Southwestern Elementary School

Posted: June 17, 2023

I admit when I looked at the great schools score I was nervous about my child attending. But I have been pleasantly surprised with this school. Her teachers have been amazing communicators and my daughter has said nothing but positive things about the teachers and their care and understanding. We are a military family and they went out of their way to meet with my child and ease her transition to a new school and state. My only complaint would be with the other students themselves —— there were a lot of behavior issues in her classroom. … but I believe that has more to do with the students parents than with the school.

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: June 17, 2023

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Posted: February 17, 2019

Although I do not have experience with each teacher or staff member, I have been quite happy with my overall experience at Southwestern Elementary.

Posted: February 17, 2019

Homework is used to review what was taught in class before adding to that information the next day.

Posted: February 17, 2019

I have observed teachers and other staff working hard to explain information in a variety of way to help reach each child in their way of learning. Each child is different

Posted: February 17, 2019

Character models, lessons, and acts of character are not only encouraged but honored in the school. Students are often praised for their acts of character not only by their teachers but by the Principal and Assistant Principal. Students are often acknowledged during morning announcements for their acts of great character.

Posted: February 17, 2019

Both the school's principal and assistant principal work closely with the students, families, teachers and staff to make sure that each child and each family are receiving the best education possible in a safe and friendly environment.

Posted: February 17, 2019

Teachers and staff support, encourage and praise each child's accomplishments no matter how big or small. Students are taught in a variety of ways to help reach each child at their level and in their way of learning.

Posted: January 31, 2019

Their homework is fair and on par with other schools

Posted: January 31, 2019

It appears they genuinely care for their students

Posted: January 31, 2019

They have many programs in place to encourage kids to be kind and respectful to others with many rewards in place for good behavior

Posted: January 31, 2019

They believe in a Growth Mindset which puts positive discipline above negative. It encourages the kids to not be ‘smart’ but to try hard and do their best which helps the kids feel more positive about themselves (research backed)

Posted: January 31, 2019

They have quite a few autistic kids here and many with learning and behavioral disabilities and I think they handle it well; plus they get more rescources being a Title 1 school

Posted: January 31, 2019

Even the bus drivers are actively fighting this issue, and doing well considering how much they already have in their plates. Classes talk about it a lot as well.

Posted: January 31, 2019

I think it’s s great, underrated school. It’s not nearly as bad as the numbers suggest.

Posted: October 5, 2017

So far so good. This is my 1st year.

Posted: October 5, 2017

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Posted: June 5, 2017

Very irritated with this school. I've allowed my child to attend for the past 2 years, I've tried with them, but will be pulling him out next year for home or private school.

Posted: June 5, 2017

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Posted: May 16, 2016

Posted: May 16, 2016

Posted: May 16, 2016

Posted: May 16, 2016

I have lived in the area for 12 years and was apprehensive about sending my oldest child to SWE based on the reviews I had read. The school is a Title 1 school and folks seem to think of that as a negative but Title 1 schools have lower classroom sizes (less than 18 students per teacher), are provided with the most up to date technology, and assigned the top teachers in the school district. My son has excelled at SWE and is now finishing up the 4th grade. He has maintained A's & B's since the 1st grade, not because the work is easy but because he works really hard to earn those grades. Also, his teachers have been encouraging and supportive. I now have a kindergartner at SWE, who is completely different from his brother but he is excelling as well. I have absolutely no regrets on sending my kids to SWE and I tell everyone I can about my initial concerns and how I couldn't have been more wrong. I am very pleased with SWE but most important my kids are happy and receiving a fantastic education.

Posted: February 14, 2014

Such a wonderful school! The teachers are amazing as well as the rest of the staff! Has a great "family" atmosphere and there are a bunch of wonderful programs for the students! This rating needs to be higher! Never judge a book by its cover, so to speak... I'm glad my children attended this school!

Posted: February 3, 2014

Southwestern Elementary is a great school. I've read all the reviews. As a parent I want to be fair in my rating of this school. I've had 3 children attend this school. We moved in the community in 2008. Since that time my children have experienced three different administrators. However, staff turn over is very low. The teachers that have left are those who retired or relocated out of state. To me that says a lot about dedicated educators. I can only say THEY LOVE THEIR STUDENTS including mine. NO SCHOOL IS PERFECT. We all have to do our part to support our children. I think as parents we have to remember with each new administration come new ideas and transitions for everyone. I've even seen it with my own children. Nonetheless, the complaining should not be directed to the school but to Chesapeake Public School Administration or the School Board. The involvement from parents of the community can go a long way. GET INVOLVED! In the six years I've been involved with the community and school I can only say I love living in a tight knitted community. Also I love the staff at Southwestern Elementary. My children also love going to school learning everyday.

Posted: December 26, 2012

Great school experience so far! We were a bit intimidated by less than stellar reviews from neighbors...however, their "knowledge" was based upon assumptions, not actual experience, as they do not send their children there. My son is in first grade now and has had two of the very best teachers I have ever had the pleasure of meetings, the principle is amazing...very dedicated and encouraging. The staff is overall very friendly and welcoming. Parent involvement and school activities are less than I would like, but most families are dual income and work full time. Curriculum is good so far. My son is very advanced, and each year the teacher has gone above and beyond to actually CREATE materials for him that are appropriate and challenging. Class sizes are small and the school is kept very clean and safe. Demographically, this school is not very diverse, and my one complaint would be that I have heard a few staff members speaking improper English, sort of slang, which only further promotes the stereotypes associated with this school. Reading, writing, math, science and social studies are all excellent from what I have observed through homework and projects. A happy parent here!!

Posted: January 31, 2011

I was a student at this school and I gained a very solid foundation from this establishment. The staffing was up to date and current on all teaching methods and used each one to accomadate the different cultures and backgrounds of the children.

Posted: November 21, 2010

my child is not challenged enough either it is almost 2011 and nothing has changed and my child needs more challenging work than 1-10 and alphabets she's on a first to second grade level at this school its ridiculous!

Posted: April 23, 2010

My kids has attended Southwestern Elementary School for 2 years. We moved from Va.Beach to Chesapeake in 2009.I have given credit where credit is due.. in my last posted review! However, my greatest concern with S.W.E. school is the gas ordor that it always seems to have whenever I enter the school. I have brought this to many staff members attention including the principal. The first day I walked in the school with my kids in September 2009, I have smelled an gas odor. The reply I received whenever I mentioned it to a staff member is unacceptable to me. I am taking this issue as far as I can...so that this matter can get the attention it deserves.I complained last school term about the gas odor...the problem was so called fixed...this year will be different. I am not giving up!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: December 8, 2009

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Posted: June 29, 2009

Posted: August 27, 2007