Southwest Elementary

2601 Burgaw Highway

School District

Onslow County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Onslow County 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 July 24, 2020

I have never really done reviews for schools because my kids have been in so many since we are military. But this year I think Southwest Elementary deserves and needs a review. With the pandemic messing with everyone’s lives, the teachers and staff at SWE have gone so far above and beyond the call of duty to make sure our kiddos had what they needed. I personally met with the Principal here who helped me make the decision as to whether or not I should try to hold my son back. She gave me personal materials of hers to try and help him over the summer. His teacher was on call at all times Incase he needed extra help or didn’t understand something. His special ed teacher reached out every week to make sure he was coping with the new normal. He has autism, so this pandemic has thrown him for a loop and twisted his schedule all around. But everyone at this school has been absolutely nothing but helpful. Between late night phone calls to make sure he was doing ok, or extra video chats on their personal time to re explain a math concept for him. They have made themselves so accessible for anyone and everyone that needs help. Thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication this year to making sure our kids had the best chance at success that they possibly could!!
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2020

My daughter came here for her 5th-grade year. She said it was the best year she had ever had. She struggled in math. Her math teacher face-timed her almost every night to help. At the end of the year, my kid got a level 5 on her math test! That has never happened before!Her reading teacher was amazing too and always kept my kid challenged.Whenever I had to go into the office those ladies were really nice. A couple of times, I heard them have to get tough with some parents wanting to come in without an ID or refusing to follow the rules the rest of us follow. The ladies were so professional and you could just feel how they put the kids first even if meant getting an earful from some parents.When I reached out to the principal, she gave me her personal cell phone number! I'd never had a school person do that before. She said to call or text anytime. Wow! She always responded to me when I called.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2019

Administration needs to tighten up and take charge.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2019

Great experience. Sad to be leaving to relocate. Sweet caring teachers and administration
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2018

Overall satisfied. The receptionist is wonderful. Good teacher communication
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2017

My family has had a great experience here. There is a new school principal this year who is highly regarded in the community. My student loves her teacher and has had only good interactions with all staff members. She has learned so much this year.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2015

I use to like this school until I met the school principal Gail Normally. .Shes is the worst, she's rude and has a very smart mouth.She's not about "no child left behind".She's about leaving a child behind by suspending them.The school would much better off without her.I wish I would've listened to others that told me about this school when i enrolled them.She needs to be replaced she's to old anyways.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2014

Overall, this is a great school. My children attended from K through second grade. One had a GREAT teacher in the inclusion classroom, the other was in regular education Kindergarten and did not learn much at all (most was just a review of pre K), first grade, one got a terrific teacher and one got a very disorganized weak teacher (weak in her instructional methods and her control of the classroom), the third grade teachers were great- no complaints, they followed the new Common Core Curriculum to a T. The best part about the school is the Autism classroom. Great teacher who genuinely cares about her students and is totally committed to their success. She is experienced and skilled in how to manage the special needs of students diagnosed with autism. The principal does not seem to support her teachers as much as she could and tries to use the system to her advantage as far as I have observed. She does not seem to care about the interests of the parents and always is rushed and argumentative.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2014

My child has attended this school for almost 4 years now. The teachers we have had, have been amazing. I do find that the principal is frequently unavailable and seemingly very cold. However, my child loves this school and his teachers. They strive to help those who are above grade level and work hard with those who are a little behind. I frequently volunteer and see this firsthand. What is important is my child's experience and my child is very happy here. I am confident in the education my child receives.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2012

Worst school ever!! Principal is frequently absent and staff is treated poorly and has bad attitudes as a result. Privacy is also an issue due to gossiping in front of students and parents. Parents are made to feel unwelcome-avoid this school if you can!
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2012

My granddaughter had her first school experience at Southwest. It was a wonderful experience for her, and set the standard by which she, her mother, and I try to maintain since having to move her to a different school. Thanks to the administration, the teachers, the staff, and contributing parents who have helped to set the bar for academic success and bright futures.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2012

My daughter attended Kindergarten at Southwest last year and has since moved to California where she is in 1st grade. I can say without question that Southwest was/is a wonderful school with resources that California "wished" they had. I do believe my daughter received a better education at Soutwest (ie: she was taking "Technology" in Kindergarten leaning in a computer lab.) Here in what is considered a "great school" they do not work with computers until their in the higher grades and they have over 20 students in lower classes without the aid of an asst. which my daughter had in Kindergarten at Southwest. They also lose out on 2 hours of education every Thursday (which equals 1 day a month or 9 days a school year because of "budget constraints". So, for those with the grass is greener on the other side you may be surprised just how lucky you are to have your children taught at SouthWest.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2011

The office staff has a habit of gossiping in front of visitors where there is cause for concern in student privacy. Once they miscommunicated a sick call, I left work to get him only to be informed my MIL picked him up...the confusion lead to the realization that THEY DID NOT CHECK HIS FILE BEFORE ALLOWING HIM TO LEAVE WITH ANOTHER ADULT. The orientation packet of forms we complete each year is pointless as they do not update student files, as I've repeatedly asked them to update my current address and phone numbers I've been using for 3 years now. Teachers either have it or they don't. Kindergarten was a disappointment, 1st & 2nd grade were amazing, this most recent 3rd grade year was a disgrace, as her adjustment to teaching a new grade level was poor. The principal is rarely available. Of the 4 times I've left messages for her over the years, she usually returned my call after 2-4 requests at least 1-3 full days later. Her focus on the matters were rushed, distant, and she seemed more interested in speaking than listening; her disrespectful demeanor is appalling. I've opted to travel 35 minutes each way to school next year rather than allow him to return to this school.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2010

My oldest son attended here-some teachers were good but others just seemed to only care about collecting a paycheck. The principal is absent frequently and doesn't make parents feel welcome at all, as well as treats staff members unprofessionally which I'm sure accounts for some of the teacher's poor attitudes. I'm glad my second child attends a different school.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2010

My children were there last year (2009/2010) and the school was amazing! My children just moved and were going thru a lot and everyone there made them and my self feel very comfortable and did everything in their ability to help them as well as me! My children and I miss that school very much!
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2008

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