South Salem High School

Administration don't have the support of the staff which makes the day worse of for the children who go there. The teachers that did and could make a difference, they let go and or fired.
--Submitted by a parent

Many teachers at this school has been more of a friend to my children than an educator.
--Submitted by a parent

South has been a great fit for me, as a student. The staff is awesome and so are the students. I think our principal is really great and I think the Small Learning Communities will actually be helpful. I can't say enough about how awesome South is.
--Submitted by a student

South has been a great school for over fifty years.It has a strong academic program, including an IB program for students who want especially rigorous and challenging coursework. Its music department is exceptional; for two consecutive years the department has been awarded the classification as a Grammy Signature Gold School, meaning that South has one of the top seven high school music programs in the country. However, South recently got a new principal and she is determined to bring the 'small learning communities' concept to South against the wishes of most students, parents and several (if not most) teachers. This woman does not appear to be interested in what others have to say about this, nor is she willing to acknowledge that SMLs are not working in other schools around the country. Due to her position at South, the future does not look bright for this stellar school.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school, but there isnt much parent involvement, and there isnt much leadership, i enjouy going here and i feel safe here
--Submitted by vanessa, a student

The Governor of Oregon is an alumni of South Salem High and it is no surprise. This school knows how to emulate leadership, discipline, and citizenship. The teachers are some of the finest I have ever seen. They prepared my child, who in the beginning had no direction, into an honor student with a scholarship accepted to a private college. I think this is one of the best high schools in the state, especially if you have a child with special needs on an IEP.
--Submitted by Susan, a parent

I started the school year out at sprague and I ended up transfering to south becuase I just wasnt have a good time at sprague with some of my classes and well just kind of being there. since i have transferd to south I like it way better than sprague. I feel like I am getting a much better education and I feel more comfortable going to school. When I went to sprague I never wanted to go to school I would make a new reason not to go to school every morning. Now that I go to south it's not a problem since I actually want to be there and go to school. My whole life has changed for the better sing I started goinbg to south. I don't feel as much pressure from everything and everyone anymore and I just plain LOVE south! Maritza Montoya
--Submitted by Maritza Montoya, a student

Prior to attending South I went to Sprague, having the background of both schools it's obvious which environment I am benefiting from. South may not be the richest school or have the largest amount of computers, but it was there I received the most one on one attention and care. My GPA alone has risen over a point, beyond just the grades I feel I have gotten a quality education. When in a comfortable atmosphere that isn t overwhelming with being constantly judged, where the administration encourages me to work to my full potential I have blossomed in my high school career. Sincerely *Porshe Frye*
--Submitted by a student

I go to this school and I think it is the best thing for a growing young kid. The teachers really know what they are talking about and if you want to learn they will help you greatly. I think south Salem high school is great not only for its academics but its social environment, every one knows each other and it s not hard to make a new friend at the local sporting events.
--Submitted by Dustin boyd, a student

South Salem High School is an environment where learning is possible, yet unlikely. Compared to other schools in the Salem Keizer district, South Salem puts the least emphasis on academics for all but the top. Those enrolled in their prized 'IB' program will recieve the majority of attention. The rest is allotted to those with disabilities and reading deficiencies. The average student is overlooked and generally just passed from teacher to teacher without a connection of any kind. South Salem's environment is miasmic at best and crushes any dream or aspiration to be creative or expressive under the giant rollers of conformity. I would think twice before letting any child of mine attend this school.
--Submitted by a parent