South Charlotte Middle in Charlotte | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	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 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Student Growth	9/10	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 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Posted: July 30, 2025

I disagree about bad reviews mentioning mental health support. Our daughter was struggling, we told teachers & counselors & they responded SO well. She received support at school & many teachers reached out to personally check in on her.

Parent involvement is good. My only negative is the principal & she is leaving as of 2025, so hopefully issues with admin improve. Two children went there & both were prepared for the rigor @ PHS.

Posted: July 30, 2025

Posted: June 1, 2025

Do not go people are not kind that do not care about you or your feelings

Posted: January 14, 2025

During 5th grade I was excited to attend SCMS because I thought it would be a better alternative then the one I was previously assigned to. However after a year and a half of attending SCMS I regret transferring. All the issues boil down to the inflated ego of the admin. They hold hypocritical standards, for example they decorate the walls with signs that say things like " respect is earned", which is ironic considering the respect neither me nor my peers receive would have rightfully been earned by now. A big reason I wanted to come to this school was for their Social Emotional course, but, halfway through my first year here they cut the class the make more time for 4th block. This made me feel like my mental health was not cared about and I still feel this way. The manner in which teachers, and students are treated makes the environment feel unsafe and negative. Unsafe is a big part of it considering the weapon threats and a majority of the students. When a student misbehaves they will receive a rather light punishment that, 9 times outta 10 is ineffective and the student will continue to act in the way they previously got them into trouble. If misbehavior gets to a certain point, they will hold an assembly that basically quit-trips you into "acting right". And the bathroom policy is just plain cruel. To use the bathroom you have to sign out on this app on your chromebook saying the room you are coming from and the bathroom you are going to. after you fill that out you have three minutes to get up, grab a pass, walk to the bathroom, use the bathroom, wash your hands, walk back to class, put the pass back and sit back down. besides all that you can only use 2 passes a day. This school makes students feel like they are being herded like cattle, we have to walk in silent lines, shut up when they say to, and we only get 50 minutes out of 7 hours of free time (lunch and Healthy living). So in conclusion to all of this I do not recommend sending your children to this school if you value their mental well being.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Posted: December 11, 2024

teachers do not help or care about students mental health or school work I have a learning disability and no one helps or cares about it

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: October 15, 2024

The teachers are super kind and nice and teaching techniques are AMAZING, 5 starsssss

Posted: October 15, 2024

Posted: June 11, 2024

We were so excited to have the opportunity to be part of what we thought was a great school 3 years ago and my child couldn't wait to get out. The school is what is referred to as lipstick on a pig. The teachers are burned out, the administrators are beaten down and the students are a group of entitled brats. Oh and a pride rock out front - talk about offensive!

Posted: June 11, 2024

Posted: June 7, 2024

We were so excited for the opportunity to attend this school and at the end couldn't wait to get out of there. The kids are disrespectful (great parenting), bullies and unruly. This is a school that is like lipstick on a pig..... I do not blame the teachers, unfortunately they are dealt with the hands they have.

Posted: June 7, 2024

Posted: May 29, 2024

it suck all the teaching is bad

Posted: May 29, 2024

Posted: May 28, 2024

The quality of education at South Charlotte Middle School falls below the expected standards.
2. South Charlotte Middle School does not meet the desired level of academic excellence.
3. The educational environment at South Charlotte Middle School is subpar.
4. The educational experience provided by South Charlotte Middle School is unsatisfactory.
5. South Charlotte Middle School fails to deliver a high-quality education to its students.

