Southern Elementary School

795 Cox Neck Road
New Castle, DE 19720
(School attendance zone shown in map)
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 729 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Southern Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Delaware for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the Delaware state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Delaware state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Delaware state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Delaware state average of 62% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 729 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 65%
  • : Bottom 50% in DE
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : 27% (Btm 50%)
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education

School Overview

Southern Elementary School's student population of 729 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
729 students
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Year Founded
2001

School Rankings

Southern Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 199 schools in Delaware (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Elementary School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (DE)
#149 out of 199 schools
(Bottom 50%)
18%
31%
27%
42%
6-9%
21%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
9%
20%
Black
50%
31%
White
35%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.62
(22-23)
26.9%
24.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
33%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern Elementary School's ranking?
Southern Elementary School is ranked #149 out of 199 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Delaware.
What schools are Southern Elementary School often compared to?
Southern Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like New Castle Elementary School, Wilbur (Kathleen H.) Elementary School, Pleasantville Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% DE state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% DE state average).
How many students attend Southern Elementary School?
729 students attend Southern Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Southern Elementary School students are Black, 35% of students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Elementary School?
Southern Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Delaware state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southern Elementary School offer ?
Southern Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southern Elementary School part of?
Southern Elementary School is part of Colonial School District.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 729 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 65%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : 27% (Btm 50%)
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education

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