Southdown Elementary School

This year will be my kids second year there and last year they could not wait and then about half way through the year they came home complaining and would wake up crying and begging us to not send them...I promised them that they would be able to switch schools this year but unfortunaly we have no transportation and they are forced to go back this year and they are very upset but understand why and I have to admit it breaks our heart to send them there but we have no choice and I totally agree with the first comment because kids do get away with certain things there because of them being "special" and its not fair to the other students. I am totally involved with my kids schooling and I am always involved with their fundraisers and partys.
--Submitted by a parent

Southdown is not a bad school, when you have children that do not have RESPECT for themselves that makes it hard for the teacher and other students. We as parents need to do things at home with our children, teach them respect if you do not do it now. Everything is not the teacher fault, keep the communion line open send a note to find out how your child is doing. We as parents need to be more involved if you cannot send a family member. Not only will you see a difference but, the school will also. To the Administration and Staff Keep up the 'Good Work'. My daughter use to attend and I loved it I was there I was involved, she loved her teachers and so did I.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe it is a shame that parents have no choice that to send their child to this school. At one time, about 2 years ago, it look like Southdown was turning around. Teachers can't teach because of the displine problems that are not handled by the parents or the adminstration. At one time Southdown had a low teacher turn over ratio, now many teachers requested to leave. I am scared to have child attend Southdown because of the violence that is ignored because the student is 'special'. Something needs to be done or the School Board should pay for my child to attend a private school where I know they will be in a safe environment and recieve the best education.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I would consider myself irresponsible if I sent my children to this school. The test scores are in the 30% range on almost every part of the LEAP test - not even close to the national average! It is a shame that we work hard to live in a above average neighborhood (Sugarwood Estates) and we are forced to send our children to this school - my husband and I just had to pay $5,900 for private school this year because of this - even though we pay school tax.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Southdown and love being there. The administration and faculty are wonderful and truly concerned about the children. The children, for the most part, are continualy striving to reach higher goals.
--Submitted by a teacher