Southwest Middle School

Savannah, GA 31419

Phone: (912) 395-3540
Fax: (912) 961-3548
District: Chatham County School District

2

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades 6,7,8 • 530 students

Southwest Middle School, a public school located in Savannah, GA, serves grades 6-8 in the Chatham County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Southwest Middle School is a public school located in Savannah, GA. 530 students attend Southwest Middle School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 1/10 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 Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.
Student Growth 2/10 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 Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Posted: May 7, 2026

The school communications is very poor. If I was a parent who able to home school I would.

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

I do not recommend the school at all, because as a autistic kid, they do NOT help me with my work, teachers rush me over my work, school counselors do not care about ur mental health because they only let you calm down in two minutes & make delousnal responses as “helping” before they make you go back to class to do work, they do not give us breaks the only break that we have as students is holidays, breakfast is now Litterly a bar, animal crackers & small juice EVERYDAY, students don’t care about their own grades & play the entire time, they all have bad manners & they are all chaotic & think TRUAMA is a total joke. Teachers are harsh, disrespectful & manipulative to their students, as a student in this school, as being a student having IEP, the Aid/IET is supposed to help me supposed to give me time, & supposed to give me breaks, which they did not do. They instead rushed me over the entire time, make me make all of our stuff do homework expect for one teacher. Their work is literally like a lecture of a single topic, their teaching is VERY HARD for the students, especially students with IEPs & with learning disabilities, the aid/IEP teachers think I know all of this stuff which I do not, only 1 IEP teacher helps me, Most of the time this school is mostly on lockdown due to fights at school. Students have bad language, They joke about rape, Charlie kirks death & even say the N word & the teachers arnt doing anything about it, this school doesn’t even let us go outside & chill out, they don’t even let us socialize, thsts how bad they are, I do not recommend being here & I do not recommend you to be in a school, if I had to do 0 stars of this school, I would do it.

Posted: January 11, 2026

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Posted: January 4, 2026

Avoid. The in-depth review before mine articulates my experience and sentiments. Except that I will also add that there is little to no communication from the school regarding your child's progress other than daily automated emails. It took me almost four weeks just to get ahold of someone just to get my child enrolled! If you want bare minimum effort from the faculty, then this is the right place. If you have a student with an IEP, they scarcely follow it. As stated in other reviews, no sense of school community exists, the curriculum is limited, and if I had to sum my experience up in a single statement, it would be that they just don't care. I feel that any child with special learning challenges is set up to fail here from the moment they're enrolled. We will definitely be looking elsewhere.

Posted: January 4, 2026

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Posted: February 28, 2025

I am a current student here at southwest middle in a 7th grader right now and recently I've seen about 2 fights every day and to be honest I dont feel safe in this environment. but the principals try there hardest to make the school better with activities and other stuff to include us in but other than that bring your student at your own risk.

Posted: February 28, 2025

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Posted: November 15, 2024

Where do i even start

Southwest Middle School is often regarded as one of the worst schools due to its various shortcomings, which affect both students' academic success and their overall experience. One of the primary issues lies in the outdated and uninspiring curriculum. The academic programs are not rigorous enough, and students often feel bored or disengaged due to a lack of challenging material. The teachers, while generally well-meaning, often fail to stimulate intellectual curiosity, and the assignments provided don’t challenge students to think critically or creatively. As a result, many students are left feeling unprepared for the demands of high school, and their potential is not fully realized. Beyond the academics, the school offers limited extracurricular opportunities, leaving students with few options to develop their interests or talents outside of the classroom. Whether it's sports, arts, or clubs, Southwest Middle School offers a very narrow range of activities that doesn't appeal to the diverse interests of the student body. This lack of variety leads to a sense of stagnation, and students feel their time at school is wasted. To make matters worse, the school’s physical facilities are outdated and poorly maintained, creating an uncomfortable environment for learning. The classrooms are often overcrowded, the air conditioning doesn’t work properly during the hot months, and basic necessities like working bathrooms or clean hallways are scarce. These issues make the school feel less like a place of learning and more like a neglected institution. The school's communication with parents and students is also inadequate, leaving everyone in the dark about important updates or changes. Parents are often frustrated with the lack of information, and students feel unsupported when they struggle academically or socially. Lastly, the school’s culture is another major drawback. There is little school spirit or sense of community, which results in students feeling disconnected from one another and the school itself. The lack of unity and pride in the school leads to an overall lack of motivation, with students simply going through the motions rather than feeling inspired or passionate about their education. For all of these reasons, Southwest Middle School consistently fails to meet the needs and expectations of its students, making it one of the worst schools in the area.

