William Southern Elementary School

4300 South Phelps Road

School District

Independence 30
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:8
Type

public

School Map for Independence 30 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 parent on January 02, 2020

I wish they would get staff in who actually love to do what they have spent years in school learning to do.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2018

I have to kids in this school and absolutely love it. All thier teachers have been wonderful.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2016

My child has attended this school so far through K & 1st grade. He has been fortunate enough to have some really great teachers, but he always seems to get the class that the teachers leave (his K teacher finished out the year and moved to another school district), his 1st first grade teacher got married and moved out of state and his 2nd first grade teacher finished out the school year and retired. The before and after teachers are wonderful, both this year and last year. I'm not totally crazy about the principal. I have not had any bad interactions with her, she was pleasant enough, but she had a certain vibe that didn't set well with me. Honestly though I can't say anything negative about her. Regardless if I did, she too is getting married and is moving on so the 2016-2017 school year will have a different principal. I plan to keep my son there unless something changes (me deciding to move to another area of town, etc). He does well there and we both enjoy the students and staff that we have interacted with. Overall, I do believe this is a good school based on my experience.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2015

My children attended this school before we moved and they had to move schools. They had amazing teachers and staff. We never had a problem with any teachers or staff. The principal is a different story. She only cares about her image and not the children. I had a concern with intruder policies, can't be to safe these days, and I addressed those concerns with her and the teachers. My son's teachers showed me the drills and assured me they would be doing everything to keep my children safe. The principal acted like I was wasting her time and she had better things to do. When I would ask a question she would become defensive, rude and arrogant. One time my children ran into her outside of school and they said HI to her, she looked at them, ignored them and walked away. What kind of principal does that?!!? Overall though the school is a good school and as long as your child gets a good teacher, they will have a good experience at William Southern.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2014

Awesome school teachers are are wonderful sad that my daughter will be going to middle school next year my kids love this school. I would recomend this school to anyone wanting to get there kids in to a school where the teachers care
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2014

I was under the impression at first that it was a good school but as time rolled on they stopped my daughters special services because they felt she was not eligible when I know she is. My daughter has also had run ins with bullys .and comes home tense and very upset. Your child will benefit better if u have a car to take them back and forth at least they don't have to be terrorized by bullies on the bus. Background check takes forever for them to complete so u can attend field trips. I am disappointed with this school.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2013

I absolutely adore this school. I was very hesitant because of some of the reviews and even a few things I've heard from family and friends but I have been more than proved wrong. We are currently having some behavioral issues and trying to work on a solution and every last staff member has been on board with helping. They have been helpful and patient, I couldn't be happier with how they're handling it. I don't feel like the horrible parent, I feel like I have a child that's trying to adjust and a staff that just wants the best for him, even when they have so many other students to work with. They let me, my husband, my father-in-law and my mother-in-law be as involved as we like to and even encourage anyone and everyone to be involved. The new principal seems fantastic to me. From what I've heard, this school has come a long way since she has been here and I'm sure that's no easy task. I have not found one thing I dislike or would change. I feel like they take pride in their school and their students and we're looking forward to another 5 great years with William Southern!
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2013

I have two children in this school and love it. The staff is wonderful. All the staff is very nice and helpful. I try to be very involved in my childrens school and they let me do that.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2012

My son suffers from ADHD and I have had excellent help from his teachers. The teachers are understanding and have worked with him and I on solutions to any problem that arises. The principle on the other hand has no IDEA what it is like to be a single parent and have to handle a child with ADHD. She immediately made me feel like I was a horrible person for not wanting my son put on medication, which I recently did but not for her benefit but for his. She needs to live in the real world and worry about parents and students needs not her paycheck.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2012

This school's leadership has no integrity or class. This has to be hands down the worst school in the district. My daughter who has always loved school suddenly started not wanting to go anymore. The reason was because she got a teacher from mars (the teacher makes a lot of mistakes grading papers, gives wrong AR reading scores, transposes numbers, gives wrong information, and the list goes on and on) this year and a new principal who cares more about her image than helping teachers and students be their best. My words of advice is DO NOT buy a home in this community, do not rent, do not even think about putting your intelligent child in such a worthless school. Do what a lot of other parents wish they'd done a lot sooner, one word, RUN!!!! FAST!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2012

This school has a principal that is very vendictive. She holds grudges against children and their parents if they bring up a concern about a teacher or happening in the school, she goes into complete cover-up mode, she fakes smiles, swings her over processed hair, and all while being dishonest to parents about what is going on in the school with our kids. She has no clue what she is doing, has no people skills, and is in great need of training. This school is a complete joke! I'm so glad I removed my kids.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2010

WOW if it wasn't for this school and his teacher my child would not have developed the way he did. Thank you William Southern.
Submitted by other on October 06, 2009

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Submitted by parent on July 30, 2009

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Submitted by teacher on July 30, 2009

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