Southwestern Middle/Senior High School

I am a 2009 graduate of Southwestern High School, and I must say the school is really subpar. While safety was a great concern of school officials, education was not. I remember our school scoring very low on tests my whole time there. I go to IU now, and am honestly ashamed to say I went to Southwestern. The teachers are, for the most part, nice, but sometimes not really fit for the job. English teachers didn't seem to agree with each other on correct formats for papers, how to write papers, etc. and that was very confusing. I feel I was one of the lucky ones to have made it out and went to a college other than Ivy Tech. My recommendation? If you're moving to the area, go a little further east to Shawe Memorial or Madison. Both offer better teachers and a better learning environment. Southwestern is known for its misbehavior.

I am currently a senior at Southwestern High School, and while there are obviously downsides to Southwestern, there are downsides everywhere you go. I feel very safe attending SHS, and believe the administration is doing its' best to provide a safe learning environment for its' students. As to the teachers, I agree that there are few teachers that may or may not be well educated in their subject. However, the abundance of teachers who do know more than compensate for those who do not. As to favoritism, I neither come from money, nor have a 'well known' name. I'm treated just as equally because I work hard and keep a positive, friendly attitude. I love my school, and will be proud to say I graduated from Southwestern High School.
--Submitted by a student

I just graduated from Southwestern and found the high school and middle school experience to be far from satisfactory. While most people are nice and the school is fair, that hardly matters with the level of incompetence throughout the teaching staff. Many of the teachers would be fired immediately or not even hired if they tried to get a job at a larger, more respected school. The schools test scores are far below average and the teaching is to blame. Many of the students in my graduating class will not attend college, not only due to academics, but also because they were never helped or guided along their college search. With just a few exceptions, the teaching staff at this school is not well learned and rather embarrassing. It does not make me feel good when I or another student knows more about a topic than the teacher does.
--Submitted by a student

I attened southwestern now. Overall the teachers are pretty decent but i totally agree with the whole unfairness thing. Most money made for extra-curricular activities (sports) are given to our basketball team leaving other sports like swimming, show choir (ect.) Having to make thier own money and barley getting by. As for strictness; they really need to decide on a dress code i mean they have one in both the high school and the middle school but it only really applies in the middle school i mean i have had friends who have worn things 'not dress code' but when we are passing through the high school we see girls with nearly the same outfits on! they really should make things a little more fair
--Submitted by a student

I went to school here for 8 years and i find it to be below average. I transferred to madison my freshman year, and i was way behind. I think they need to improve on their learning techniques.
--Submitted by a student

I went to this school and my daughter is a senior there as well. The teachers (for the most part) are very supportive of the students, academically as well as athletically. They take extra time to explain lessons and spend a lot of time off the clock with the kids going to sporting events. The parent that reviewed this school as being biased and strict must have a troubled student because I have not seen nor heard of special treatment in the 20+ years that I have been involved with SW. Some kids are more popular, both with students and teachers, but that is par for the course in a small town. Drugs are not much of a problem here, nor mischief. Students form very close friendships and support each other without question. The facilities are kept clean and in good repair. GO REBELS
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, Southwestern is a good school.
--Submitted by a parent

My children goes/went to this school. They are not fair to all children some get special attention compared to others mainly based on wether they have money or they are on a sports team. Their teachers arn't very good and they keep changing the classes they went from block to 6 periods(now) to trimesters (next year). They are too strict on the kids and even more so the clothes and bookbags.
--Submitted by a parent

I encourage you to consider Southwestern as thte right school for your son or daughter. This school has a loving and caring staff to look over and assist your childs needs. This school is a great place for children to make friends and grow up. Please, don't take my word for it, find out your self.
--Submitted by Don Tingle, a parent