8 Poolside Ct #P4-T4
Catonsville, MD 21228

As a parent, I would give Southwest Academy a 4/10. My child’s experience there has been frustrating and disappointing. The rules are overly strict and often unnecessary. I understand not allowing open-toe shoes or slides for safety, but banning crocs is excessive. The uniform policy is also unreasonable—students can’t even wear a simple cardigan unless it matches the uniform colors exactly, even though the uniform is still fully visible. Kids get cold at school, so of course they want to wear a hoodie or a cardigan, but not everyone can afford to buy the exact matching cardigan. My child had their phone taken away while they were doing classwork, even though they weren’t on it at all. Many classrooms lack energy, some students are openly disrespectful, and several teachers come off as rude or uninterested in helping. The principal, Robin Bomar, seems more focused on enforcing harsh rules than creating a safe, supportive environment. The hall monitors are mostly overly aggressive and act more like security than support staff, but the only good ones are Mr. Leslie and Mr. Newman. This school does not feel like a place where students are truly cared for or encouraged to succeed.

I went to this school for 7 years (pre-k to 5th grade), and the teachers are very welcoming and fun! Most teachers give help if needed and are love teaching/talking to students.

This school has been beautifully renovated. Administration is responsive and supportive. The principal is active and accessible. Woodlawn has a lot of hidden gems with new programs, sports teams, and staff. So much has improved here in recent years.