Half a Star - A Disaster in the Making…read more If you're looking for a school where your child's artistic dreams will be crushed under the weight of sheer mediocrity, then Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy (SCSA) is the place for you! From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted with disorganization, underwhelming facilities, and the kind of lackluster enthusiasm that would make even the most passionate artist want to switch to accounting. The "artistic" programs? Don't even get me started. The theater department seems to think "improvisation" is an excuse for zero preparation, while the music department appears to be run by someone who still believes the flute is a "new" instrument. You'd have better luck finding creative inspiration in a pile of outdated textbooks. And the teachers? Well, let's just say they're more interested in collecting their paycheck than nurturing any actual talent. The level of support for students is akin to a slow-moving glacier--by the time they "help," your child will have long given up on their artistic ambitions. Oh, and don't forget about the building itself--if you like your art school to feel like it was built in 1982 and hasn't been touched since, then you'll feel right at home. The classrooms smell vaguely like regret and dust, and the hallways echo with the sounds of students contemplating their life choices. Would I recommend this place? Only if you want your child to leave feeling like they've been in a creative vacuum for four years. Half a star for effort, but honestly, I wouldn't trust them to teach my pet rock how to perform "Twinkle, Twinkle."

Our experience with SCSA has been extremely disappointing, especially at the middle school level…read more From the outside, the school may appear structured and academically focused, but once you look deeper, you see an environment that is rigid, unsupportive, and frankly unhealthy for students--particularly during the critical middle school years. One of the most troubling aspects is the complete lack of free periods or recess for middle schoolers. These are kids--not adults--and expecting them to sit through class after class all day long with no real mental or physical break is simply unacceptable. There is no time built into the schedule for them to unwind, socialize, get fresh air, or just be kids. This is not only developmentally inappropriate, but also detrimental to their mental health, focus, and overall well-being. The school seems to believe that constant academic pressure equals success, but it's actually creating burnout and anxiety in students who should still be learning how to balance work and rest. Equally concerning is the attitude and behavior of many of the teachers. Rather than fostering a supportive and respectful classroom environment, several teachers come across as impatient, short-tempered, and even rude. Students are often afraid to ask questions because they don't want to be snapped at or dismissed. There is very little emotional support, and little to no effort to build positive relationships with students. It seems like many teachers are overwhelmed, but that should never be taken out on the kids. Discipline and structure are important in any school, but at SCSA, the emphasis on control has completely overshadowed compassion, flexibility, and student engagement. There is little room for creativity, curiosity, or joy. It feels like a place where students are expected to conform and comply, rather than thrive and grow. What's especially frustrating is how resistant the school seems to feedback. Concerns brought to administration are often minimized or brushed aside, and there is a general unwillingness to acknowledge that students are struggling. It feels like parents and students are not being heard, and that's incredibly disheartening. I truly hope SCSA re-evaluates its priorities and starts to put student health, development, and dignity at the center of its mission. Until then, I cannot recommend this school to any family looking for a balanced, respectful, or supportive environment for their child--especially during the middle school years, when those things matter most.

I've said this on google and I'll say it again:…read more This school is falling apart. They can't seem to keep a teacher and the ones that are hired don't know how to teach. It is said that the curriculum is "challenging" but in reality it goes very slow and your child will end up behind later on in life. The hot lunch program is not worth it as the prices are quite high and by the time lunch comes the food isn't hot anymore. This school looks good on paper when it's all lies. Perhaps is nicer for the elementary students but the headmaster is too ambitious and the constant new additions leave the middle school with the bare minimum. You can tell that some teachers actually are there for the kids and it is a shame that amazing people are left with horrible management and lies. Please ask for opinions from parents of students here before sending you kid to this school.

The truth is I am very pleased with the teaching method, the teachers and the director.read more

My nibbling was assigned to this school after transferring from his other school…read more South Pines is a new school that just opened this summer. The school is so fresh and so clean clean since everything is new! The school starts at 9:15am and ends at 4:15pm. I hear the carpool line is long so expect to wait a while in the afternoon. There was a small hiccup when we first got there on the first day but things were quickly ironed out. Things are very busy in their front office in the morning so patience is needed. Overall I get a good feeling about this school. From what I have seen the staff is kind and helpful. I hope we have a great rest of the school year. South Pines Academy 2541 Sandy Porter Road Charlotte, NC 28273 (Review 605 overall, 149 in 2021)

There is always an issue at this school; they lack organization and are not solution-driven. The…read morecurriculum is subpar, students are not challenged, they rarely receive homework assignments, and the bus system is horrible.

We have been so happy with how the curriculum encourages learning across a wide range of concepts,…read morenot just chunks of independent subject information. The staff and families have all chosen to be a part of Unity so it is an invested, caring community.

Amazing elementary charter school option in South Charlotte for anyone looking for a rigorous…read morecurriculum with a staff who loves the kids.

Steel Creek Elementary is a great school. I'm really enjoying this school year at this school…read more This is our first year here and some of the highlights are it's no uniform, each student get free breakfast and lunch and the administration is amazing. The PTSO is very involved and has a load of programs and activities. One down side is the car pool line. It's huge!!!! You may have made it to the school on time but the wait to actually drop your kid off at the door will have them late. I'm glad the school recognizes this and is kinda lax with tardies. Overall I'm very impressed with the school and hope we continue to have a great school year. Steele Creek Elementary 4100 Gallant Ln Charlotte, NC 28273 2017/2018 School year

We had such a wonderful experience with Kiddie Academy Steele Creek! As a first time mom, I was…read moredreading dropping off my infant for her first day of daycare but that dread turned into excitement as soon we walked through the doors. I felt such relief and knew that my baby was in the best hands! The infant room staff (Ms. Aury, Ms. Diamond and Ms. Brandi) are so welcoming and attentive, and truly care about each child's well-being. Every morning, my little baby would smile as soon as she was greeted by Ms. Aury. You could just feel the warmth and love radiating out of the infant room! The facility is new and very clean and we really enjoyed the daily updates and photos we received through the app. This place is very special and we are lucky to have found it. Highly recommend Kiddie Academy Steele Creek to any parent looking for quality childcare in a happy, reliable and loving environment.

From the owner: Kiddie Academy of Steele Creek, an educational daycare in Charlotte, offers age-specific child care…read moreprograms. Our flexible, standard-based curriculum encourages children to progress in school and in life. We pride ourselves in providing a daycare that focuses on developing positive character traits for kids, while providing a nurturing learning environment. Our programs can range from infant and toddler to kindergarten and school age. Read our child care reviews, take a virtual tour and learn more about Kiddie Academy to find the best "daycare near me" for you and your child.

Oakhurst Elementary was closed in 2011 due to CMS budget cuts and later reopened as a CMS…read moreAdministrative Center. In March of 2013 CMS announced a $400 million education upgrade and plans to reopen Oakhurst Elementary as a K-8 STEAM partial magnet school in time for the 2015 - 2016 school year. The core focus at the newly branded Oakhurst STEAM Academy will be on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math... aka STEAM. Since its been given the "partial magnet" status, there is a percentage of first priority available seats to children living within the outlined neighborhood boundaries which include Chantilly, Amity Gardens, Commonwealth Morningside, Echo Hills, and Oakhurst. All other children attending Oakhurst Elementary will have to enter via a lottery. The official school mascot is the Oakhurst Rockets and the school colors will be light blue and light orange. Oakhurst STEAM Academy will feature a Science and Robotic Labs, Lego Walls, a even a 3D Printer!!! The re-opening of Oakhurst Elementary is a very welcome change in the neighborhood and will serve as the staging ground for CMS to improve the education of the next generation of Charlotteans :)