Posted: November 15, 2024

Posted: November 15, 2024

Posted: November 15, 2024

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Posted: November 15, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

Where do I even begin? South West Middle School is, without a doubt, one of the most frustrating and disappointing educational institutions I’ve ever encountered. From the moment we enrolled, it was clear that this school was disorganized and lacked any real commitment to providing a quality education. The administration is completely inept—there's zero transparency and no clear communication with parents. If you want any updates on your child’s progress or behavior, don’t expect them to be proactive; you’ll have to chase down every bit of information yourself, and even then, you’ll get vague, unhelpful responses.

As for the teachers, they seem either overwhelmed or apathetic. The few who try to engage with the students are constantly bogged down by administrative chaos, and the rest don’t seem to care at all. Academic standards are extremely low, and there’s little to no accountability for students who disrupt classes or fall behind. It’s clear that the focus is not on student success but on keeping the status quo going.

The school's facilities are outdated and poorly maintained. From broken-down classroom furniture to lack of proper technology, it’s evident that there’s no real investment in creating a conducive learning environment. But honestly, the state of the physical building is the least of the issues here—the lack of safety and discipline is what truly stands out. Students roam the halls, causing disruptions without any real consequences, and it’s obvious that bullying and behavioral problems are not being properly addressed.

This school has failed in nearly every aspect, from the administration to the classrooms to the environment. If you value your child’s education, mental health, and future, do not send them here. South West Middle School does not deserve even one star, but sadly, it’s the lowest rating I can give. This place needs a complete overhaul, starting with the leadership.

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

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Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 1, 2024

I was disappointed with my experience at Southwest Middle School. While the facilities are decent, there are significant issues that need to be addressed.

Firstly, the communication between teachers and parents is lacking. I often felt out of the loop regarding my child’s progress and important school events. Additionally, the support for students struggling academically seems insufficient. It would be beneficial to have more resources or tutoring programs available.

The school culture also leaves much to be desired. There have been reports of bullying that don't seem to be adequately addressed, which creates an unwelcoming environment for some students.

Lastly, the cafeteria food is often unappetizing, and healthier options are limited. This affects students' overall well-being and ability to focus during classes.

I hope the administration takes these concerns seriously to improve the experience for current and future students.

Posted: November 1, 2024

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Posted: October 7, 2024

Posted: October 7, 2024

Posted: October 7, 2024

save your children from coming here while you still can. This school is extremely draining the teachers arent understanding at all and i cant take it anymore. Sending your child here will most likely spiral them into depression and this no form of joke.

Posted: October 7, 2024

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Posted: September 26, 2024

they are a bad school do not let your kids go here a fight was going on nobody stopped it and a kid got hurt really bad that they had to call the ambulance that mean they do not pay attention to there kids

Posted: September 26, 2024

Posted: September 26, 2024

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Posted: August 14, 2024

School is bad please don't send your kids here it's a terrible school.My bro got bullied on his first day and he had to deal with racism, luckily he got out of this school immediately.Some students make disgusting and nasty jokes that aren't funny. Some teachers are nice but there's ones that don't even care of the students. school cafeteria is terrible and the food is disgusting.Send your students to different school except this one because there's bullies and people who are racist, teachers don't even do anything about it which makes things worst for the innocents at this school. DO NOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL

Posted: August 14, 2024

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Posted: April 26, 2024

Academic wise my child is doing good, however as an outsider looking in, this school's administration needs to step it up. It seems that there is no discipline for kids who step out of line. Why do students and parents have to sign the conduct of it's not being enforced! Hold parents and students accountable. Clearly it starts at the BOE and trickles down to the school admin (principal).
It's no way one student acting out in class should affect the entire classroom. What happened to detention, ISS, and OSS? TThis school has potential, but a new principal maybe needed to get this school to greater heights!

