Southern Hills Middle School

1500 Knox Drive

School District

Boulder Valley Re 2
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Boulder Valley Re 2 School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by student on September 18, 2024

For sure the best school in BVSD!I have lots of friends that go to other schools in the district (Manhattan, Centennial, Summit, etc...)The classes are really challenging if you do the advanced track in math and LA, but not as challenging as Summit (probably a good thing). They are also perfect for getting you ready for high school.Teachers are all super nice the only bad experience I've had was when a substitute said a bad word to a kid but she got fired right away.Another nice thing is its super easy to change your schedule if you mess it up.As far as the actual student population goes, its a 9/10.While there are cliques (as there are at every school), they aren't super obvious, and everyone is included.I don't think there are any drugs, but there is one group of 5-6 people that vapes (only in 8th grade).Facilities kind of all got re-done as I arrived at the school!New sound system just got installed, with a new soundboard, monitor speakers for band students, and state-of-the-art (kinda) speakers.New heating/cooling system but it gets out of whack sometimes so every once and a while there are really cold rooms in the summer.Wonderful gyms, floor gets re-finished every summer. There are two gyms because one room used to be a pool (big gym) and lots of equipment including skateboards, archery, yoga, and we use the Fairview track for running the mile and playing football.Also BRAND NEW tennis courts: they literally just got refinished over the summer of 2024! Kickball field, football field, gaga ball pit, 4 square courts.Also if you are into skating the whole school is skate-friendly after school, so you can grind the benches and the rails (honestly the whole front courtyard kinda looks like a skate park)NJHS and 360 leader programs are available in 8th grade.It takes about 2 minutes to walk the school end to end and passing period is 4 minutes so you should be fine (small school).Cross country and track teams are HUGE! Practices are like a stampede of buffalo.Overall best BVSD school if you are looking to have a good time in middle school.Hope you find this review helpful!
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2024

I’m surprised to see the nature of the negative reviews for this school. My child has just completed their first year at Southern Hills, and it was a wonderful experience. The teachers challenged and guided them, my child did not experience or witness any bullying (though I’m very sorry for those who did not share that experience), and teachers went out of their way to communicate with parents about upcoming topics and projects. I feel fortunate that my kids are getting a far superior middle school experience than I’ve seen in other places. Perhaps the incoming principal will address the issues raised by other reviewers here.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2024

I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the school's operations and its impact on student welfare. It comes from a place of genuine concern for the well-being of our children.I've noticed a concerning trend where the pursuit of educational precision seems to be prioritized over the overall well-being of our students. This imbalance has led to several distressing issues that I believe need urgent attention:Bullying: It's disheartening to know instances of bullying persist across all grade levels. It's creating an environment that's not conducive to our children's mental and emotional health.Discrimination: There have been reports circulating about discriminatory practices, which raise questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the school's environment.Disciplinary Measures: The disciplinary actions taken sometimes feel too severe and intimidating, which is counterproductive to fostering healthy relationships between students and teachers.Body Searches: Reports of unwarranted body searches are deeply concerning. It violates our children's rights and privacy, causing unnecessary distress.Communication Issues: There's a noticeable lack of communication among the staff, from top-level management to the teachers. This breakdown in communication is leaving many parental concerns unaddressed.Inconsistent Policies: The absence of clear and consistent policies only adds to the confusion and frustration among both students and parents.Furthermore, I and other parents are aware that some teachers lack appropriate boundaries and fail to communicate with students in a constructive and kind manner. Which is having a detrimental impact on the learning environment and our children's morale.It's crucial that these issues are addressed promptly and comprehensively to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. I believe it's time for the school administration to take decisive action to rectify these shortcomings and implement proactive measures to prevent their recurrence.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2023

This waterpark was very fun to go to. although the lines were not well managed and the hot dog stand was closed.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2022

Not impressed. Our child has been at So. Hills for less than a year. He was bullied and this school handled it OK. But when a teacher was doing a HORRIBLE job, the principal refused to acknowledge that there was a real problem with the class structure, and his best solution was to have my child spend the class period in the office basically in detention, even though it was the teacher that sucked. To be clear about the situation, my child was in an exploratory wheel theater class and the teacher assigned all but 3 students parts or jobs in a play. My child was one of the 3 who were excluded from the class every day for over a month. If he asked what he could do, he was told to clean up after the other students or do homework for his other classes, it didn't actually matter to the teacher what he was doing so long as he was quiet and didn't expect to learn. This teacher is also a LA teacher so it's not just a small part time teacher situationp. In addition to the bullying, bad teacher and poor administrative leadership, the general vibe at the school is pretty exclusive and lacks inclusivity and tolerance. I can say this with confidence because my older child attended Manhattan Middle School and it had a much more inclusive, supportive vibe. Luckily, we were able to open enroll back to Manhattan so my child won't have to be at So Hills very much longer.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2020

Our family has loved our first year at SHMS. Smart kids appear to thrive here. Bright kids are challenged and there is no stigma for being a strong learner. Drugs and typical troubles haven't been a part of our child's experience here.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2019

