Southgate Academy

850 West Valencia Road

School District

Southgate Academy Inc.
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

charter

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 31, 2024

terrible school locking up phones, my kids need to know if something happens or if i wont be home & to not wait for me or sometimes their aunt texts that theyre going to pick them up but no theyll never know.. its not safe & the school board makes dumb decisions for your kids & most likely will make the decisions for you & say they arent responsible
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2024

Love this school. It has provided education safely for my nieces and nephews since the year they first opened and now my youngest attends there as well.
Submitted by other on July 10, 2023

This is a wonderful resource for South Tucson!
Submitted by student on May 22, 2023

would do 0 stars if I could this school fails its students and lies to parents about stuff
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2023

The school doesnt have the essentials that it needs and people are always getting in trouble its a bad school
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2022

The school has improve a lot since the last 3 years.
Submitted by student on May 25, 2021

the school is the worst school ever because they do not teach anything
Submitted by teacher on August 14, 2020

I would give this school a 2/10 because the teachers do try their hardest, but are not supported by administration.
Submitted by principal on July 22, 2020

Love the compassion for students and the dedication the staff have towards the school community! Every child matters,
Submitted by teacher on August 26, 2018

Southgate Academy is a nightmare. I'm not sure how it's legally able to operate as a SCHOOL. There's no sense of leadership at Southgate Academy whatsoever. With overcrowded classrooms the kids pretty much do whatever they want all day--destroying school property, fighting, disrespecting everyone to no end, bullying. The list goes on and noting is done about it. No learning is done here. On top of that the place is always a disaster, it's SO filthy, from mice in the cafeteria to roaches in the classroom hallways. Minus the few genuine staff/teachers who work here, no one seem to be doing their job-they're just there for the paycheck. It's saddening that the more passionately/seriously you take your role at Southgate Academy the more you are treated poorly. They would rather have a working staff who will "look the other way" than genuine, hard-working people who do are willing to get things done right. Please, if you care about your child's *well-being* DO NOT enroll them into Southgate Academy's toxic environment. If you'd like to give your child the worst education possible and put them at risk for danger in all aspects, Southgate Academy is the school for you.
Submitted by other on May 09, 2016

The staff are truly care about the students learning and well being. I have two children who have been attending this school since Kindergarten and both of my children are happy to be a gator. Thank you Southgate Academy.
Submitted by student on November 22, 2015

I've been in this school for 8 years and I love it, it is amazing. All the students and the teachers make you feel like home, everyone knows everyone, that's why there is almost no drama because everyone gets along. The discipline program is amazing because since they know you, if you get in trouble they know how to control it and they know what kind of punishment to give you that would work perfect with you and that will 100% work for you. I also like it because the students that are in your class, don't change all day, that what there isn't different people in every period. All the students basically fit in with everyone, that's why I recommend this school if you are not too social, or have trouble meeting new people or making friends. If you don't like the big schools, I also recommend this one. I love this school so much, they are like my family.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2015

First off, I will not deny that Southgate has many challenges just many other schools out there. However, the staff and the Southgate community are actively making improvements. The children have a new playground complete with a basketball court. They have also put in a practice field with a small track. Every student gets free breakfast and lunch as well as two snacks. There is a sports program with football, basketball, volleyball and soccer. Our football team took second place in the state championships. The school is also providing good curriculum with solid instruction from caring teachers and staff. We have several families who are now attending Southgate, stating that our curriculum is harder than at their previous TUSD or Sunnyside schools. Yes, there is always room for improvement, just like any school. Southgate is the only school for my family. Next year, I will again, be the proud Mom of another Southgate Academy High School graduate. Go Gators!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2014

Funny how this school uses the "perception" scapegoat when issues are raised. "Oh it's all in your head, it's your perception." There are no perceptions in facts. Audits look good on paper and auditors will not know, but when you hire your family and friends with non teaching jobs giving double the salary of a struggling teacher with 30+ struggling kids, you are doing a disservice to the community. When there is no library, that is not perception. Don't get hurt confused with truth. I don't feel anger, i am sad for all the kids who get poor education in exchange for lining ones pockets. I pulled my children out when they started getting mouthy and violent. I learned they learned it from this school because I did not teach them that. As for the flood, do something about it instead of using it as a crutch for poor education. I'm pretty sure insurance payed out very well. Another local charter school was compensated millions for a kitchen fire that burned half of the school, that school looks amazing. Or is it funding the admins fancy car lot in the poorest part of tucson. .
Submitted by teacher on November 05, 2013

Generally I do not respond to anonymous anything. I am sure it s purpose is to give opportunity to validate genuine concern especially if one does not feel safe expressing the need forthright. However, anonymous also gives opportunity for the writer to express anger and personal hurt rather than truth or fact. I can personally vouch for the Administration, who for the past 3 years, have given one week-end a month to working on school improvement along with countless summer hours devoted to helping Southgate reach its goals and taken wage cuts while navigating the school through major devastation due to the flood that destroyed 92% of our 94,000 sq ft building (Along with everything in it.) Southgate is audited every year. It is a State requirement, and SGA supports the mandate. It holds charters accountable & in compliance. Students do not run the school- another perception, not truth. (See YouTube Southgate Academy Perception Video done by our HS- it s great!) Every child deserves a fair opportunity for their voice to be heard, innocent and accused. Our Intervention Specialist is one of the best. It is awesome to have his 20+ yrs experience from TPD on discipline.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2013

This school needs to be audited for monetary allocation. To have the lack of resources and material for the children, yet other schools similar in size are functioning with resources to succeed. It is apparent this place is set up for financial prosperity for the owners, not the education of the children. The kids run the place and the discipline is minimal to keep attendance up which brings in the cash flow. Poor performance is scapegoated to demographics and population when in actuality, the lack of resources and support is what destroys achievement. Just look at other public schools with similar demographics, they are succeeding at a higher level. This place needs to be seriously looked at..
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2013

Over stuffed classrooms, unqualified teachers, no resources, mean classmates, my daughter was bullied on the playground, and the bully was right back the next day. She told teacher, nothing happened. Seems adults do nothing when it comes to behavior. Most teachers are good, but overwhelmed. My daughter says lot of the day is fixing behavior, not actual teaching..sad...there are better options near by
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

I am a parent and have had an awful experience with this school. My sons were at Southgate for three years. The teaching staff was good, knowledgeable and caring but the leadership in the school is terrible. They let the kids get away with anything and everything! It seems as if the school lets the kids run it instead of the adults. They also have been promising that the school would be fixed up and that our kids would be in nice classrooms in the building instead of portables. I pulled my kids after it seemed that Southgate can't keep its word.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2013

Parents please keep your children out of this school. We have had many horrible experiences with the staff. They are number ONE in misleading and have no business practices. The leaders need follow-up from the State.
Submitted by other on July 03, 2013

Well, aside from the easy to aquire drugs, the uncleaned facilites, the lack of a safe environment and proper school supplies... It's a horrible school, I've had teachers tell me to leave, in my honest opinion this is the worst school ever.