Southshore Charter Academy in Riverview

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	5/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education, and using 2025 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education.
Student Growth	3/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Florida Department of Education.

Posted: August 3, 2026

This school sucks i couldn't wait til my kids left.

Posted: August 3, 2026

Posted: June 3, 2026

Low staffing high turn over. . Overcrowed classrooms.

Posted: June 3, 2026

Posted: March 9, 2026

I am a student at the school absolutely do not recommend. I have been in this school since the first grade and Ill be honest. The school was good at the start, but then it just kept getting worse as they changed that and got rid of more. Mold in the bathrooms they do not clean their bathrooms at all. Theres always pee everywhere and there one time there was poop under the toilet janitorial. System sucks theres bugs everywhere they let roaches inside their school inside the cafeteria. One time there was a rat running inside the cafeteria. They had to get the lunch lady to hit it with a broom. Moving onto their entertainment and parties horrible. Their school events are so terrible. They put no effort into it. They have been using the same decorations since I joined the school who knows how long theyve been in the storage room. They hired a new dean in ever since theyve hired the new dean all the school events Ive been getting canceled. Mainly leaving the school because of their new staff and lack of staff they cannot keep a teacher inside of a room for more than a month. Education sucks, we barely learn here even the teachers dont wanna be at the school. All the teachers look so tired and depressed here its so tiring. The dean is literally everywhere, they have like three good teachers to actually teach and enjoy their job. Food poisoning exist here. One time they gave us stale waffles. I convinced all the food they gave us is probably rotting in the back for who knows how long. This school might look like a good place until you join it. Im highly disappointed in how much school has changed in a horrible way. They lack keeping their staff teachers are leaving in the third quarter second semester. The teachers do not let you get water. I have PE before one of my classes and I asked to go grab water because I was hot and Ive asked her a lot of times because Im always sweating and burning and she never lets me get water so when I put my head down, she starts screaming at me. I miss when the school used to be good. They used to have good janitors, and good staff. Also aftercare is so overpriced. This school is so bad. I cant even put it into words how much this has changed over the last three years. Please do not invite your children inside the school unless you wanna be disappointed in regretted. Please take my review into Consideration and please do not enroll your children inside the school. Highly do not recommend. I cannot wait until I switch

Posted: March 9, 2026

The dean and principal are very rude and get kids in trouble for the worst reasons. The teachers are always leaving. Staff does not truly care for the kids and the needs. Serves bad lunch that sometime isnt fully cooked or is stale and expired. Would not recommend at all this school hasnt been the same since mr lee and mell left. Ive been here for over 7 years and it was good until a year or 2 ago.

Posted: March 9, 2026

Posted: February 26, 2026

I have 2 children currently attending. My 10 year was is repeating 3rd grade partially due to a turn over of 3 teachers in 1 year. My 13 year old was just kicked off the girls flag football for a 1st offense with her phone out the yonder pouch. The dean Absolutely broke her heart with no remorse and no consideration for an otherwise clean record even suspended her for a day! I know have heard several families were unsatisfied and even rumors of a law suit but was unwilling to believe it until I had a negative experience for myself. Well here it is. Thank God she only has 3 months left. Will be pulling the other out next year though. Not waiting for to see what else happens. Disappointed. Has not been the same since Mr. Lee left.

Posted: February 26, 2026

Posted: January 20, 2026

We are so disappointed to this school. Since August of 2025 up to now, our 1st grader never had a permanent teacher. So far, they already had 2 but the 2nd one will quit, again same as what happened to the 1st one. None of them update us about our daughter, on how she was doing in the class. We dont know whats going on. Because neither one of them doesnt reply to any emails or messages through talking points.
We love this school. But the system failed my daughter to learn more things. Its like empty, theres nothing going on to this school. Were pulling out our daughter and well try somewhere worth it.