My son is currently in Grade 7 and has fantastic year, his grades are excellent, he is motivated and enjoys all his classes and teachers. He has good relationship with his teachers and respects them. He has made friends and has participated in school sports.
Submitted by student on April 09, 2018

I think it was wonderful and would suggest this school to anyone in the area.
Submitted by student on December 11, 2016

The academics here aren't necessarily challenging except for some of the math curriculum. Although these classes are not difficult there are many people that I know that slack off during school and mess around too much, and I feel that could eventually impact the hard-working students. The teachers overall are satisfactory, except a few teachers that will not be named are not as good as you would hope. The facilities are nice, but I think instead of two gyms they could expand the auditorium. The office staff are rather strict, and it can sometimes be quite irritating. I know that this school has a lot of potential and has a lot of things to work on as well, so I would recommend this middle school if your student is studious and can make the right decisions
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2016

The school is reasonably well rounded in terms of academics and activities. The band is very good. intermurals are open to all kids. English and math can be challenging. Social studies and science are much less so. There isn't too much homework. No real drug or drinking issues. There probably is too much control by the current principal.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

My child has excelled due to the more competitive environment. After being involved in programs in the school I feel we have made the right decision in transferring our child there. After reading all the reviews I am convinced that anonymous bashing is for immature people. If you have a legitimate issue stand up and be held accountable like those you bash. If there is a problem you should want to fix it. Otherwise shut your cowardly yap, Monte Miles
Submitted by other on August 20, 2013

I went to Southern Hills for 3 years and there is absolutely no way that Mr. Gillach (the principal) is a pervert. We did not get suspended for having candy and we were not shuffled through the hallways with our heads down. No, ignorant parent, Southern Hills is an excellent school. I think the reason it's so good is because it's not as academically challenging as say Summit, but there are lots of higher level classes offered. Even if you aren't the school loving type, you will find the teachers to be great and lots of friends.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2013

Great School. The parents that complain about how the school is run might not be teaching them respect and discipline at home. That's not the school's job- it's YOURS, so don't complain when you get a call from the principal. For god sakes, teach your kids some manners before sending them off to school! Good academically. Creative teachers who focus on projects vs. just memorize and take tests. Right amount of homework. Flexible if family needs/wants to travel. Very respectful of the kids. Safe. Plenty of volunteer opportunities for parents. Plenty of after-school activities.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2012

I forgot to add that my 6th grader was allowed to snack in just about every class had and we unfortunately had a horrible tardy record but my child never was suspended or expelled or even threatened as such. I mean to the tune of more than a dozen tardies all year. Therefore, beware of the 1 star review below - it's a bunch of bull. I actually felt my child's teachers were too lenient on letting my child eat in class because I thought maybe it was a distraction. I forgot to add that I wish this school did a better job preparing kids for final exams. If you're going to give a final exam might as well make it a learning process and this school does not do a good job at this. However, overall, I am thankful my child is at this school and not our neighborhood school, Manhattan, where I hear kids make out in the hallways among other things. I'm no prude but 12 year olds making out? Really?
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2012

I have a child entering 7th grade at Southern Hills. GOOD: The culture of the school is one of strong accountability. The principal knows every kid and sets very clear boundaries for what behavior is acceptable. I have no idea what the other reviewer was talking about regarding the principal being a pervert. I have never witnessed or heard anything of the sort and I guarantee I would have yanked my kid out of this school if it were the case. This school provides a safe environment for kids to learn compared to other Boulder middle schools. Good accelerated language arts teachers - especially 6th grade accelerated L.A. - fantastic. Caring, involved counselors and excellent communication between the administraton and parents. BAD: My 6th grader twiddled their thumbs in 7th grade Math - new teacher who was inexperienced and overall useless. Science was a big disappointment as well considering the resources Boulder has in the scientific community. I hear 7th grade science teacher is excellent... New orchestra teacher this year - not near enough challenge for advanced kids so a big disappointment. French class was a total joke. Not enough diversity - socioeconomically or otherwise.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2011

Some glaring flaws in administration are compensated for by a great group of kids. Lunches are made fresh daily and are healthy, but the program must support itself to continue. Facilities are below standard and make all school functions a nuisance (i.e. not enough seating or parking, poor heating/cooling, horrible sound system for the school play). Infinite campus isn't used regularly by many of the teachers, email system fails often, real communication with the principal is discouraged since he doesn't take criticism well (I haven't tried because he responded publicly and argumentatively to criticism he received privately from others-not me-concerning problems with the daily homework email). They took up books before final exams were finished and called students individually to turn in locks while final exams were being given. Luckily my son got to finish his science exam just before his name was called. Others had to leave and come back and lost time to take the test. Staff convenience trumps education. Classes aren't as challenging as the 7-rated school my son attended in Tennessee.
Submitted by other on April 13, 2011

My friend and I attend and have been attending Southern Hills for the past three years. Now, as high school looms around the corner, we are thankful for the responsibility and study skills SHMS has taught us. The atmosphere is great, and the courses are just right: challenging but not too hard. The teachers are most creative and fun in 6th, and really welcome and embrace new students.