Southside Elementary School

823 Stansbury Street

Starke, FL 32091

School District

Bradford
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

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 April 10, 2020

Terrible. My son has an IEP and has gotten worse grades as he progresses. The administration has changed SEVERAL times since even starting and so has his teacher. I wasn't even notified he had a different teacher/sub/ whoever any of the times they changed except for this last time. They said they didn't have my new contact information, but somehow they call me about my other child in the school. Any progress or communication with staff is extremely frustrating and makes zero progress. I feel like this school is basically useless as far as learning/progressing goes ESPECIALLY for children who need extra help. Getting my kids out BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2019

Terrible this is the worst school I've ever encountered
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2019

HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! Do not send your kids here
Submitted by other on March 28, 2016

because when i went to this school it was the best years of my life.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

From day one in the afternoon waiting to pick my child up from school where they ask of you to stand until your childs name is called for car riders the women that work their look at you real funny their undfriendly and just a negative vibe about them
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2014

I've been dealing with several issues with this school fRom the start of the year. My son a kindergardner, has been targeted and discriminated against for having a disability. While his grades are above average his disability had caused a huge problem. While meeting with the school guidance counselor apon request of my sons doctor to implement an IEP plan the guidance counselor in his exact words said " an IEP will do your son no good at all your doctor is simply wrong. Him giving you advice about education is like me giving medical advice. Your son is to smart to need an IEP. " this guidance counselor not knowing that as my profession I work directly with behavior specialist . intelligence has no bearing on disability or need. even individuals with genius level IQ's can have a disability that in time will affect their ability to access to curriculum properly.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2013

Here are some facts for you to consider: 1. The school population is a around 600 but the cafeteria seats 400 squeezed so the younger grades end up eating lunch at 10 am while the older kids eat lunch almost until school is out (3pm). So your child is hungry having eaten lunch so early or waiting so late 2. The kids that attend the dances held for various PTA fundraisers do not offer a single refreshment to the kids attending and lack complete organization that would make this memorable, While digging in the parents pocket for $ for the dance. Where is the money going that you cant afford to offer at least refreshment. 3.Physical Education at 2nd grade consists of 20 min roll taking and playing WII tennis. I mean really were trying to get them away from video games don't hand them a controller and say here this is PE. The staff while kind is outmanned and outgunned. All good intentions go out the window if your class is overloaded and you have difficulty meeting curriculum due to time restraints. This is just a few examples so yes I have done my research and these are the undeniable facts. Southside Parent..
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2012

As a parent, I am VERY unhappy with Southside! My daughter has been bullied, and has been neglected a bit. She loves her teacher, but either the classes are too full or the teacher isn't paying attention... I don't know which but I have seen the Asst. Principal thought things would be taken care of, nope, have a call in to the Principal, we'll see what happens. I can say this, I want my daughter out of there if this is how her years there will be, she is only in K! UGH!!!
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2012

As a parent of two children that have attended Southside Elementary School in Starke. I am very proud to be a Shark! The previous review evidently does not know the facts! Our population is around 600 it has never been 1000! Our school is over 50 years old but has the kindest and most compassionate staff around. We rarely turn children away. We have a wonderful supportive PTO that I have proudly have been the President of for the last 7 years. Do your research before you listen to disgruntled people. Sometimes personal problems are easier to blame on others than to take responsibility for.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2012

Terrible School! The Principal does not lead by example. The rules are implemented but the lack of leadership shows when there is no one making sure procedures are being followed. All school staff is rude and disrespectful to parents. The assistant principal is rude, unprofessional and careless. The office staff is rude and incompetent. The cafeteria staff and environment in general is awful. The worse I've ever seen. The cafeteria has a capacity for 400 students yet there are 1000 students in the school. The classrooms are overcrowded too. The bathrooms, classrooms and cafeteria are filthy always. Maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing are a main issue. There's no parent involvement because once you volunteer and find out what really goes on, the only choice is to run away! Just because the school gets rated due to a standardized test doesn't mean it's an "A" school.