Posted: January 20, 2026

Posted: September 1, 2025

We were thrilled when our two youngest children received a spot at this school. I experienced the public school environment with my older kids and after the first year, we were excited that this environment seemed to be more conducive to a positive learning environment. Boy, we were wrong! Last year was the first sign that open communication between the school and parents is non-existent. The teachers were inexperienced and test scores reflected such. Yet, since they've "earned" a 'B' rating, the administration doesn't care. My daughter was given summer school but we weren't even notified until the last day of school. When I attempted to reach out to the assistant principal for clarification, I was ignored. This year, they've messed up our class schedules. Putting my 6th grader in the wrong class twice and then removing my 8th grader from a course she's enjoying with zero warning. All the good teachers have left and I no longer recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: September 1, 2025

Posted: July 30, 2025

Over the past year, our experience with this school has declined significantly. While it was once a great environment, there have been numerous concerning changes that reflect poor management and lack of accountability.

My daughter was physically harmed by a classmate on two separate occasions, yet he was allowed to return to her classroom. This raises serious concerns about the schools approach to student safety and discipline. Additionally, despite maintaining strong grades, we were not informed until late in the school year that she was at risk of failing due to standardized testing performance. This lack of communication left us scrambling to hire a private tutor with only a few months remaining.

The school also distributed notices offering before- and after-school tutoring, but when we inquired, we found those programs did not actually exist.

My middle schooler experienced a complete lack of stability in science instruction multiple teachers cycled through, and most of the year was spent without proper guidance. The principals response was that students were using an online platform, which is not an adequate substitute for a consistent, qualified educator. This inconsistency has likely set my child behind academically.

Staff turnover is alarmingly high, the buildings air conditioning system is frequently nonfunctional, and attempts to engage administration such as inquiring about summer school opportunities went unanswered.

This school has unfortunately deteriorated quickly. For families seeking a safe, stable, and supportive learning environment, I recommend looking elsewhere.

Posted: July 30, 2025

Posted: May 8, 2025

This School sucks so badddd please do not take your kids here the teachers are so mean and carelesss all good teachers left so do not come here plus staff is worst and dont even get me started with the school lunch

Posted: May 8, 2025

Posted: February 23, 2025

The teachers are rude and like to lie a lot and still dont care if one of their students has problems or is upset in
any way.

Posted: February 23, 2025

Posted: January 28, 2025

I think overall this school is a pretty decent school, aside from the bullying and teacher/staff. Bullying is out of hand in this school, mostly fifth grade, kids bully people every day, and staff and teachers do absolutely nothing sometimes usually they will just send them to Ms Sams or something for a second. But Bullying can seriously affect someones life, emotional support staff are usually there to help though. At the lunchroom they expect a huge room filled with 100+ kids to not be loud? I think thats a little bit crazy.
As for teachers/staff, are decent, but honestly there are more nice then rude ,, staff are rude sometimes but they also apologize when they be to harsh. Sometimes they will be really harsh but usually for good cause. South shore charter academy is an overall amazing school.

Posted: January 28, 2025

Posted: January 8, 2025

I have been there 1 year and i have seen 37 fights

Posted: January 8, 2025

Posted: July 23, 2024

I am gonna be honest , everything at this school is not the greatest . Ive been at this school for a good minute and theres been so many dumb things people get in trouble for.Then for middle school they make us all cram against each other on two blue lines while they go in the middle and stop us every time someone opens there mouth so then people push up against each other and its a mess. Not even tryna put dirt on them but they pick teachers off the streets because Ive never had so many random teachers just come and go. I wish I could truly call it a learning environment but its always something new at the school then the rules are so pushed on us , we can be not the greatest students but everyone has different lives and go threw there own things so just to go to a school that people are asking if u want to taste there cotton candy crush in the bathroom or to have a teacher make u put on different pants because of the way your bodies built just adds on to them .The punishments for bad behavior are insane . I dont know why my friends are getting sent to kindergarten classes for hugging like thats gonna help . God bless this school and I just pray this school will just get leaded into a good direction. Love you

Posted: July 23, 2024

Posted: July 5, 2024

I am so pleased with Southshore Charter Academy. My son is entering his 8th grade year here, and I only wish we had started his education at Southshore Charter from kindergarten. My son is excited, even through his middle school years, about what he is learning, and he is truly excelling! The teachers are caring and really try to get to know the kids and offer guidance in a manner that the child needs. We had a major family emergency happen in my son's 6th grade year, and the school was available as he needed to help him through it, of course, after I engaged them, sharing our incident with them, so they could be there for him as well. This school is amazing on safety. One of the principal's primary goals is to always seek out and fundraise for safety equipment, and she does a great job meeting her goals. Finally, the school really does try to engage families with their children's learning. To be honest, I am not as available as I would like to be for this, but they don't give up on his family engagement that fosters his learning! I am very proud that my son attends this school, and I am very excited about his final year at Southshore Charter. It has definitely made me feel very positive about moving forward to a CSUSA school for high school as well.