Posted: May 28, 2024

Posted: March 30, 2024

This school has no consideration for the student or the family. It is 100% about the way the principal looks to the community. Students and parents are belittled. Students are punished and berated when they could be come along side and taught. Middle school is time for students to learn. Of course there should be consequences but the consequences at SCMS are not aligned to the behaviors and not designed to teach. Instead, the SCMS principal uses these opportunities to instead punish. She yells at, berates, and loses her temper in front of the students on a regular basis. Parents who have different beliefs and/or giving patterns are belittled. You are told you are not a good parent if you do not participate in what the principal wants you toregardless of your why. The principal does not care about your why. If your goal is not to make the SCMS principal look good, this is not the school for you. This includes teacher and staff. The teachers and staff are continually turning over to the detriment of teacher health and student learning. Multiple teachers in ELA and math each year do not lead to success. In fact, an A student quickly becomes a C student and does not care. It leads to students deciding to not keeping trying because the bar and rules continuously change. The teachers and staff are not leaving due to burnout. They leave because of the principal.. The environment is toxic for students, teachers, and parents. It will not change until Lisa Bailes is no longer the Principal.

Posted: March 30, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

Great school for well behaved, academically gifted students. The staff finds ways remove children with behavior issues or emotional challenges from the school.

Posted: March 13, 2024

This school has many flaws and achievements but I am beyond upset of how my child is treated, she comes to me crying every day telling me all the things her teachers put her through. For example she got suspended because she was in the bathroom for 15 minutes! She had a personal thing going on and they refuse to listen to her, now she cannot go to Washington DC. I paid 600 dollars for this trip and she cant even go. Im beyond frustrated and this school is the worst Ive seen so far. Teachers are rude and wont help my daughter understand a assignment when she asks for help. Lets just say Im so happy she is leaving that school soon!

Posted: March 13, 2024

Posted: February 26, 2024

this school is very bad my kid switched

Posted: February 26, 2024

Posted: January 22, 2024

So glad my kid went to this school. Principal is amazing. Staff amazing. Love it. THANK YOU SCMS

Posted: January 22, 2024

Posted: November 16, 2023

They just assign too much hw. Also they need to improve all their sports.

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: May 5, 2023

I think that it was overall a good school, as far as public schools go. I would say the a lot of bullying happens unnoticed, and a lot of teachers don't actually teach. But of course that is every school. However, I would blame a lot on the curriculum, which is written by people who have never taught in a classroom in their life. The principal has no actual experience teaching either and is truly not a great principle. However, I would say that the school has many fun electives and does a good job organizing fun events for the school community.

Posted: May 5, 2023

Posted: February 28, 2023

BAD TO MUCH HW AND WORK FOR KEYBOARDING AND NO TIME TO COMPLETE WORK AND HOME WORK

Posted: February 28, 2023

Posted: October 29, 2021

Its okay, some of the teachers dont care and just yell at you, they get mad at you for no reason what so ever, the other teachers (there are very little of them) are super nice and care.

Posted: October 29, 2021

Some of the teachers are amazing but others are horrible i have made alot of friends at this school and you get in trouble for no reason

Posted: October 29, 2021

Posted: August 13, 2020

My child personally had a good experience but I heard about things happening with other students teachers and administrators that made me grateful for her experience and sad for others who may have had a lesser experience.

Posted: August 13, 2020

In general teachers give homework that closely related to learning topics. Each teacher is different but homework expectations are clear and appropriate. We had an issue with Honors Math but after talking with the teacher we had a good understanding of expectations and what to do when my child was struggling.

Posted: August 13, 2020

It all depends on the teacher. Some are excellent and others, less so. However I always felt the teachers were trying their best, even during remote learning.

Posted: August 13, 2020

The school works hard to expose students to character programs, beliefs and topics. However, they are dealing with middle school students who only take it as seriously as their family has already instilled.

Posted: August 13, 2020

The principal is not well thought of by the students. The other administrators are effective to varying degrees.

Posted: August 13, 2020

My child was in the appropriate honors classes so as to be challenged.

Posted: August 13, 2020

Again, middle schoolers are awful. They will try to get away with whatever they can and the good kids dont want to be ostracized or targeted. Administration might try but I dont think they can really be effective.

Posted: August 13, 2020

The school is meh. meh. meh. meh. meh.

Posted: August 13, 2020

They give a crazy amount of homework every night.

