Southside High School in Gadsden, AL, ranked #654 in Alabama in 2023, showing a decline from #577 in 2022 and #416 in 2019, indicating weaker overall ranking performance over recent years.
Math proficiency ranged from 25% to 29% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 35% to 39%, also lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency was 40% to 44%, higher than the state average of 38% in 2022.
Enrollment declined from 846 students in 2017 to 770 in 2023, and the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased to 36% in 2023 from 16% in 2017, reflecting socioeconomic shifts in this Union County NJ high school.
Southside High School served grades 9–12 with 818 students and 43 teachers in 2023, maintaining a student–teacher ratio of 19:1, slightly above the previous years' ratios.
The school's graduation rate consistently exceeded the state average, reaching 95% in 2023 compared to Alabama's 88%, ranking in the top 5% statewide.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 818 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 17%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southside High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Southside High School's student population of 818 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
818 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Welcome to Southside High School, home of the Southside Panthers. The mission of Southside High School is to make certain that each student realizes his or her own unique potential.
School Rankings
Southside High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southside High School is 0.31, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#654 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
1%
Hispanic
5%
11%
Black
5%
32%
White
83%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southside High School's ranking?
Southside High School is ranked #654 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Southside High School often compared to?
Southside High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Glencoe High School, Etowah High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southside High School?
The graduation rate of Southside High School is 95%, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Southside High School?
818 students attend Southside High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Southside High School students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southside High School?
Southside High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Southside High School offer ?
Southside High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southside High School part of?
Southside High School is part of Etowah County School District.
School Reviews
Review Southside High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.
