Southwest Academy

My son is in the science magnet program at SWA. I read all of the reviews, checked the school MSA scores, talked to other parents and made a conscious decision to send my son there for 6th grade for better or for worse. After one year I must say my SWA "scale" was not tipped to one end or the other (better or worst). The administrative and teaching staff was very responsive and very much open to go above and beyond the call of duty. My son always had a notebook full of work throughout the entire school, not just during MSA. The school utilized the phone messaging system to send out school updates and generally enforced the code of conduct in a consistent, fair, and reward based manner. I can t SWA reputation or previous ratings are completely off base as I do see cracks in the school such as inconsistent enforcement of the school uniform policy and relatively higher academic rigor during MSA time. However I can say parent involvement appears to be low which has a huge impact on the success of a school. With that said the school is not the best but it definitely is not the worst it is as good or bad as you make it. We are riding it out and we are going to make it GREAT!
--Submitted by a parent

The school is ridiculously underfunded. Teachers are given ONE box of copy paper to last the entire year. Focus on learning is on hold for several months BEFORE MSA tests. All time is spent learning how to answer test questions. No learning takes place during this time. The school only cares about making AYP...meaning, if students don't do well on the tests, they lose funding and the school is taken over by the state. To make sure students pass, teachers focus on test-taking skills rather than History, Science, English, Math, etc.
--Submitted by a parent

The Administration paints a vague picture of reality. It is possible their reputation is linked to specific numbers., What 'appears' to be the problem, How many problems there really are. The school looks better on paper if suspensions are low, as well as absences. There is a very big difference from what is shown to what really occurs here. If your child wants to learn, try getting into another magnet program

My child has completed 3 yrs at SWA. Although she was in all the G.T classes, I was really DISAPPOINTED to recieve the MSA results in the mail last week!!!! My child one of the few that scored ADVANCE in both reading and math, but to see that school is BASIC in Math was very appaling. Some of the teachers are just as rowdy as some of the kids. Although it was the first year for the new principle I sure hope that she re-evaulate her V.P staff or I will have no choice to find an alternative school for my next child who is due to attend a middle school in two years.
--Submitted by a parent

The Administration must re-define their priorities and set an example for their teachers. I went in with an open-mind and left with a clear perspective of why the students are not preforming. I would never recommend any child to attend this school. The special education system needs much repair, and some teachers are left without the assistance they need. My child was 1 out of 34 students in an academic class. There is no facility to remove disruptive students during the school day, so they are able to disrupt the learning of the others. A vague and biased discipline system. It appears that some teachers are given more resources, while others are left to fend for themselves. My child will not be returning. The principal can only do so much if his/her A.P.'s are not communicating fairly.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at s.w.a currently in the 7th grade finishing off the last semester.(2008-09) Recently i've noticed these reviews. You must be able to look at the Pros And Cons. The only problem is not ONLY the students or teachers fault but it is also the parents fault for not inforcing any academic work upon their kids. But this year with a new set of foundation everything is changing into a good turn; even if it isnt in a good fast process. The body system of the school is atleast trying then doing nothing at all. I am a 4.0 AVG student; heading to the gifted program in 8th Grade of 2010. In time S.W.A will progress. Please do NOT JUDGE as if you go there, and have experienced it, Personally your saying that ALL students are idiots? Think before you judge.
--Submitted by a student

I do not recommend this school. Parents, think long and hard about the school you send your child to. Southwest has been a great disappointment. The teachers nor administrative staff have not been supportive at all this school year (2008-09). The MSA test scores continue to decline. Most importantly, the safety and quality of work has me very concerned. I decided to withdraw my son from this school and send him to private school....where he tested into the gifted program.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the 8th, and I feel this school year is starting off to be the best year. With a new principle and fairly new teachers I've notice a change. I think the kids are your typical 'middle school' kids. This is their time when some are trying to find themselves in life, and I feel this year's teachers are finally understanding that. I do get automated phone calls about school events at least once a week. So Southwest is trying to get the community/parents involved.
--Submitted by a parent

I must say I have been pleasantly surprised by all the positive changes at Southwest Academy for the 2008-2009 school year. I am the parent of a 6th grade student who is in the GT (Gifted and Talented) program and Dance Magnet. My daughter loves school and all of her teachers. The work is challenging and the quantity of homework is consistent with the class work-load. The new administration has proven to be quite dedicated and the newly hired teaching staff seems to be highly qualified and very professional. You can see a vast improvement at the school. Its been a pleasure so far.
--Submitted by a parent

i am currently a student at southwest academy and its the best. I have alot of friends and learn alot and the teachers are the best ever..
--Submitted by a student