Posted: September 20, 2023

STAY AWAY from this school! Bullying is a real problem here and the staff here does absolutely nothing about it. It is a very TOXIC environment. My child has been in tears every morning not wanting to go back to this school. I have finally decided to pull her out and place her in another school All of the terrible reviews you read about this school are all valid. My child has had nothing but issues with the staff and students here since her very first week of school. It had gotten to the point where my child would not even want to eat her lunch in school because the kids were picking on the foods she likes to eat. I do not know what kind of household these children were brought up in but they are nasty and rude. My child is very reserved and quiet. Being in this environment caused her to have a lot of unnecessary anxiety and she is more self conscious now than she has EVER been. All of that mental damage in just the FIRST month of school!! It is really bad.

Also- it has to be said- They cram SO many children into this tiny building. It is way overcrowded. It is entirely overwhelming. You have to sit in the carline for over an hour each day to pick up your child. This school does not have a library or a gymnasiumThey also have NO GUIDANCE COUNSELOR. What kind of school has no guidance for its students? It is like a prison for children.

I would suggest not to subject your children to this dreadful place.

Posted: September 20, 2023

Posted: May 27, 2023

This school is horrible no regards for kids and their feelings. The staff is very unprofessional and does not have the best interest for the kids or parents. I had to come to terms that this school was not a good fit for my kids due to bullying, teachers not caring and disregard emotions towards kids.

Posted: May 27, 2023

Posted: April 21, 2023

The school seems to be facing some major problems. There are concerns about the leadership of the principal, she is not supportive of the students and creates a hostile environment. The deputy director's behavior is aggressive and there are accusations of racism. Also, the communication and transparency of the school administration is terrible, like not notifying parents about the closures. The school's disciplinary practices are causing more problems than solutions, students spending more time getting into trouble than learning. To get a fuller understanding of the situation, you may want to read the school's Google reviews or visit its Facebook group, where there are videos detailing the type of leadership the principal provides.

Posted: April 21, 2023

Posted: February 13, 2023

I have 2 children that are on their second year attending this school. I just had my first interaction with the principal Ms. Sams and it left much to be desired. My child raised concerns that one of her teacher said he hated her amongst other unprofessional things. My child's mother requested a schedule change to which was declined by Ms. Sams and countered with a conference between just herself, my child and the teacher in question. We felt that we should also be in attendance to this conference so this counter was presented and accepted. During the meeting an additional teacher attended to voice other behavioral concerns. This seemed unusual since I had not received any communication via phone or email with regards to behavioral issues nor was anything indicated in progress report which I received a few weeks ago. This seems very much retaliatory and concerning. I heard them out and asked the question why was I not made aware of these issues after the initial or even the repeated occurrence, no answer only deflection. The teacher denied making the statements my child reported and Ms. Sams is set to deny the schedule change request even though all other teachers report good behavior from my child and she has 100% in this particular class. I point this out to say that the schedule change has nothing to do with grades. My child doesn't feel comfortable in the care of this teacher and nor do I of her mother but this doesn't seem to matter to Ms. Sams. During the scheduling of this meeting instead of referring to my child's records as they stand Ms. Sams saw it necessary to insight a witch hunt to try and demonize my child. I'm aware that my child as many has the tendency to have behavioral issues from time to time, my point it its the job of administration and staff to document and adequately advise the parents of such issues as they occur, not when claims are made against the staff. This doesn't invoke an environment of trust and Ms. Sams doesn't seem to be the embodiment of a person of understanding. As I voiced my concerns she only leaned on her many years of experience in education in that she knows best, such arrogance should have no place in positions of authority especially when dealing with kids.

Posted: February 13, 2023

This school is horrible. Do not send your kids here. They let teachers talk to the kids any kind of way and when we had a teacher / principle, and parent meeting about it, (that i requested because of my child crying to me about this teacher) they totally attacked the child's character instead of addressing the teacher who said the horrible thing. By the way my child only had problems with this one teacher and all the other teachers love my child. The principle does not care about the student. She only cares about her teachers even when they are wrong. No accountability. They refused to move my child out of that class. They are forcing my child to stay in a class where the teacher continues to be horrible.

