Signs on this school's door read: "Welcome to Parkway South Middle, a community of respectful, responsible learners who reach for excellence."

While emphasizing academic achievement, South Middle also stresses The Three R's: Respect, Responsibility and Reach. Home and school work together to foster responsibility for personal growth and learning.

To make a relatively large school seem smaller and more personal, each grade level is divided into teams. Each team is comprised of about 75-140 students and three, four or five core teachers who integrate curriculum in math, science, communication arts, social studies and reading. The day begins and ends with homeroom, which is led by one of the core teachers. Students also select two "encore" classes from fine arts, practical arts and foreign language. Every student is enrolled in physical education/health.

After-school activities encourage students to expand their physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth. Opportunities include intramural sports, community service projects and clubs.