Posted: August 13, 2020

Posted: June 1, 2020

My child has grown so much in the 3 years he has been here. The teachers are very professional and are just the best. Elizabeth Lane is a terrible elementary school but South Charlotte is amazing. The school is diverse and is accepting to all cultures. SEND YOUR CHILD HERE.

Posted: June 1, 2020

Posted: May 28, 2019

One of my children has thrived academically on the honors track but my other child has had highs and lows in the EC department due to the miss management of administration.

Posted: May 28, 2019

Both my children have had some amazing very caring teachers at the school that do go way above and beyond even without the support of the school administration.

Posted: May 28, 2019

Administration miss manages the teaching staff across all grade levels.

Posted: May 28, 2019

The EC teachers are really nice and mean well but the administration knowingly does not comply with with state learning disability regulations.

Posted: May 18, 2019

absolutely not, most good teachers have left this school for better opportunity elsewhere as the leadership here is awful.

Posted: May 18, 2019

what Character? leadership team themselves have no character, what will they teach my child. shameful behavior from principle and staff is a daily routine here.

Posted: May 18, 2019

Principle has no leadership skills at all. teachers are suppressed and their opinion is not considered. She hides behind her administrative staff. She does not give time to parent or student if they have problem.

Posted: May 18, 2019

my child has fell behind since the this school.

Posted: May 18, 2019

Staff is bully themselves. if you have issue they'll refer you to the incompetent counselor that tells you to keep ignoring.

Posted: May 18, 2019

awful. if I could give negative rating it would've been -110

Posted: May 18, 2019

most teachers teach nothing in school. all the work comes home as homework.

Posted: May 9, 2019

Way too much because teachers are inadequate and ineffective

Posted: May 9, 2019

Some are good, but many are unable to take control of their classrooms

Posted: May 9, 2019

Strong hatred, if you can call that character.

Posted: May 9, 2019

No. The principal doesnt have a backbone and blindly supports her Bulldog assistants who are ruthless bullies. They cannot teach students how to lead, let alone follow as they have no respect from their students.

Posted: May 9, 2019

Absolutely not. My child was a very bright student and will now graduate as average. School sucks

Posted: May 9, 2019

With much regret. I am a donor, but would contribute nothing to this school.

Posted: March 26, 2019

Terrible only some teachers teach and one of my teacher lost a quiz and a project

Posted: March 26, 2019

The home work does not help at all

Posted: March 26, 2019

My son teacher does not teach whats on the test

Posted: March 26, 2019

Yes because if you need help you go to turtoring

Posted: March 26, 2019

Ms bales is a serious principal and a great leader

Posted: March 8, 2018

My children had a good experience and were well prepared for high school.

Posted: March 8, 2018

Posted: October 5, 2017

We have experienced good teachers with the exception of one math teacher in 6th grade (a couple years ago). She didn't teach very well so many of the students struggled with every test.

Posted: October 5, 2017

The teachers and extra-curricular coaches were all positive with one exception and incident (with one child) where the teacher later apologized. My other child hasn't experienced any issues with that same teacher.

Posted: October 5, 2017

There were some recent changes to leadership so still assessing the new admins but, in the past, they seemed strict (not necessarily a bad thing).

Posted: October 5, 2017

The limited times we have seen/dealt with bullying it was addressed appropriately from what we know.

Posted: October 5, 2017

We are very pleased with the school so far and hope it continues!

Posted: October 5, 2017

For the most part, the teachers give enough hw to practice the skills but not too much to overload without purpose. There are exceptions but for the most part we've been pleased

Posted: March 16, 2017

Great, helpful teachers! Safe environment. Happy to have my kid here!

Posted: October 6, 2016

The school administration talks a big talk, but does not walk it. There is very little oversight of teachers, which results in less than optimal instruction. They say that they value individualized learning; however, they teach to only one learning style. The administration sets the tone for a school, and the administration at this school is not doing its job.

Posted: July 15, 2016

Teachers at this school are a problem. They misuse there power and deflate kid's self esteem. One teacher told a friend of mine's child that "he would never amount to anything." The teachers that are supportive and kind people are rare. Most are unhappy people who were poor students that had to get a job and now are teachers. My kid doesn't think his teachers like him. Sad that I have to send him to this place to be bullied by his teachers.

