South Side High School

I really liked this school when we moved here from out of state last year 2009-2010. The princpal cared about the school and the students. Now they moved princpals n this new one is awful. He has no people skills what so ever. He doesnt care about the students. Trying to get him to call u back is a chore n when u finally talk to him he is so disrespectful. He doesnt care about his job all he cares about is his paycheck. Good job FWCS on getting rid of a great princpal. I rated this school average because of the princpal. The teachers are great.
--Submitted by a parent

South Side HS is not what you've heard, it just tends to get a bad reputation. There are many intelligent students who are talented in many areas. The community is welcoming--there is something for everyone. The academics can be as rigorous (or lack of) as you want them to be, the same goes for extracurriculars. Teachers are always there, and active in academics as well as extracurriculars. South Side is not just and education, but an experience that you will not find anywhere else. It is truly unique. Tradition and Pride are engrained, nothing but excellence is expected.
--Submitted by a former student

As a parent of 4 South Side graduates, (1999-2005) I have nothing but praise for this school, its faculty, and its students. The programs existing in the school are challenging, providing as intense an education as a student chooses to pursue. The diversity of the student body and its ability to work together is a constant source of amazement to outsiders. While an inner-city school, its programs are as challenging, if not more so, than other schools in the system. As a melting pot of cultures, South Side test scores reflect the fact that this school is open to all people, not only those meeting a certain socio-economic status. It professionally meets the needs of the entire spectrum of student body. If we were starting over again with our children's education, we would again choose South Side.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two SSHS graduates (one of whom was salutatorian) I think highly of the school. As for preparing students for the future ethnic blend of our country, the school is the 4th most diverse in the nation. (Our state universities pale in comparison for diversity.)Another unique feature of SSHS is the IB (International Baccalaureate) program which allows students to compete academically on an international basis--an outstanding opportunity for the high-achieving student. College-bound students are encourage to take AP classes. SSHS boasts a top-ranked newspaper, elite speech/debate teams, and award-winning music and art programs. South Side offers a wide spectrum of athletic teams and includes a state-of-the-art swimming facility on campus. South Side has a strong sense of pride, tradition and alumni support. SSHS graduate are proud to be 'green'. GO ARCHERS!!!
--Submitted by a parent

As an early '06' graduate I'm completely happy with my dad's choice to send me to South Side. At South Side there were so many different activities and coursesa made available to me. Each corse that I decide to take was different and never boring. South Side has everything from psychology to ceramic art available. The teachers are wonderful also. I developed a friendship with all of my terachers. The teachers are fun and understanding,and devoted. They make sure that you understand as a student ans provide extra help after school for any one that needs it. While attending South Side I was surprised how involved they kept my dad. The teachers informed him of my progress and test dates. As i said before I am an '06' graduate and in June I will be graduating from South Side with an Academic Honors Diploma.
--Submitted by a student

South Side offers more opportunities than any other school I've ever been to. I transferred to three different schools in the area, and South Side was without a doubt the best fit for me. The teachers are challenging and supportive, and the administration really works to make sure that schooltime is about education, not beaurocratic statistics. I felt like I was more than a face and a name at South Side: I was somebody.
--Submitted by a former student

The academic standards of South Side are at a high level of excellence. The overall graduation rate reflects that. The availability of extracurricullar activities is there if the students is willing to participate. The activities are only as good as the students and the sponsors coaching/teacing. (What I like about the sports is the commitment the coaching staff and athletic director have made to bring up the grades of the athletes.) The level of parent involvement is high and support in a positive aspect is just as high. This is coming from Anthony Harrell, a substitute teacher for a year-and-1/2, who also has a bachelor's degree from The University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne.
--Submitted by Anthony Harrell, a teacher

As a recent South Side graduate, I can say that this school offers, unequivacably, the best general education in the area. I am currently a student at a top-ranked research university, and I have no doubt that the unique opportunities that South affords--including, but certainly not limited to, the IB program, our exemplary Speech and Debate teams, and the chance to see students from a stunningly representative cross-section of society--were all integral in getting me into a great school. However, that is not to say that South is only focused on college placement. The school does a tremendous job with showing its students a wide array of educational outlets for the future. South Side is a community school, with a communal focus. I've never experienced such a sense of solidarity and social cohesiveness anywhere else. Sure, it has its difficult times, but the education one recieves is still outstanding.
--Submitted by a former student

I graduated from South in 1999, and feel that this is one of the better schools around. Where else can you find the diversity, support, and committment that South Side offers? Because it is such a diverse school, the level of parental interaction; as well as, teacher interaction, is phenomenal. After I gradated, I felt that I was better prepared for interactions with people, due to my South Side experience. This is an essential aspect of life, one that cannot be taught by a book. I am proud to be a former archer, and someday, my children will be too!
--Submitted by a former student

South Side has some excellent teachers in most of the departments. The principal could do a great job if left alone by the central office administration. The quality of the school suffers as the degree of central office involvement increases. The multicultural aspects of this school add to the rich experiences of the students. Students can obtain a first rate education, as they can in many schools, if they choose courses and teachers carefully and apply themselves. Increasingly the edicts, not all of which are necessitated by budget constraints, limit the student choices and opportunities to excel. The IB program allows students to compete with students nation wide in preparation for higher education. It will probably be cut soon in favor of remediation to get ISTEP scores up.
--Submitted by a former student