South Avenue School

My son tested out of reading intervention in Kindergarten and although we read all summer long, by his 1st grade year it was determined he needed help again. 3 times a week he met with a male teacher for extra reading help from November to February. This plan proved to be highly effective resulting in reducing the meeting down to twice a week from February to June. My son exceeded the reading level goals of G-H (P&F criteria) by 3rd quarter, successfully reading level I-J at 98% and 35wpm according to the 4th quarter report card. The head teacher ran a class size of 19 and for the most part remained relatively consistent throughout the school year with at-home assignments, snap words and 3 books sent home each night. I mostly appreciated that she graded the students' class work. Class work seemed to be progressive in nature, appropriate and challenging. 1st grade was really fast-paced and required my husband and I to dedicate an hour each morning and approx an hour or more after school with our son to be certain he wouldn't fall behind but overall our family is happy with his experience thus far. One concern I have is the lack of diversity within the teaching staff. I read that currently the school is 84% white female, I'm hoping more poc and male educators are recruited. Job postings alone may not be as effective today as they once were.

The overall moral of this school is awful. Every year so many kids leave because their kids are depressed, discouraged and hate school. Despite an ongoing “positivity project” the students and teachers continue to bully, gaslight and generally just don’t seem to care. The gym teacher can’t even get the kids to enjoy a game of tag they are all just walking around the gym ignoring him while he’s on his phone. There is no meaningful art or music curriculum, they have a wonderful library and yet the kids read books off a white board. It’s sad that is is the elementary school experience for these kids they deserve better.

HORRIBLE SCHOOL. If you have a choice in placement do not send them here. They don’t communicate well. The principal and vice principal are incompetent and have done nothing to secure the safety of my child. HORRIBLE. I would give zero stars if I could.

Since 2020 the school has been a nightmare. They continue to overpromise and under deliver. There were disruptive children in my child's class and despite numerous meetings and conversations about all the issues, nothing was done. The other review is 10000% correct that the principal WILL NOT confront other parents about issues going on. Other teachers would enter the classrooms due to the disruption. Their mission statement and policies are bold face lies. There are no consequences taken to protect other children, nothing is upheld. My child was subjected to vulgar language daily, physical attacks, objects being thrown, sexual harassment, horrific profanity in the bathrooms, loss of lesson time due to disruption on several occasions... the list goes on & on. My child would come home every day and say guess what happened today, or would say we learned how to be mean to one another today. And instead of dealing with the issues and getting children the help they deserve, they will push you out instead of dealing with confrontation. Hands down the worst decision we have ever made!