Posted: June 2, 2022

Horrible school period! I witnessed the principal calling out a teenage girl and embarrass her about her pants in front of the entire middle school she called out one single child. Mrs. Sams/other administration currently at this school are only about the staff children. And only do events if their children are involved in it other than that they will not post an event. Staff are not training to handle anything at that school. Your child is better off attending a public school. Broken promises to children.

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: March 9, 2022

We have 2 daughters that attend Southshore. They are both incredibly happy with our decision to put them there. The teachers and staff are very welcoming and make the students feel excited to be learning. We would recommended this school to anyone! Our girls have done awesome.

Posted: March 9, 2022

Posted: March 2, 2022

Principal and teachers don't have adequate training resulting in poor decision making. Principal's first job as a principal, and her solution to every incident (big or small) is suspension. She runs the school like a prison, driving fear into children instead of discussing conflict resolution and helping kids not make the same mistake again. She tells the kids she taught at a high school before and she is not afraid to call the police. Mrs. Sams definitely doesn't know what being a kid means. Pulled my kids out of this school because I don't trust leaving them under her care, it's a toxic environment.

Posted: March 2, 2022

Posted: March 1, 2022

Communication at Southshore is terrible and teachers don't care if students learn or not. No leadership, principal doesn't know what she is doing. School is disorganized and chaotic. Requested several appointments to meet with the principal and everytime she is always too busy to meet with me, clearly my child's education is irrelevant to her.

Posted: March 1, 2022

Posted: February 28, 2022

My Child has been going to this school since Kindergarten and now shes in 3rd and we couldnt be happier this school has made it possible for me to be able to always be involved its been a joy to be in an environment where they truly care about your child my child was having attention problems and the school let me know and they helped rearrange things so she could be in a situation that will help with her studies Im happy to say my son will be joining kindergarten here in the new school year we are happy that we get a chance to always know whats going on in the class room and communication is amazing between administrators or even the teachers I recommend this school best decision Ive ever made for my child and now children when my son joins !

Posted: February 16, 2022

My son has attended SouthShore for 6 years straight. Hes had some wonderful teachers through out his time at the school. Unfortunately some are no longer with school but change happens at all schools. The new principal is excellent and has the best interest in both students and teachers.

Posted: February 9, 2022

My son has gone for two years now and I have not had a bad experience. I know some of the turn over has effected some, but the new principal is great and the teachers and staff care for the students. We love the school and my son loves his teachers!

Posted: May 21, 2021

My child has been at this school for the last 3 years. In those 3 years, she has excelled in her academics. The school recently had a change in leadership and is now under a new principal and can I tell you we are so excited for her and the future of SCA! She has been at this school for about 2 months now and we have seen more of her than we ever did of the previous principal. My daughter comes home excited about her day at school and loves her teachers. Her favorite class is music with Mr. Rivera. Since Mrs. Sams has taken over, communication has greatly improved. The front office is a warm and welcoming environment and knows all the students. Mrs. Torres in the front office is always smiling when we come in and is always helpful. Great things are on the horizon at SCA!

Posted: May 20, 2021

Our overall experience was great! The staff and faculty were outstanding. Most of all we were able to work one on one with the teachers when needed. Communication and weekly news letter and reminders were very helpful.

Posted: May 20, 2021

Excellent experience! Both my boys have attended here for years and they love it! Diverse population and great learning atmosphere!

Posted: May 20, 2021

My children have been at SCA since their opening year. Yes their have been staffing challenges and hiccups in the road but this school is strong and keeps moving. Curriculum is rigorous and I know my daughters are getting the education they deserve. The Cambridge program is such an important aspect of the middle school grades. As I stated, yes there have been rough patches, but when I tell you, if you have faith in your childs school, it works out fine. After every storm is a rainbow. There is no school that is 100% perfect. It does not exist. SCA staff always works hard to make sure the students are learning to the best of their capability. I have no complaints. When I have emailed staff or leadership with an issue, it is addressed and/or resolved. I know my children are safe.

