![Michael Haynes standing in front of chalkboard]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790861554/gcsnccom/xv7icgv6io6xajgkjyxx/MichaelHaynes.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790861554/gcsnccom/xv7icgv6io6xajgkjyxx/MichaelHaynes.png","width":500}])
![Students reading in a colorful media center at Peeler Hampton VPA Elementary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790794080/gcsnccom/lzi2tfe5tdedzkfla0ih/SchoolDiscoveryMonthPostcardPrintReady_Page_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790794080/gcsnccom/lzi2tfe5tdedzkfla0ih/SchoolDiscoveryMonthPostcardPrintReady_Page_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1790794080/gcsnccom/lzi2tfe5tdedzkfla0ih/SchoolDiscoveryMonthPostcardPrintReady_Page_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1790794080/gcsnccom/lzi2tfe5tdedzkfla0ih/SchoolDiscoveryMonthPostcardPrintReady_Page_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1790794080/gcsnccom/lzi2tfe5tdedzkfla0ih/SchoolDiscoveryMonthPostcardPrintReady_Page_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790794080/gcsnccom/lzi2tfe5tdedzkfla0ih/SchoolDiscoveryMonthPostcardPrintReady_Page_1.jpg","width":1650}])
![The image depicts a white silhouette of a person's head and shoulders against a dark blue background, with the text "BOARD UPDATE" displayed below.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738600714/gcsnccom/zsqccepsn0lv3ivluzya/BoardUpdatewhite.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738600714/gcsnccom/zsqccepsn0lv3ivluzya/BoardUpdatewhite.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738600714/gcsnccom/zsqccepsn0lv3ivluzya/BoardUpdatewhite.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738600714/gcsnccom/zsqccepsn0lv3ivluzya/BoardUpdatewhite.png","width":960}])
![two women one with a purple dress one with a green dress smile infront a floor filled with blue balloons holding plaques for teacher of the year and principal of the year award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789665026/gcsnccom/mtivkpmbkabsvqf3cee4/WINNERS1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1789665026/gcsnccom/mtivkpmbkabsvqf3cee4/WINNERS1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1789665026/gcsnccom/mtivkpmbkabsvqf3cee4/WINNERS1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1789665026/gcsnccom/mtivkpmbkabsvqf3cee4/WINNERS1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1789665026/gcsnccom/mtivkpmbkabsvqf3cee4/WINNERS1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1789665026/gcsnccom/mtivkpmbkabsvqf3cee4/WINNERS1.jpg","width":2200}])
![The image depicts a white trophy icon with a star symbol inside, set against a dark blue background. The text "AWARDS" is displayed below the trophy icon.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738600714/gcsnccom/scbe1rf3i0xwgsjupiid/Awardswhite.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738600714/gcsnccom/scbe1rf3i0xwgsjupiid/Awardswhite.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738600714/gcsnccom/scbe1rf3i0xwgsjupiid/Awardswhite.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738600714/gcsnccom/scbe1rf3i0xwgsjupiid/Awardswhite.png","width":960}])
![The image depicts a white calculator icon against a dark blue background, with the word "NEWS" written below it.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738600714/gcsnccom/jftautsbjrj3z9uz6c9w/News2white.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738600714/gcsnccom/jftautsbjrj3z9uz6c9w/News2white.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738600714/gcsnccom/jftautsbjrj3z9uz6c9w/News2white.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738600714/gcsnccom/jftautsbjrj3z9uz6c9w/News2white.png","width":960}])
Discover Southwest Guilford Elementary
Southwest Elementary is a welcoming, student-centered school where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to grow. We believe that Together We Fly Further—when students, families, and staff work together, every Cowboy can learn, thrive, and achieve.
Experience Why Families Choose Us
At Southwest Elementary, we believe students and adults are stronger when we support one another. Our culture is built on relationships, belonging, positivity, high expectations, and the belief that TOGETHER WE FLY FURTHER!
Student Supports
We provide a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to identify student needs early and provide targeted academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support. Students benefit from classroom interventions, small-group instruction, Exceptional Children services, counseling and social-emotional supports, positive behavior systems, and individualized support from our caring team of teachers and staff.
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Points of Pride
- A strong, caring school community focused on the success of every student
- Dedicated teachers and staff who build meaningful relationships and create engaging learning experiences.
- A commitment to early literacy and academic growth through high-quality instruction and targeted supports.
- A positive schoolwide culture built around the Southwest Six, positive reinforcement, and celebrating student success.
- A proud Special Olympics Unified Champion School, promoting inclusion, belonging, and acceptance for all students.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
School Discovery Month
All GCS families and future families are invited to explore our amazing schools during School Discovery Month. Visit, ask questions, meet our staff, and see all the opportunities GCS has to offer in your attendance zone, as well as our Choice schools and programs.
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The Guilford Guarantee
One district.
Many possibilities.
No matter whether you choose your neighborhood school or a Choice school or program, GCS has a school that's right for your child. Through the Guilford Guarantee, all schools will help students understand their potential and provide multiple pathways to success after high school.
College Credit
Opportunities to earn college credit while in high school.
Career Credentials
Access to industry recognized credentials in high demand fields.
Real-World Experience
Hands-on learning through internships, apprenticeships and work based learning.
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Choice Application Window
October 9 through December 4, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Elementary & Middle School Selections
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Lottery and Notification | Friday, December 11, 2026 |
| Family Accept and Decline Offers Deadline | Friday, December 18, 2026 |
High School Options Selections
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Lottery and Notification | Friday, February 5, 2027 |
| Families Accept or Decline Offers Deadline | Friday, February 12, 2027 |