Southwest Middle School

This school is terrible. I have personally seen two very violent fights where teachers stood by. The bullying is so bad that kids will act out simply to escape the classroom and the bullying. Teachers do very little to try and stop it. They have given up just as much as the students. Some of the students are so vulgar that teachers have been reduced to cursing and name calling just to be heard...and still they aren't heard for very long. I have sat in on classes, lunches, field trips and after school sporting events and at best, this school is a nightmare.
—Submitted by a parent

Personally, I am horrified by the amount of good reviews this school has, for example: this school often does not have good teachers while others try extremely hard, some do not even try to teach their children. Fights break out everyday in a competition to see who is the best, graffiti on the walls and even fecal matter smeared in the restrooms. My first year at this school was not that horrific, but the reason is because I am in the Honors, or higher education, team. The contrast between Honors and standard or standard plus is ridiculous. The students in standard have no respect for the teachers and profanity is said like everyday words. The teachers often make threats but rarely carry them out. My last point is the comparison of students in other schools and my school. Our school has an average of 70% passing. Other schools in CMS have more than 75% for the special needs children and more than 94% on average for the other students. I was lucky because most of my teachers were dedicated.

SWMS like many other CMS schools are failing our kids as it relates to academics. The school is over-populated; some of the teachers lack dedication and enthusiasm that's due in part to the teacher:student ratio, and also due to the lack of knowledge and skills. My daughter attended SWMS for the entire 6th grade, and I pulled her out to home school her after the 1st three weeks of the 7th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

SWMS is a good Middle School. The population is very versatile. There are great teachers there who work hard to try to educate the Middle School child. I have had different kids in all 3 grades and have been pleased with what they are doing in school. I hope the new administration will notice and appreciate the teachers who have jumped in the trenches over the years. I have the utmost respect for their line of work.
—Submitted by a parent

That's true, there were fights everyday last school year. Staff morale was really low. A few teachers were really dedicated, others not. The ones who were, have my complete respect. Children were dispersed to other classes in at least 1 class everyday, usually more, allowing for weak continuity in education, confused students and some slipping through the cracks. Discipline was very weak. With the upcoming change in staff for the new school year, things should be very interesting.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that have attended SWM and they have loved it. the teachers are caring and dedicated. I have experienced teachers on both sides of the academic field. One child was an honors student and one was learning disabled and they both recieved an incredible education for extremely caring teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is really bad.... i heard there was a fight today.... teachers are nice but they dont get respect. And also, no offence, but ruido school is also poor because the 7 grade field trip is really a lot of money to spend.
—Submitted by a parent

I am on my 4th child at SW middle and one more to come. I have been pleased with the education my children have received. The Honors teachers are great. I do think there tends to be a difference in the education received by Honors and Standard students. It seems to be like two different worlds. If my children weren't in Honors classes I might have a different opinion. Most teachers are great! In the past 7 years I have never seen a fight when I was at the school nor do my children speak of it. I would also like to add that the resource officer at SW does an amazing job.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to southwest now i moved to southwest six months ago and i really like it my grades have improved and i really focused on my eduction and the teachers are really nice its a way better school the Kennedy!!!!!

My sons attended SWMS, but I will not send my daughter there. Fighting is not uncommon. There is blatant disrespect for teachers, staff, parents and visitors shown by students. The uniform policy is not consistently enforced. Baggy saggy pants, shirts untucked and wild patterned hoodies on the boys. Some teachers are better than others and some should NOT be teaching at all anywhere! And, yet they remain somehow. Lack of substitute teachers leads to dispersal to other classrooms. Students from 'low performing' schools are bussed here which brings a whole new slew of challenges and problems. Alternative to CMS: private school, home school or move to SC!
—Submitted by a parent

My son goes to SWMS and has been given a great education. The teachers at SWMS are doing a great job teaching my child.
—Submitted by a parent

This is by far the worst school I have seen. The sanitation is ghastly, and fights break out everytime I visit or pick up my son! Low rating!
—Submitted by a parent

I attend SWMS now and I must say that it is a very well put together school. I came from Texas so this is an entirely new experience for me. I enjoy the sports programs at SWMS because you get a chance to show your 'stuff'' so to speak. Dequavien Montrose Reid
—Submitted by a student

southwest is a great school they teach your child everything they need 2 learn
—Submitted by a student

SWMS is a good, clean, newer school that has the possibilities to offer our kids a really good education. From the office admin, to the prinicipal to several of the teacher, the racial discrimency is terrible. I don't believe that they want white people in this school. Maybe that is why the bus so many kids here??
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and staff but the office could use inprovement. Communication is poor i'm back to myself again and have met woulderful people. Uniforms; not to cazy about but you have us in mind. Just lay off a little , please. Now i get scared every time an officail walks in. The police officers make me feel safe along with the campus security. More phisical activity. And great choice on big daddy pizza day on friday! go swms!
—Submitted by a student

SouthWest Middle School is very clean and have awesome teachers. They have excellent food. Safety and Discipline are taken seriously as should be. They also have a nice, clean library.
—Submitted by a student

This was my sons first year and it was a pretty good year. The school is definetly making some great changes. I see a bright future for the students and for the success of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's first year at SWMS and if I had other alternatives I would consider them. Communication between parents and school desires great improvements. We have often gotten pre-recorded calls only to have the information/dates etc... be wrong and upon calling the school no one seemed to know what was going on. Not much is available to the 6th graders as far as electives and participation in extracurricular activities. Appears to be minimal parental involvement in PTSA. Concerns over safety regarding early dismissal and that no one ever checked to see if the person picking up the children was authorized to do so. Office staff seems very disorganized. On a good note, teacher quality is above average.
—Submitted by a parent

Southwest Middle is a wonderful Middle school for children of grades 6-12. My oldest daughter has went there ever since the school opened which was 4 years ago and it has been a pleasure to have my youngest daughter go there who is currently in 7th grade. The teachers and principals at this school believe in quality education. Courses such as Algebra 1 and Geometry which are high school courses are given to students who excel in math. Courses are broken down to give each student the equal opportunity to excel. There are also a variety of electives for student to choose from including Dance, Drama, Chorus, etc. My child has received straight A's for the two years she's been here and it great to see her excel. Teachers at this school expect students to do well which diss why I believe this is a great school for any child.
—Submitted by a parent