Posted: July 15, 2016

The teachers at this school are not effective. However the EOGS are fantastic. Kids teach themselves or parents pay for tutoring. Parents are also involved and often teach their children so students at this school do well on EOGs-not because of teachers.

Posted: July 15, 2016

Some if the worst teachers give the most homework so they can blame the kids fur they're bad grade when they dont do their homework. The good teachers teach and then have the kids do classwork to learn the topic. The bad teachers are the ones that overload in homework bec it is the only way the kid will learn bec the teacher can't teach. Kids have to teach themselves.

Posted: July 15, 2016

The teachers have absolutely no compassion for their students. Teachers are rude and ignorant. The kids that attend this school call it "prison."

Posted: May 28, 2016

SCMS teachers to sum them up underneath the umbrella of its administrative practices: Well-dressed, glorified babysitters.

Posted: May 28, 2016

Many South Charlotte Middle School teachers seem to believe that students should be self-directed learners, as I see may be a trending belief from other comments on this school. Higher quality teachers equate with just the right amount of homework; This school is lacking.

Posted: May 28, 2016

South Charlotte Middle not only fails to develop honesty, integrity, and fairness in its students nor among its staff, but furthermore certain ranking members of the administration have actually gone out of their way (notably in our situation) to conceal and manipulate truthful reporting by students in their own recount of any given incident in which South Charlotte Middle not only fails to develop honesty, integrity, and fairness in its students nor among its staff, but furthermore certain ranking members of the administration have actually gone out of their way (notably in our situation) to conceal and manipulate truthful reporting by students in their own recount of any given incident in which they were involved or witness to. The manner in which this school in its majority has conducted themselves with such information can be described as being of criminal quality.

Posted: May 28, 2016

South Charlotte Middle is sadly disappointing. Not even close to a 10. Groundskeeping may be an 8 or 9-ish, but socially and academically, nothing more. The grades they do report (in certain instances which I happen to know) have been "fudged" for their own favor, ultimately doing no favor for any students. The administration is disgraceful for reasons too many to name here, and their "Kindness Campaign" was an absolute joke. There is a frequent occurence of bullying on campus, and the Dean, however semi-talented with rhetoric when it comes to defending the administration's multitude of faults, is nothing more than a bully himself who has a history of not standing up for the more vulnerable or less socially strong students. Huge disappointment to our family and to our larger Charlotte community.

Posted: January 15, 2015

My son came to this school from a high end local private school carrying great grades. They put him in accelerated classes and helped him completely fit in. Played three sports at a high level while there. Now in high school, South Charlotte Middle prepared him better than most other feeder schools.

Posted: January 7, 2015

This school does not support students that need accommodations. Parents have contacted Cms but nothing changes. Students are stripped of their accommodations in 6th or 7th grade. the principal knows but does nothing to help. A school for the kid that does not need help. Many of the teachers don't teach, expect kids to be "self-learners. Wish I never moved here because school is the worst.

Posted: October 5, 2014

This is the worst school ever. The teachers in 6th grade were so bad that I pulled my son out to homeschool. Now he's back for 8th grade. These teachers are much better but the administration isn't very helpful. I made a doctor's appointment for my son as late as possible but I would still need to pick him up 15 minutes before school lets out but I can't do that. Instead, I have to pick him up at 2:10 before the last class starts and have him miss an entire class period. I thought it would be ok because the final announcements would be going but they don't do the announcements until after the final bell rings and the kids have to stay there until the announcements are done even though they are technically out of school. I've never worked with a school that was so uncooperative and unwilling to compromise or work with the family of a sick child! If I had a choice my son would not be going to this school and I would never send another child to this school. I wouldn't even rate this school with 1 star - rather a negative 1.

