good school overall. Majority of the teachers care enough about the students and they teach for the right reasons. A few, we wonder why they became a teacher. The most important thing a teacher should realize is how much they play a role in a students self-esteem. You have the opportunity to make such a difference in a student's life..grab it and run with it! Someday that student will thank you. Classes given at this school are good and they also partner with Lewis & Clark and the student receive college credits. Moral is unbelievable! No matter who is in need the students & staff band together and pitch in. This year alone the students raised money for a fellow student with cancer along with a few other students who recently lost their parents. When push comes to shove our school can't be beat with school spirit and support. We may be called Cornfield High and be out in the boonies but we love it!
--Submitted by a parent

I would just like to say that this school was a very good learning experience for me. Although I did't finish the year out here, i really learned alot! The teacheres are great, but the student body altogether was probably one of the worst I have ever endured! I have never seen so many problems with race in a school in all of my life. I have been in four differnt highschools since my freshmen year, so I think I have the right to say this. When I came to this school, people didn't even give me a chance. Even some of the teachers were hateful! People just need to realize that everybody has their differences and to put a person down for those things makes no sense! my self-esteem has dropped so bad that I have been diognosed with manic depression. How does that make you feel Southwestern? You are so self centerd, i expect that this won't even be shown on the site! As long as you know what you have done to me, I don't care. I am not the first and I know I won't be the last. I am not going to leave a name because I am sure you already know who I am. Good bye!
--Submitted by a former student

Excellent school, teachers, and coaches! The School board should go out and see what a great school district they have instead of trying to get by with the bare bones method. The school and sports facilities are hardly taken care of unless the teachers and coaches get it done themseleves. I would say that Southwestern High School provides the best academic environment possible for the types of students that are at Southwestern. Go Piasa Birds!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a 2004 graduate from this school. I have to say that the best times of my life occured in Southwestern. All the teachers care about every student in that school. They would do anything for you, Many teachers at Southwestern have made an impact on my life and I will always appreciate that. Also I know it is in the middle of nowhere but did you know that we have children coming to our school from five different towns plus the children who live in the country. It also really pays to have it in the middle of nowhere, It helps stop kids from skipping school. This school cares about the future of the students and that is something all schools should have.
--Submitted by Korin, a former student

I have to agree with the second poster. Yes there's gossip - but you'll find that at all the other schools as well. I think the teachers are great and do the best they can. It would be a hard job these days to be a teacher - I've seen what they have to deal with. I have a freshman there, and she's doing just fine. There are problems, yes, but they are no different than other schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I was appalled to read the other parent review. I think our school offers many fabulous activites and events for our kids. The teachers and coaches have the students best interest in mind. Our school is in the middle of the country, but it provides many opportunities for the students to better themselves and be prepared for the future.
--Submitted by a former student

The school is based solely on the fact that there is a lack to do in the surrounding areas. Children close themselves off and basically turn on each other. The school is pure gossip and nothing goes unnoticed by the small student population. The after school activities are limited and dull. The classes range from unbeliveably easy to somewhat diffucult. Doesn't offer much in the way of providing knowledge for the future.
--Submitted by a former student