Posted: April 26, 2024

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Posted: December 30, 2023

one the Frist day of school my son told me try try to pick a fight with him and his no a problem make maker or he doesn't like drama or picking fights this school fix this or they need to closed this school if they can't handle it

Posted: March 29, 2023

This school is terrible. I only have like 30 days left of this school and i cant wait till im out of here. Ms jackson and ms bryant assign work then just get on there phone. Ive looked at another reviews and this school hasnt changed since 2009 Theres always has to be drama or a fight every day. There are some actual good teachers like mr kelly who stop these fights. It focuses so much on special education there are some that barely seem to be mentally ready for school. If i could leave 0 stars i would

Posted: March 29, 2023

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Posted: April 6, 2021

I am a teacher and would not send my own child to this school. The lack of admin support, teachers that "have taught for 20 years" so I know everything while many good teachers move out of district. Spoke to a colleague in Effingham where they moved because of Southwest Middle and Elementary School. Stated "Some of the teacher's are great especially their first, but one year at the elementary school, a teacher who taught for many years was not the least helpful or concerned about learning." If you are a parent, teacher, or student, I will warn you that the schools promotes mediocrity and does not hold students accountable. On average, the attendance during COVID for some classes is 50 percent and many students are bumped to pass so the teacher's do not "have to deal with it".

Posted: April 6, 2021

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Posted: April 6, 2021

Posted: April 10, 2018

Teachers give homework that is easy to boost low class grades

Posted: April 10, 2018

Scheduled fights that later feature on social media are the rule, not the exception.

Posted: April 10, 2018

Mr Daughtry is trying to be a buddy to the badly behaved students instead of applying discipline, at the expense of the majority of students who are just trying to get an education.

Posted: April 10, 2018

My son has an IEP, but how can he overcome his problems in such a violent school environment.

Posted: April 10, 2018

Bullies are barely dealt with and the issues are swept under the rug to help school stats.

Posted: April 10, 2018

This school will never be great until the admin grows a pair and deals decisively with the behavior problems. More expulsions and time in Juvenile Hall are the only way to protect the rights of those who want to learn.

Posted: July 3, 2015

This used to be a very good school in 2006 when we bought our home here (8 or 9 out 10 on greatschools.org). Around 2008 a new, ineffective principal replaced Ms. Ball-Oliver, and superintendent Lackamy redrew school district lines in Savannah. Since then, there have been mass fights in the halls, and the school has dramatically declined. I wouldn't send my child here or any public school in the Savannah district if I could afford it. The cycle of poverty model and lack of emphasis on education by some families in this area is evident. The school needs to make this a safe place for children to learn again. I truly feel bad for the teachers, students and parents who have to put up with the few out of control students and their parents that are not held accountable. Teachers are constantly spending more time trying to maintain order in their classrooms than teaching, and they receive little help from the administration or the parents of those students. The students who are negatively impacting the learning environment need harsher consequences from the school administration (such as more out of school suspension) that places a heavier burden on their parents to encourage them to do something about the problem. Remove the students causing problems and get this school back on track. Sadly, as bad as it is, this is an average school for the Savannah District.

Posted: February 5, 2014

This school is the worst school I have ever experienced in my entire life. The teachers don't care about the students and after two weeks we had to take him back out because his grade in all subjects dropped to almost failing. He now lives with us ,so he could go back to his old school. He was in band , the never played an instrument , they just did theory, as were in his old school he already had a christmas concert. The teacher had told him to bring his instrument to show the other students that he can play. I am asking myself what kind of teaching curriculum they have over there, I thought all the public schools in georgia have the same curriculum . II thought being a teacher is something to be proud of , but I guess at southwest Middle school all they care about is having a paycheck.

