Southside High School is the largest school in the Etowah County School System, serving 900 students from Southside and Rainbow City from grades 9 through 12. The schoolhouse was constructed in 2007. Its mascot is the black panther and its colors are maroon and black. Its student population has a 91% graduation rate.
Serving 818 students in grades 9-12, Southside High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 30%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Alabama state average of 49% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- 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
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
