Southside High Academy

I am the parent of a freshman in the IB program at Southside. I am a regular parent volunteer, so I see, firsthand, on a daily basis, how administration and students interact. The principal is in his 4th year at SHS and is EXCELLENT. He, and all the administrators, regularly interact with students throughout the day in a very positive, encouraging manner. The quality of the faculty is outstanding. SHS is known best for its Forensics Team, Air Force JROTC, and its marching band. SHS graduates go on to the nation's very top colleges and for the past 2 years, the school district Student of the Year has come from...Southside. The kids here are amazing. I interact with IB and non-IB kids and they are wonderful, friendly kids. I credit this to the strength of our principal. He is doing a fantastic job. SHS has overcome its prior bad reputation, thanks to him. My only complaint is the droopy pants problem. The IB coordinator is an amazing man who works very hard for all our IB students (about 250?). The Forensics Team is nearly 100 strong, has been state champion the past 2 years and attends many national tournaments throughout the year. JROTC is also nationally ranked.
--Submitted by a parent

Southside is not a typical high school - it is an experience. I felt the need to support my school after reading other outdated and frankly very ugly reviews. I am a IB magnet student at Southside - but I am African American. People usually look at my school and only credit it because of the Ib program but I know first hand that the worst things I've experienced in the school would be the discrimination I've experienced in the program. As an IB student I do not have not had but 1 or 2 classes with the majority of the school, but after seeing how the students are treated it makes me understand why people might think what they do of us. Teachers do not expect much of their students therefore students do not expect anything from themselves. Unlike IB students, they are not incouraged to try AP classes and not prepared for college so in my opinon certain teachers set their students up for failure. A golden few - are the perfect definition of what a teacher should be, not only an educator but a mentor. I have NO idea why you would work at Southside if you didn't want to be around kids from our side of town. Through all the controversy I wouldn't trade my experience for the world.
--Submitted by a student

I chose Southside because it is not a school that draws from a "wealthy" area or that gets large parent participation. I feel this school probably could use the money more than a lot of schools in this town and there are many at risk students that could use encouragement and that this award could help.
--Submitted by a parent

This school's reputation isn't deserving anymore. The dress code is strictly enforced and other rules also. The IB program is a great program where kids from all parts of the world come together. I think this school should be deeply considered. If there are saftey issues, know that the staff is always keeping an eye. Those in the IB programs have seperated classes. The regular students though are not what everyone says. They are good people and make great friends. This school has several successful clubs, such as Forensics which has broken South Carolina history several times. This school is a great option for those who want a challenge, and a great experience.
--Submitted by a student

It is a experince unlike any onther
--Submitted by a student

Southside is most definitely an outstanding school. The Forensics team is a multiple state champion, the school has been ranked nationally several years running, and it has done this with a relatively small student body & less affluent student population. Southside's biggest obstacle has been it's undeserved reputation. As evidenced by this site and Newsweek magazine, the facts prove that Southside is one of the top schools in the country.
--Submitted by a former student

To say that Southside is a great school is incorrect. There are many problems at this school which starts with the Administration. Kids are allowed to walk around in droopy pants to their knees and the language is horrible. The IB program is lacking the support it need in order to become the best it can be. It's not the IB students or parents but the lack of Administrative support. The IB coordinator is doing all she can do with little or no help. Instead of being a friend, we need to help all the young people at this school to become responsible, educated, and moral adults. Looking at the majority at this school, I can't say that this is the case.
--Submitted by a parent

The faculty at this school is ABSOLUTELY GREAT, but the kids are a quite different story. Thank God, there are a few great students that keep you going.
--Submitted by a teacher

I use to teach at this school. I left in good standing with administration but I must give an honest review. I have never worked at a school which allows profanity and disruptions. Teachers were discouraged to report such incidents for such a long time that profanity became the 'norm.' I heard other teachers say. 'I will not waste time reporting profanity.' It was said very freely as students walked down the hall. African American students called each other the 'N' word often. Administration did not seem to take it seriously when students made racial comments to teachers. There were frequent fights and classroom disruptions. Students could curse a teacher out and get one period of ISS. The principal cautioned us about speaking to students in an authority manner but they were free to do pretty much what they wanted to do. Southside is a very dangerous school.
--Submitted by a teacher

Southside is a great school if you want to have no life hat so ever outside of studying all of the time, and be in the IB program. Other than the IB program, I do not think the academics at Southside are all that great. Southside does have a great forensic debate team and great basketball. The chorus is pretty good too. I don't remember anything about art from the whole time I was there though, unless you went to the Fine Arts School for half the day, which isn't actually a part of Southside.
--Submitted by a former student