South Side High School in Jackson, Tennessee is a public high school, part of the Jackson-Madison County School System school system. It was created in 1956 by the consolidation of Pinson High School, Malesus High School, J.B. Young High School and Mercer High School.
Serving 773 students in grades 9-12, South Side High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 19% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 773 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Side High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
South Side High School's student population of 773 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 67 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
773 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
67 teachers
Year Founded
1956
Colors
White, Black
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Side High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Side High School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1487 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
8%
15%
Black
40%
21%
White
45%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Side High School's ranking?
South Side High School is ranked #1487 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are South Side High School often compared to?
South Side High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Side High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of South Side High School?
The graduation rate of South Side High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend South Side High School?
773 students attend South Side High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of South Side High School students are White, 40% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of South Side High School?
South Side High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does South Side High School offer ?
South Side High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Side High School part of?
South Side High School is part of Madison County School District.
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