Southside School District (Independence)

70 Scott Dr
Batesville, AR 72501
(District boundaries shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%

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 2026 school year, there is 1 public middle school serving 427 students in Southside School District (Independence). This district's average middle testing ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public middle schools in Arkansas.
Public Middle School in Southside School District (Independence) have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 43% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).

Overview

This School District
This State (AR)
# Schools
4 Schools
352 Schools
# Students
2,193 Students
145,209 Students
# Teachers
173 Teachers
13,361 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 256 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.
This School District
State Average (AR)
#105 out of 258 school districts
(Top 50%)
46%
39%
35%
40%
39%
36%
(21-22)
90-94%
88%
(2022-23)
16.1%
22.7%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.18
0.60
% American Indian
n/a
1%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
6%
15%
% Black
2%
18%
% White
90%
59%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $11,300 in this school district is less than the state median of $12,976. The school district revenue/student has grown by 18% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $9,839 is less than the state median of $12,888. The school district spending/student has grown by 9% over four school years.
This School District
This State (AR)
Total Revenue
$25 MM
$6,371 MM
Spending
$22 MM
$6,327 MM
Revenue / Student
$11,300
$12,976
Spending / Student
$9,839
$12,888

Best Southside School District (Independence) Public Middle Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southside Junior High School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
70 Scott Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-4003
Gr: 7-9 | 427 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%

Recent Articles

Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 4 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 2,193 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 10%
  • : 90-94% (Btm 50% in AR)
  • : Top 50%
  • : 46% (Top 20%)
  • : 35% (Btm 50%)
  • : 39% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education

Quick Links