Posted: July 18, 2014

I graduated from SCMS 3 years ago, and I think it's a great middle school. The workload was fine, and I had no problem getting A's and B's in my classes. Most of the teachers I had were very helpful. There were a couple teachers who shouldn't have gotten jobs there, but they're not working there anymore. It's a beautiful school, and it's kept very clean and decorated with artwork. There are several different electives you can take, and there are also "9th block" classes that are usually fun. The only thing I hated about this school was gym class. We had to take it every year, and I always felt like I was being tortured while I was participating in it. I definitely got some great workouts though. I always felt safe while I was in this school, and the teachers made an effort to prevent bullying. However, every school is going to have bullies no matter where it is. All in all, South Charlotte is great and I'm glad I went there because it's definitely one of the best middle schools in Charlotte. South Charlotte was also a good transition into high school; I felt prepared, and most people from South Charlotte went to Providence High School with me, so I knew a lot of people!

Posted: July 2, 2014

i hate this school so much i came home crying everyday because of the kids there and how the teachers didn't do anything they actually gave me punishments and not them. my friend who has adhd was always looked down and never treated right by teachers...i hope this school gets torn down. THIS IS NOT A 10!!

Posted: June 18, 2014

If you want your child to have a great education, DO NOT SEND THEM TO THIS SCHOOL! My child came from a 7/10 school in a different state. Although the rating was not perfect, it was not the correct rating. The school had amazing dedicated staff who helped all the children learn, and the statement, "No child left behind" was extremely brought to life there. I chose this school for her because of the test scores and rating, but so far her year has been awful. She has struggled and some of the teachers here are so unhappy with their job they want they have no motivation to help the students. She has gone from straight A's and occasional B's to C and D averages. They spend so much time preparing on how to take an EOG test, there's no time left to actually learn and process what is on it. The students here, who are all mostly upper class seem to be very stuck up and it seems not down to earth here at all with anyone at this school. My daughter's friends have been bullied and so has she, which the office did nothing about for her. If I could, I would move to a new area of Charlotte in an heartbeat. Disgusted with the things I've seen at this school.

Posted: June 18, 2014

If you want your child to have a great education, DO NOT SEND THEM TO THIS SCHOOL!!! My child came from a 7/10 school in a different state. Although the rating was not perfect, it was not the correct rating. The school had amazing dedicated staff who helped all the children learn, and the statement, "No child left behind" was extremely brought to life there. I chose this school for her because of the test scores and rating, but so far her year has been awful. She has struggled and some of the teachers here are so unhappy with their job they want they have no motivation to help the students. She has gone from straight A's and occasional B's to C and D averages. They spend so much time preparing on how to take an EOG test, there's no time left to actually learn and process what is on it. The students here, who are all mostly upper class seem to be very stuck up and it seems not down to earth here at all with anyone at this school. My daughter's friends have been bullied and so has she, which the office did nothing about for them but tell the girls to stop. If I could, I would move to a different area of Charlotte in an heartbeat. Disgusted with the things I've seen at this school.

Posted: July 14, 2013

My child came to this school from an outstanding school in a neighboring state. This school has been terrific for my child. It is a tough but fair school. They have a great arts program. Most middle schools don't have chorus, art, drama and he has really enjoyed these classes. My child plays sports and is very involved. The school and principal seem to care about my child and there are always fun things that he looks forward to. South Charlotte has a great reputation and great test scores for a reason. They are doing things right.

Posted: June 28, 2013

( CONTINUED) If these kids dont like you, they wont speak to you, look at you, or if they do they will look you up and down, and either laugh or whisper into their stupid little friends ears, or BOTH. RUDE. -_-! 3rd, If you are into the arts like me, then heck no for this school if you want any sort of artisic skill teaching. They have a overall terrible arts program. ( Drama, Music, Orchestra, Band, Art, Computer) Haha computer... Im a geek ;P . 4th, The academics stink, hey dont work with you if you dont get soemthing, their like " OH WELL STUPID"! And they rush like crazy. They will work on a lesson for maybe a day or 2, at the most maybe 3. 5th, like I was talking about before the teachers were being rude? Yea so is the staff. In the office one day my mom wanted to drop off my lunch box because we were running late and I forgot my lunch box. So my mom goes up to the ladies and she says " Um excuze me, Hi, Im *My moms name* And im here to drop... ( the lady interupps) " WHAAAA?" " Excuze me but you need to go to guidance...... EXCUZE ME? WHAT? SO RUDE. Anyway I hope you dont choose this school.. And dont let the 10 out of 10 fool you.

