Southwest Middle School

6030 Ogeechee Road

School District

Chatham County
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Chatham 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 November 15, 2024

Where do i even startSouthwest Middle School is often regarded as one of the worst schools due to its various shortcomings, which affect both students' academic success and their overall experience. One of the primary issues lies in the outdated and uninspiring curriculum. The academic programs are not rigorous enough, and students often feel bored or disengaged due to a lack of challenging material. The teachers, while generally well-meaning, often fail to stimulate intellectual curiosity, and the assignments provided don’t challenge students to think critically or creatively. As a result, many students are left feeling unprepared for the demands of high school, and their potential is not fully realized. Beyond the academics, the school offers limited extracurricular opportunities, leaving students with few options to develop their interests or talents outside of the classroom. Whether it's sports, arts, or clubs, Southwest Middle School offers a very narrow range of activities that doesn't appeal to the diverse interests of the student body. This lack of variety leads to a sense of stagnation, and students feel their time at school is wasted. To make matters worse, the school’s physical facilities are outdated and poorly maintained, creating an uncomfortable environment for learning. The classrooms are often overcrowded, the air conditioning doesn’t work properly during the hot months, and basic necessities like working bathrooms or clean hallways are scarce. These issues make the school feel less like a place of learning and more like a neglected institution. The school's communication with parents and students is also inadequate, leaving everyone in the dark about important updates or changes. Parents are often frustrated with the lack of information, and students feel unsupported when they struggle academically or socially. Lastly, the school’s culture is another major drawback. There is little school spirit or sense of community, which results in students feeling disconnected from one another and the school itself. The lack of unity and pride in the school leads to an overall lack of motivation, with students simply going through the motions rather than feeling inspired or passionate about their education. For all of these reasons, Southwest Middle School consistently fails to meet the needs and expectations of its students, making it one of the worst schools in the area.
Submitted by student on November 14, 2024

Where do I even begin? South West Middle School is, without a doubt, one of the most frustrating and disappointing educational institutions I’ve ever encountered. From the moment we enrolled, it was clear that this school was disorganized and lacked any real commitment to providing a quality education. The administration is completely inept—there's zero transparency and no clear communication with parents. If you want any updates on your child’s progress or behavior, don’t expect them to be proactive; you’ll have to chase down every bit of information yourself, and even then, you’ll get vague, unhelpful responses.As for the teachers, they seem either overwhelmed or apathetic. The few who try to engage with the students are constantly bogged down by administrative chaos, and the rest don’t seem to care at all. Academic standards are extremely low, and there’s little to no accountability for students who disrupt classes or fall behind. It’s clear that the focus is not on student success but on keeping the status quo going.The school's facilities are outdated and poorly maintained. From broken-down classroom furniture to lack of proper technology, it’s evident that there’s no real investment in creating a conducive learning environment. But honestly, the state of the physical building is the least of the issues here—the lack of safety and discipline is what truly stands out. Students roam the halls, causing disruptions without any real consequences, and it’s obvious that bullying and behavioral problems are not being properly addressed. This school has failed in nearly every aspect, from the administration to the classrooms to the environment. If you value your child’s education, mental health, and future, do not send them here. South West Middle School does not deserve even one star, but sadly, it’s the lowest rating I can give. This place needs a complete overhaul, starting with the leadership.
Submitted by student on November 01, 2024

I was disappointed with my experience at Southwest Middle School. While the facilities are decent, there are significant issues that need to be addressed.Firstly, the communication between teachers and parents is lacking. I often felt out of the loop regarding my child’s progress and important school events. Additionally, the support for students struggling academically seems insufficient. It would be beneficial to have more resources or tutoring programs available.The school culture also leaves much to be desired. There have been reports of bullying that don't seem to be adequately addressed, which creates an unwelcoming environment for some students.Lastly, the cafeteria food is often unappetizing, and healthier options are limited. This affects students' overall well-being and ability to focus during classes.I hope the administration takes these concerns seriously to improve the experience for current and future students.
Submitted by student on October 07, 2024

save your children from coming here while you still can. This school is extremely draining the teachers arent understanding at all and i cant take it anymore. Sending your child here will most likely spiral them into depression and this no form of joke.
Submitted by student on September 26, 2024

they are a bad school do not let your kids go here a fight was going on nobody stopped it and a kid got hurt really bad that they had to call the ambulance that mean they do not pay attention to there kids
Submitted by other on August 14, 2024

School is bad please don't send your kids here it's a terrible school.My bro got bullied on his first day and he had to deal with racism, luckily he got out of this school immediately.Some students make disgusting and nasty jokes that aren't funny. Some teachers are nice but there's ones that don't even care of the students. school cafeteria is terrible and the food is disgusting.Send your students to different school except this one because there's bullies and people who are racist, teachers don't even do anything about it which makes things worst for the innocents at this school. DO NOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2024

Academic wise my child is doing good, however as an outsider looking in, this school's administration needs to step it up. It seems that there is no discipline for kids who step out of line. Why do students and parents have to sign the conduct of it's not being enforced! Hold parents and students accountable. Clearly it starts at the BOE and trickles down to the school admin (principal). It's no way one student acting out in class should affect the entire classroom. What happened to detention, ISS, and OSS? TThis school has potential, but a new principal maybe needed to get this school to greater heights!
Submitted by other on December 30, 2023

one the Frist day of school my son told me try try to pick a fight with him and his no a problem make maker or he doesn't like drama or picking fights this school fix this or they need to closed this school if they can't handle it
Submitted by student on March 29, 2023

