Serving 300 students in grades 6-8, South Side Middle 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 was 28% (which was lower than the Tennessee state average of 57%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts was 24% (which was lower than the Tennessee state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 was higher than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
300 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(14-15)28%
57%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(14-15)24%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
15%
Black
98%
21%
White
n/a
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch (13-14)
94%
51%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Shelby County School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 57% TN state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TN state average).
How many students attend South Side Middle School?
300 students attend South Side Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of South Side Middle School students are Black, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Side Middle School?
South Side Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does South Side Middle School offer ?
South Side Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is South Side Middle School part of?
South Side Middle School is part of Shelby County School District.
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.