Posted: May 18, 2013

I was formerly associated with this school, and it is definitely NOT student-centered. Many teachers seem to think that giving a lot of homework equals rigor. They are also very inflexible when it comes to finding ways for students to be successful; it is their way or nothing at all. Some of these teachers also refuse to see the need for updating their professional development, thinking that what they have done all along still works. Good teaching is good teaching, but times are changing, as are students, so it is always wise to keep up to date. You won't find it at this school. Its all about conformity and being seen as the "only middle school that prepares kids for high school" which means they pay no attention to adolescent development.

Posted: December 16, 2012

I was a student at SCMS and it has a couple good teachers. I think it has a good leadership/principal, and it was not challenging because i wasn't the best test taker therefore i got in classes below me even though they knew I had more potential. Over all I thought it was a good school.

Posted: May 8, 2012

I am a teacher at this school and a parent of a child that has attended this school. The leadership is excellent, and the teachers are excellent. Students rise to the high standards that are set for them, and the outcome is a quality, rigorous education.

Posted: March 3, 2012

I have 2 agree with the person who posted on the 26th. Someone I know was yelled for asking a teacher what they were supposed to do because they were confused (really the teacher said "why do you ask such negative questions?!". Unless you (or your child) is a snobby girl/boy or a super nerd I wouldn't recommend going there.

Posted: February 25, 2012

I feel South Charlotte has gone downhill. The teachers seem to be pushing things more, and repeating things like we're pre-schoolers who can't remember anything. Many of the teachers don't seem to want to help you very much, and they tend to punish students for silly things, but don't punish students for bad things like calling out in class and saying inappropriate things. No, instead we get punished for not walking when we're outside, hugging people, and other stupid little things not even related to learning. They also are enforcing rules on students that really suck the fun out of school, I know school is supposed to be a learning environment, but it's become to the point I don't even feel like I'm learning. Half of class is spent yelling at the students who don't want to shut their mouthes and work. I don't feel challenged because I'm always getting stuck in the "standard plus" classes (the lower classes) with all of the failing kids who misbehave so much we never do anything fun. I must admit I have about two good teachers. Kids are either always getting in trouble, smart and snobby, or being bullied because they aren't "cool". If you're in between you're basically ignored.

Posted: February 4, 2012

South Charlotte is a terrific school if your child is an over achever. Although, with my A.D.D and learning disability, they never made the right accomodations for me and they only made the accomdations during EOG time (And if your parents say you have one and you let the teacher know, the teacher will make you sit on the gym floor or in a noisy classroom when your supposed to take a test in a "private quiet room"). If your not the perfect straight A student they expect all there students to be, your at the bottom of the barrel and it makes things harder than it seems because they constantly stress you out with numerous projects and loads of homework when you have trouble comprehending it in the first place. The teachers have office hours but there is enough time in the day where they can pull you out of class (9th block) and help you. And they pretty much teach to the EOG because South Charlotte cares more about there reputation of sending you to high school than actually worrying about people like me. I am extremely dissapointed in South Charlotte and things need to turn around there soon.

Posted: January 14, 2012

This school is the worst school I have ever been to. Most of the students are very rude and use nasty language. The teachers are so rude and do not care or take the time to answer any of your questions. They also complain constantly about their jobs infront of the students. The only good thing about this school is the arts program that has been cut because of the budget cut. This school gets you so stressed out with the loads of homework and projects. I have talked to my parents about switching schools.

South Charlotte Middle

Charlotte, NC 28277

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South Charlotte Middle

Charlotte, NC 28277

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