Fargo South High School, more commonly known as Fargo South, South High, or South is a public high school located in Fargo, North Dakota. The campus serves about 1,000 students in grades 9-12. The school is a part of the Fargo Public Schools system.
Serving 898 students in grades 9-12, South High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is higher than the North Dakota state level of 10:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 898 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 20% in ND)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: South High School serves the northeast part of Fargo, ND, covering an area of approximately 8 square miles, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive, and the furthest edge of the zone located about 3.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
South High School's student population of 898 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
898 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
School Rankings
South High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 449 schools in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South High School is 0.58, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.50. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#233 out of 449 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
44%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
10:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
3%
11%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
17%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
62%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90%
83.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38%
20.9%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Bruin
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South High School's ranking?
South High School is ranked #233 out of 449 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Dakota.
What schools are South High School often compared to?
South High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North High School, Fargo Davies 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 39% ND state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% ND state average).
What is the graduation rate of South High School?
The graduation rate of South High School is 90%, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 83.2%.
How many students attend South High School?
898 students attend South High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of South High School students are White, 17% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South High School?
South High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 10:1.
What grades does South High School offer ?
South High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South High School part of?
South High School is part of Fargo 1 School District.
In what neighborhood is South High School located?
South High School is located in the South High neighborhood of Fargo, ND.
School Reviews
3 10/10/2025
I attended south high for all four years of high school. My time here at south was honestly the best four-year span of my life. High a high diversity population lead me to understand what the real world is truly like. The teachers and staff are also exceptional. Dr. Bertch is arguably the best leader of education in the state. His high standards to strive for excellence is what is currently pushing me on my way to med school. Besides the academics, the school also exceeds in many other aspects from the arts to athletics. Mr. Tackling is one of the most renown music educators in the state. He has lead south high bands to countless awards. Athletically, South high school has also set the benchmark for North Dakota athletics. South currently holds the most state championships in the state. Also, numerous athletes go on to play at top-tier institutions in the fall after they graduate. All and all, South High is arguably the top school in North Dakota.
5 10/10/2025
Y''all went to high school I went to school high
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