Top Rankings
Southside School District (Independence) ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 1,323 students in Southside School District (Independence). This district's average elementary testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public elementary schools in Arkansas.
Public Elementary Schools in Southside School District (Independence) have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the Arkansas public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 39% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (AR)
# Schools
4 Schools
710 Schools
# Students
2,204 Students
300,005 Students
# Teachers
173 Teachers
19,966 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Southside School District (Independence), which is ranked within the top 50% of all 257 school districts in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 90-94% has decreased from 95% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#105 out of 258 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
36%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)90-94%
88%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.16
0.61
% American Indian
n/a
1%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
6%
15%
% Black
2%
19%
% White
91%
57%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $11,243 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,133. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $9,790 is less than the state median of $13,044. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$25 MM
$6,371 MM
Spending
$22 MM
$6,327 MM
Revenue / Student
$11,243
$13,133
Spending / Student
$9,790
$13,044
Best Southside School District (Independence) Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southside Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2460 Batesville Blvd
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2661
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2661
Gr: PK-3 | 860 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Southside Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
70 Scott Dr
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2332
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2332
Gr: 4-6 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Recent Articles

Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.

Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.

NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.