Posted: May 26, 2020

Horrible, zero organization, zero communication with parents, administrators to teachers, mostly subs, most teachers there just want a paycheck.

Posted: May 26, 2020

Mostly subs for academic courses, good teachers leaving only the lazy ones stay.

Posted: May 26, 2020

They don't care about students. Just noticed how you are treated by administrators, office staff and some teachers then you can tell your kid is not important for them.

Posted: May 26, 2020

The administration never listens or even try to call back when you report issues

Posted: May 26, 2020

My child was being bully by other kids notified administrators, I never got a call back or email. Moved my child to a new school. They need strong new management.

Posted: April 28, 2020

2/10 They do not teach the students.

Posted: April 28, 2020

They rarely give out homework. The homework is not for a grade. The homework is not vigorous.

Posted: April 28, 2020

The teachers are constantly leaving. All of the good and effective teachers left in school year 18/19.

Posted: April 28, 2020

The school is very bad at disciplining students. It all went downhill in the 18/19 school year there was a lot of leadership changes.

Posted: April 28, 2020

The leaders here do not listen to the students and the students can not even reach higher authority.

Posted: April 28, 2020

They got rid of the gifted program. The Cambridge program was supposed to be vigorous but it is not.

Posted: April 28, 2020

There are not many cases of bullying at the school for them to handle.

Posted: December 5, 2019

Poor. My child's first year consisted of 3 permanent teachers and at least 3 substitutes. This year we are going on 2 permanent teachers and again at least 3 different substitutes. So homework is sent home once in a while. My neighbor's child's teacher (on another grade) also had left and were waiting on a replacement. There is no way that kids can properly learn in an environment with so many inconsistencies. It is a disservice to the kids and it's just sad.

Posted: December 5, 2019

Homework is never consistent because the teachers are never consistent.

Posted: December 5, 2019

Teachers don't stay. The kids constantly have substitute teachers. All the teachers can't be the problem!
The teachers that are there are not very good at communicating with parents.

Posted: December 5, 2019

The fact that teachers are constantly coming and going already says a lot. Emails go unanswered. Conferences don't go as scheduled.

Posted: December 5, 2019

Posted: July 2, 2019

they sure do have strong policies in place, even parents get informed on what to talk to kids about.

Posted: July 2, 2019

we loved our teacher in K and 1st grade, Mis. Garcia is the Rock!

Posted: July 2, 2019

We just love that they are implementing a 7 Habits of Happy Kids methodology and promote on a weekly basis with new habit.

Posted: July 2, 2019

Leadership is highly promoted in the 1st grade, My son talks about being a leader all the time :)

Posted: July 2, 2019

The staff is always helpful and friendly, pleasure to deal with. Teachers are very personable and care about their students, we glad our son goes here. The car line system is a bliss and the fact that they have 6 car lines just makes the in and out process a pit stop and not a traffic jam. They give good options for volunteering and very involved in family connections to the school. It feels as a great community of parents and school staff come together for the greater good. We love South shore charter, and looking forward for new opportunists and new things this school is bringing next year.

Posted: January 25, 2019

Very high turn over rate for teachers. Kids are falling behind because school is being taught by substitute teachers. High student-teacher ratios. Test scores low because students aren't learning from lack of teachers.

Posted: January 25, 2019

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Panther Trace	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Riverview	FL	1.2 mi
2	Avelar Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Riverview	FL	2.5 mi
3	Fishhawk Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Lithia	FL	5.9 mi
4	FishHawk Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Lithia	FL	6.4 mi
5	Fish Hawk Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Lithia	FL	6.6 mi
6	Harbour Isles	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Apollo Beach	FL	8 mi
7	The Pavillions	Apartment Complex	Tampa	FL	13 mi
8	Hyde Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tampa	FL	14.3 mi
9	Westchase	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tampa	FL	25.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Fishhawk Ranch /Lithia FL	Lithia	FL	6.1 mi
2	South of Gandy (SOG)	Tampa	FL	13.9 mi
3	South Tampa	Tampa	FL	15.4 mi

Base	Distance
MacDill AFB	12.2 mi.
Coast Guard Clearwater	25.4 mi.

Southshore Charter Academy

Riverview, FL 33579

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Southshore Charter Academy

Riverview, FL 33579

School Ratings

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