South Charlotte Middle School

I was formerly associated with this school, and it is definitely NOT student-centered. Many teachers seem to think that giving a lot of homework equals rigor. They are also very inflexible when it comes to finding ways for students to be successful; it is their way or nothing at all. Some of these teachers also refuse to see the need for updating their professional development, thinking that what they have done all along still works. Good teaching is good teaching, but times are changing, as are students, so it is always wise to keep up to date. You won't find it at this school. Its all about conformity and being seen as the "only middle school that prepares kids for high school" which means they pay no attention to adolescent development.

I agree with the parent who wrote the teachers are the bullies at South Charlotte Middle School. They say things to my children I would never say. When you complain the principal does nothing. Get the teachers and staff to sign a no bully pledge.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents are not welcomed as valuable contributors to their children's education at South Charlotte. Many of the teachers are rude and kids are afraid of the teachers. Two children I have talked with recently think its ironic that the school push for the kids to commit to not bullying yet allow their teachers to bully and intimidate the students. Avoid this school if possible. Many that can afford so do by sending their kids to private schools for middle school and then to Prov for high school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at SCMS and it has a couple good teachers. I think it has a good leadership/principal, and it was not challenging because i wasn't the best test taker therefore i got in classes below me even though they knew I had more potential. Over all I thought it was a good school.

I am a teacher at this school and a parent of a child that has attended this school. The leadership is excellent, and the teachers are excellent. Students rise to the high standards that are set for them, and the outcome is a quality, rigorous education.
—Submitted by a teacher

I feel South Charlotte has gone downhill. The teachers seem to be pushing things more, and repeating things like we're pre-schoolers who can't remember anything. Many of the teachers don't seem to want to help you very much, and they tend to punish students for silly things, but don't punish students for bad things like calling out in class and saying inappropriate things. No, instead we get punished for not walking when we're outside, hugging people, and other stupid little things not even related to learning. They also are enforcing rules on students that really suck the fun out of school, I know school is supposed to be a learning environment, but it's become to the point I don't even feel like I'm learning. Half of class is spent yelling at the students who don't want to shut their mouthes and work. I don't feel challenged because I'm always getting stuck in the "standard plus" classes (the lower classes) with all of the failing kids who misbehave so much we never do anything fun. I must admit I have about two good teachers. Kids are either always getting in trouble, smart and snobby, or being bullied because they aren't "cool". If you're in between you're basically ignored.

South Charlotte is a terrific school if your child is an over achever. Although, with my A.D.D and learning disability, they never made the right accomodations for me and they only made the accomdations during EOG time (And if your parents say you have one and you let the teacher know, the teacher will make you sit on the gym floor or in a noisy classroom when your supposed to take a test in a "private quiet room"). If your not the perfect straight A student they expect all there students to be, your at the bottom of the barrel and it makes things harder than it seems because they constantly stress you out with numerous projects and loads of homework when you have trouble comprehending it in the first place. The teachers have office hours but there is enough time in the day where they can pull you out of class (9th block) and help you. And they pretty much teach to the EOG because South Charlotte cares more about there reputation of sending you to high school than actually worrying about people like me. I am extremely dissapointed in South Charlotte and things need to turn around there soon.

This school is the worst school I have ever been to. Most of the students are very rude and use nasty language. The teachers are so rude and do not care or take the time to answer any of your questions. They also complain constantly about their jobs infront of the students. The only good thing about this school is the arts program that has been cut because of the budget cut. This school gets you so stressed out with the loads of homework and projects. I have talked to my parents about switching schools.

SCMS does a few things right - high expectations communicated to the students in a consistent manner, qualified teachers, and the school consistently achieves high scores on EOG testing. As a result, it's a highly rated middle school. They also do a few things wrong - the intense focus on EOG scores, and the strict policies result in: * too much homework * too many projects * a lack of individual caring and attention from teachers and administration that the students feel in the areas of scheduling and keeping up with notes/assignments/projects * a clearly communicated disinterest in parental involvement beyond the PTA, fundraising, and school store staffing * a lack of opportunities for socialization the previous principal seemed to be a stickler against anything that could be perceived as having fun while at school * an environment where teachers regularly punish the group rather than the specific kids who are interrupting or being rude in class The focus is grades, grades, grades. I care about the grades of my children, but i also care about time with them in the evenings, and about their their sense of comfort while at school.
—Submitted by a parent

- and its not 2 projects a night overall in 4 weeks only 2 projects and I have had either 4 or 5 or 6 I cant even count because im trying to figure out a way of fixing my hand from all the writing of all the homework. >:( not happy with south charlotte middle school, at all!!

My son came from a lower level school and so we transferred him here. All in all, that was a bad decision. When we asked them all of the options to get caught up, the only option they gave us was to spend an hour after school in tutoring. We told them that we cant because we value our time with our son and the response was "Oh well...". He was frowned upon by teachers because he came from a lower level school. Homework was a big issue too. the amount of homework he had was to the point where we never got to spend time with him. His schedule was: School, Homework, Dinner, Bed. Again when we tried to talk to teachers to see what could be done, the response was "Every student is expected to perform, just like everyone else." Some teachers understood that the time when my child is at home is my time to spend with him, not their time to burden him until 11:00 at night with homework. They even discourage parents to be involved with anything academic. Please search for a different school.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall the academics are at par.(and has been going down hill since budget cuts...)This school is not for every child.This school is mostly for rich sports playing over achievers.Many problems have come up over the past two years since I have been going there dealing with rude and nasty teachers staff, and kids... If you aren't perfect in every way possible you will be frowned upon by your piers and by teachers.Over all South Charlotte is one of the worst schools i have been too(most of the other kids have the same opinions as myself).I would not recommend this school to any 6th 7th or 8th grader.Honestly it is a real drag to go to this school in the morning.

i hate this school!!!!! if your child is about to come to this school and your picking electives do not pick band the teacher is never gonna teach your child anything he just expects us to know the notes and doesnt teach anything

I am a student who goes here (2010). I HATE IT!!! Worst! 1. Teachers are pretty harsh, they go too fast and don't care 2. The kids are SOOO mean! I used to go home crying everyday. 3. I hope you know a good psychiatrist. I needed one on the very first week from dealing with these kids.

Great School but I believe the projects continue to indoctrinate our kids with their projects choices. End of year projects should be more broad than simple on one subject matter to choose from. There are two sides to everything and I do not beleive students are given a choice of what side to take on things!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great!! my son goes their and he excels in everything
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at SCMS and i love it there. I don't know if it is because of my friends or something but i look froward to school and my classes. They have amazing extracurricular activities such as NAL or Odyssey of the Mind or international club. It is a great school and even if they say there is alot of homework, there inst. its all in the head the amount of homework
—Submitted by a student

I was a student in South Charlotte and I have to say that out of all the 7 schools Iv been to, this has been the best. Going there I finally felt challenged and i actually had something to say to my parents when they asked 'what did you learn today?' Also the students were very social and open. Rarely do you see rude remarks and conflicts. Overall SCMS is a great experience and a great choice
—Submitted by a student

I strongly dislike this school the teachers are not caring...................Please take this in deep consideration if you are thinking about sending your child to this school.
—Submitted by a student

this is the best shcool ive ever been in it tought me how to type it gave a proper an easy and fun way to run the mile an now i can speak fluent french.
—Submitted by a student