Posted: January 19, 2014

This school is absolutely atrocious. I just moved here and I'm a student in seventh grade, and I dislike this school so much. I've joined the student council expecting to do great things for the school but nothing ever happens in the meetings. I also met all the requirements for the honor roll, but was never invited to the awards ceremony. That's the other thing; all the assemblies or awards ceremonies are always disorganized. Always my teacher favors this one girl, who never does that great of a job when it comes to projects, because she brings her markers and tissues and food! The connections classes are horrible. In technology the teacher never taught anything and expected the class to just read from the book. My grade in that class ruined my average on my report card. I just can't wait to move again or switch schools, because I feel like this school is lowering my intelligence and making me feel more pressured. The worst school I have EVER attended. Try not to move into this area or if you do apply to another school. (Chatham County is chose school meaning you can choose which school you want to go to)

Posted: October 29, 2013

Can't get anyone to call me back and my daughter was a b student last year at her old school now she is failing two classes and never has homework. They don't keep you in the loop as far as what your children are doing in class.

Posted: August 23, 2013

THIS SCHOOL STINKS TEACHER S ARE RUDE AND GOT THE NERD TO SAY HAVEN STINKS I WOULD HAVE NEVER WENT TO THIS SCHOOL IF MY MOM DIDNT MAKE ME

Posted: April 4, 2013

let me tell you.......the counceler sucks she sits there all day long and don't return phone calls.my child wanted to get out of pe because she already did and it took forever guess where she is now. pe still after 3 weeks she said something. i am uncofterble that someones stares at her when she is in the locker room the teachers are the ones that does it. also that school is unsanitary they were termights in the hummanities classroom and eww not rigt flying all around them.hair always in the food.not a good school stem academy here we come

Posted: February 19, 2013

DO NOT send your child to this school... I had recently moved to this area, my son (7th) grade came from A honor roll. After 2 months in this school his grades went to 30's. The teacher would not issue his book during class for homework, so he couldn't complete it, this went on for over a week. He was the only white kid in his class, which is a lot of pressure for any ethnic background coming to a new school. I have had to have a conference with the principal to get the book and his student id issued. The counselor is a major joke, would never return any calls, had to call dept. of Education to actually get her to do what she was supposed to do. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND NOT moving into this school disctric, middle OR elementary. I don't know what kind of circus they are running at the school, but between terrible, unprofessional administration all the way around, the student bullying that is overlooked, and just the filthyness of the school in general is ridiculous and it infuriates me that our tax money is running this circus.

Posted: November 19, 2012

There is no feedback from the teachers. The kids are not allowed to bring their texbooks home and no other resource was give to us. My daughter struggles every night doing her homework and searches the net to answer her questions. This is just the worst school she has ever attended.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

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1 Fords Pointe Apartment Complex Savannah GA 0.7 mi
2 Village Green Neighborhood/Subdivision Savannah GA 3.3 mi
3 Richmond Place Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 3.9 mi
4 White Oak Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 5.3 mi
5 Mainstreet Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 5.4 mi
6 Richmond Heights Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 5.6 mi
7 Plantation Way Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 5.7 mi
8 Buckhead Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 9.2 mi
9 Buckhead North Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 9.6 mi
10 Dunham Marsh Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 10.2 mi
11 Capital Crest at Godley Station Apartment Complex Savannah GA 10.4 mi
12 WaterWays Township Neighborhood/Subdivision Richmond Hill GA 10.7 mi
13 Lake Shore Neighborhood/Subdivision Port Wentworth GA 13.2 mi
14 Villages at Marne Neighborhood/Subdivision Hinesville GA 25.3 mi
15 University Park Neighborhood/Subdivision Hardeeville SC 26.8 mi
16 The Farm at Buckwalter Neighborhood/Subdivision Bluffton SC 26.8 mi
17 Horse Creek Farms Neighborhood/Subdivision Ludowici GA 28.1 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Richmond Hill Richmond Hill GA 4.7 mi
2 Richmond Hill Richmond Hill GA 4.7 mi
3 Pooler Pooler GA 8.1 mi
4 Downtown Savannah savannah GA 11.7 mi
5 Richmond Hill, Bryan County Richmond Hill Unicorporated GA 12.4 mi
6 Midway Midway GA 16.5 mi
7 Hinesville Hinesville GA 22.1 mi
8 Guyton Guyton GA 24.9 mi
Base Distance
Hunter Army Airfield 7.9 mi.
Fort Stewart 21.9 mi.
Parris Island MCRD 40.9 mi.
Beaufort Naval Hospital 43.5 mi.
Beaufort MCAS 45.6 mi.
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