This school is terrible. I only have like 30 days left of this school and i cant wait till im out of here. Ms jackson and ms bryant assign work then just get on there phone. Ive looked at another reviews and this school hasnt changed since 2009 Theres always has to be drama or a fight every day. There are some actual good teachers like mr kelly who stop these fights. It focuses so much on special education there are some that barely seem to be mentally ready for school. If i could leave 0 stars i would
Submitted by teacher on April 06, 2021

I am a teacher and would not send my own child to this school. The lack of admin support, teachers that "have taught for 20 years" so I know everything while many good teachers move out of district. Spoke to a colleague in Effingham where they moved because of Southwest Middle and Elementary School. Stated "Some of the teacher's are great especially their first, but one year at the elementary school, a teacher who taught for many years was not the least helpful or concerned about learning." If you are a parent, teacher, or student, I will warn you that the schools promotes mediocrity and does not hold students accountable. On average, the attendance during COVID for some classes is 50 percent and many students are bumped to pass so the teacher's do not "have to deal with it".
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2018

This school will never be great until the admin grows a pair and deals decisively with the behavior problems. More expulsions and time in Juvenile Hall are the only way to protect the rights of those who want to learn.
Submitted by other on July 03, 2015

This used to be a very good school in 2006 when we bought our home here (8 or 9 out 10 on greatschools.org). Around 2008 a new, ineffective principal replaced Ms. Ball-Oliver, and superintendent Lackamy redrew school district lines in Savannah. Since then, there have been mass fights in the halls, and the school has dramatically declined. I wouldn't send my child here or any public school in the Savannah district if I could afford it. The cycle of poverty model and lack of emphasis on education by some families in this area is evident. The school needs to make this a safe place for children to learn again. I truly feel bad for the teachers, students and parents who have to put up with the few out of control students and their parents that are not held accountable. Teachers are constantly spending more time trying to maintain order in their classrooms than teaching, and they receive little help from the administration or the parents of those students. The students who are negatively impacting the learning environment need harsher consequences from the school administration (such as more out of school suspension) that places a heavier burden on their parents to encourage them to do something about the problem. Remove the students causing problems and get this school back on track. Sadly, as bad as it is, this is an average school for the Savannah District.
Submitted by other on February 06, 2014

This school is the worst school I have ever experienced in my entire life. The teachers don't care about the students and after two weeks we had to take him back out because his grade in all subjects dropped to almost failing. He now lives with us ,so he could go back to his old school. He was in band , the never played an instrument , they just did theory, as were in his old school he already had a christmas concert. The teacher had told him to bring his instrument to show the other students that he can play. I am asking myself what kind of teaching curriculum they have over there, I thought all the public schools in georgia have the same curriculum . II thought being a teacher is something to be proud of , but I guess at southwest Middle school all they care about is having a paycheck.
Submitted by other on January 20, 2014

This school is absolutely atrocious. I just moved here and I'm a student in seventh grade, and I dislike this school so much. I've joined the student council expecting to do great things for the school but nothing ever happens in the meetings. I also met all the requirements for the honor roll, but was never invited to the awards ceremony. That's the other thing; all the assemblies or awards ceremonies are always disorganized. Always my teacher favors this one girl, who never does that great of a job when it comes to projects, because she brings her markers and tissues and food! The connections classes are horrible. In technology the teacher never taught anything and expected the class to just read from the book. My grade in that class ruined my average on my report card. I just can't wait to move again or switch schools, because I feel like this school is lowering my intelligence and making me feel more pressured. The worst school I have EVER attended. Try not to move into this area or if you do apply to another school. (Chatham County is chose school meaning you can choose which school you want to go to)
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

Can't get anyone to call me back and my daughter was a b student last year at her old school now she is failing two classes and never has homework. They don't keep you in the loop as far as what your children are doing in class.
Submitted by other on August 24, 2013

THIS SCHOOL STINKS TEACHER S ARE RUDE AND GOT THE NERD TO SAY HAVEN STINKS I WOULD HAVE NEVER WENT TO THIS SCHOOL IF MY MOM DIDNT MAKE ME
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2013

let me tell you.......the counceler sucks she sits there all day long and don't return phone calls.my child wanted to get out of pe because she already did and it took forever guess where she is now. pe still after 3 weeks she said something. i am uncofterble that someones stares at her when she is in the locker room the teachers are the ones that does it. also that school is unsanitary they were termights in the hummanities classroom and eww not rigt flying all around them.hair always in the food.not a good school stem academy here we come
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2013

DO NOT send your child to this school... I had recently moved to this area, my son (7th) grade came from A honor roll. After 2 months in this school his grades went to 30's. The teacher would not issue his book during class for homework, so he couldn't complete it, this went on for over a week. He was the only white kid in his class, which is a lot of pressure for any ethnic background coming to a new school. I have had to have a conference with the principal to get the book and his student id issued. The counselor is a major joke, would never return any calls, had to call dept. of Education to actually get her to do what she was supposed to do. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND NOT moving into this school disctric, middle OR elementary. I don't know what kind of circus they are running at the school, but between terrible, unprofessional administration all the way around, the student bullying that is overlooked, and just the filthyness of the school in general is ridiculous and it infuriates me that our tax money is running this circus.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2012

There is no feedback from the teachers. The kids are not allowed to bring their texbooks home and no other resource was give to us. My daughter struggles every night doing her homework and searches the net to answer her questions. This is just the worst school she has ever attended.