Serving 1,138 students in grades 6-8, Southside Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,138 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southside Middle serves the southern part of Florence, SC, covering an area of approximately 123.9 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located about 12.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southside Middle School's student population of 1,138 students has grown by 37% over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has grown by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,138 students
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Year Founded
1958
School Motto
Every Cub, Every Day!
School Rankings
Southside Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southside Middle School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#847 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
6%
15%
Black
51%
31%
White
32%
46%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.6%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bruin Cubs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southside Middle School's ranking?
Southside Middle School is ranked #847 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Southside Middle School often compared to?
Southside Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Henry L. Sneed Middle School, John W. Moore Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Southside Middle School?
1,138 students attend Southside Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Southside Middle School students are Black, 32% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southside Middle School?
Southside Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southside Middle School offer ?
Southside Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southside Middle School part of?
Southside Middle School is part of Florence 01 School District.
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