Is Southside Middle School a good school?

Southside Middle School ranks in the bottom 7.0% of Florida middle schools.

How many students attend Southside Middle School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 814 students attended Southside Middle School.

What is the racial makeup of Southside Middle School?

Students at Southside Middle School are 50% Hispanic, 23% African American, 15% White, 8% Asian, 3% Two or more races.

What high school do graduates of Southside Middle School attend?

Students who attend Southside Middle School usually go on to attend Englewood High School

Southside Middle School

Summary:

Southside Middle School is a public middle school in Jacksonville, Florida, serving 844 students in grades 6-8 with a diverse student population. The school faces significant challenges, including a high chronic absenteeism rate, low test scores, and declining performance over the years.

Southside Middle School has a chronic absenteeism rate of 58.7%, which is much higher than the district average of 36.6% at Fort Caroline Middle School and the state average. The school also consistently underperforms the district and state averages in standardized tests, with only 23% of 6th-grade students proficient or better in FAST/English Language Arts, compared to the district average of 45% and the state average of 54%. Additionally, Southside Middle School has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at 56.99%, compared to the nearby Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School at 85.47%.

Despite these challenges, Southside Middle School has a higher spending per student at $9,802, compared to $12,130 at Fort Caroline Middle School and $9,820 at Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School. This suggests that there may be opportunities for targeted interventions and support to improve student outcomes, particularly in addressing the root causes of the high chronic absenteeism rate and providing additional resources for economically disadvantaged students. However, the school's declining performance, as evidenced by its low statewide ranking and SchoolDigger star rating, indicates that significant work is needed to turn the school around and provide a better educational experience for its students.

Detail:

Public, Magnet 6-8

2948 Knights Ln E
Jacksonville, FL 32216

(904) 739-5238

District: Duval

SchoolDigger Rank:
1112^th of 1,196 Florida Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $9,802

Students who attend Southside Middle School usually attend:

High:

Englewood High School

Feeder schools for Southside Middle School:

Elementary:	Englewood Elementary School
	Greenfield Elementary School
	Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary School
	Southside Estates Elementary School
	More...
	Spring Park Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 19.8

Number of students: 814

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

50.1%

African American:

23.2%

White:

14.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 50.9%

See top rated Florida middle schools

Compare Southside Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Southside Middle School ranks worse than 93% of middle schools in Florida. It also ranks 24^th among 26 ranked middle schools in the Duval School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 9.31. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Southside Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (50.1%), African American (23.2%), White (14.6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 50.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Southside Middle School is 19.8. 15 middle schools in the Duval School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Southside Middle School employs 41 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Southside Middle School is $9,802, which is the 13^th highest among 26 middle schools in the Duval School District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Southside Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Southside Middle School 1112^th of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See Southside Middle School in the ranking list.)

Duval:

SchoolDigger ranks Duval 54^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Southside Middle School.

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Rank History for Southside Middle School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	FL State Percentile
2004	20.56	497^th	593	16.2%
2005	27.30	472^nd	602	21.6%
2006	28.92	497^th	675	26.4%
2007	28.42	548^th	736	25.5%
2008	28.87	557^th	740	24.7%
2009	18.00	647^th	780	17.1%
2010	22.12	674^th	839	19.7%
2011	17.42	744^th	891	16.5%
2012	17.90	750^th	897	16.4%
2013	15.82	816^th	956	14.6%
2014	12.74	889^th	999	11.0%
2016	16.93	864^th	997	13.3%
2017	14.91	901^st	1031	12.6%
2018	12.20	935^th	1035	9.7%
2019	10.07	1007^th	1099	8.4%
2021	12.70	1032^nd	1136	9.2%
2022	13.54	1036^th	1148	9.8%
2023	14.27	1047^th	1177	11.0%
2024	9.31	1112^th	1196	7.0%

See the entire list of Florida Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)

100%

Reviews:

by a citizen
Tuesday, January 19, 2016

I saw pictures on FCN about the Principal and the ice bucket Challenge. She needs that every day and might help her be a Professional and a better person. She is out for herself about climbing the ladder a control freak that calls the school a business. Got rid of very good experience teachers for young inexperience ones. Every one walks on eggshells. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Southside Middle School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	357	322	24	14	0	n/a	n/a	0	717
1989	326	295	31	17	1	n/a	n/a	0	670
1990	342	258	24	26	2	n/a	n/a	0	652
1991	328	321	21	28	1	n/a	n/a	0	699
1992	848	346	37	40	1	n/a	n/a	0	1272
1993	860	365	45	40	1	n/a	n/a	0	1311
1994	790	388	63	60	3	n/a	n/a	0	1304
1995	845	374	54	61	1	n/a	n/a	0	1335
1996	845	374	54	61	1	n/a	n/a	0	1335
1997	832	412	57	61	1	n/a	n/a	0	1363
1998	786	378	59	78	2	n/a	n/a	0	1303
1999	689	374	59	89	2	n/a	n/a	0	1213
2000	670	367	35	70	1	n/a	n/a	0	1143
2001	702	360	34	88	2	n/a	n/a	0	1186
2002	606	343	44	117	1	n/a	n/a	0	1111
2003	606	343	44	117	1	n/a	n/a	0	1111
2004	579	352	55	145	2	n/a	n/a	0	1133
2005	548	381	61	132	4	n/a	n/a	0	1126
2006	495	394	57	142	3	n/a	n/a	0	1091
2007	453	318	53	166	0	n/a	n/a	31	1021
2008	456	305	55	148	1	n/a	n/a	33	998
2009	461	396	61	163	0	n/a	n/a	52	1133
2010	376	384	58	159	1	n/a	n/a	19	997
2011	327	407	59	146	3	0	25	0	967
2012	297	367	64	153	2	3	33	0	919
2013	280	368	63	157	0	3	36	0	907
2014	209	261	54	157	2	3	30	0	716
2015	204	237	50	194	8	2	34	0	729
2016	183	287	58	173	6	1	29	0	737
2017	207	303	65	180	3	4	27	0	789
2018	207	295	67	225	3	0	33	0	830
2019	207	310	68	258	5	2	20	0	870
2020	199	336	66	321	6	7	24	0	959
2021	189	302	61	317	4	5	31	0	909
2022	164	248	66	326	10	2	35	0	851
2023	153	210	70	370	7	1	33	0	844
2024	119	189	66	408	7	0	25	0	814

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Southside Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	717	41.0	17.4	39.9
1989	670	38.0	17.6	41.8
1990	652	40.0	16.3	44.9
1991	699	40.0	17.4	43.9
1992	1272	58.0	21.9	28.6
1993	1311	59.0	22.2	33.3
1994	1304	57.0	22.9	22
1995	1335	58.0	23.0	41.4
1996	1335	58.0	23.0	41.4
1997	1363	61.0	22.3	38.9
1998	1303	66.0	19.7	32.6
1999	1213	58.0	20.9	54.2
2000	1143	57.0	20.1	50.9
2001	1186	55.0	21.6	51.9
2002	1111	53.0	21.0	50.6
2003	1111	53.0	21.0	50.6
2004	1133	57.0	19.9	56
2005	1126	61.0	18.5	57
2006	1091	59.0	18.5	56.6
2007	1021	57.0	17.9	54.6
2008	998	57.0	17.5	45.8
2009	1133	63.2	18.6	62.5
2010	997	56.0	17.8	63.8
2011	967	53.0	18.2	72.6
2012	919	47.0	19.5	73.4
2013	907	49.0	18.5	69.5
2014	716	45.0	15.9	60.3
2015	729	35.0	20.8	51.6
2016	737	44.0	16.7	68.1
2017	789	43.0	18.3	67.8
2018	830	43.0	19.3	64.5
2019	870	37.0	23.5	65.4
2020	959	42.0	22.8	60.3
2021	909	45.0	20.2	65.2
2022	851	49.0	17.3	61.5
2023	844	45.0	18.7	57
2024	814	41.0	19.8	50.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Southside Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	717	41.0	17.4	39.9
1989	670	38.0	17.6	41.8
1990	652	40.0	16.3	44.9
1991	699	40.0	17.4	43.9
1992	1272	58.0	21.9	28.6
1993	1311	59.0	22.2	33.3
1994	1304	57.0	22.9	22
1995	1335	58.0	23.0	41.4
1996	1335	58.0	23.0	41.4
1997	1363	61.0	22.3	38.9
1998	1303	66.0	19.7	32.6
1999	1213	58.0	20.9	54.2
2000	1143	57.0	20.1	50.9
2001	1186	55.0	21.6	51.9
2002	1111	53.0	21.0	50.6
2003	1111	53.0	21.0	50.6
2004	1133	57.0	19.9	56
2005	1126	61.0	18.5	57
2006	1091	59.0	18.5	56.6
2007	1021	57.0	17.9	54.6
2008	998	57.0	17.5	45.8
2009	1133	63.2	18.6	62.5
2010	997	56.0	17.8	63.8
2011	967	53.0	18.2	72.6
2012	919	47.0	19.5	73.4
2013	907	49.0	18.5	69.5
2014	716	45.0	15.9	60.3
2015	729	35.0	20.8	51.6
2016	737	44.0	16.7	68.1
2017	789	43.0	18.3	67.8
2018	830	43.0	19.3	64.5
2019	870	37.0	23.5	65.4
2020	959	42.0	22.8	60.3
2021	909	45.0	20.2	65.2
2022	851	49.0	17.3	61.5
2023	844	45.0	18.7	57
2024	814	41.0	19.8	50.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Southside Middle School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$784 (11.5%)	$6,022 (88.5%)	$6,806
2019	$728 (12.2%)	$5,215 (87.7%)	$5,944
2020	$1,178 (18.0%)	$5,357 (82.0%)	$6,535
2021	$1,615 (19.9%)	$6,495 (80.1%)	$8,110
2022	$2,385 (27.4%)	$6,316 (72.6%)	$8,701
2023	$2,541 (25.9%)	$7,262 (74.1%)	$9,802

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Southside Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 1007^th of 1099 Middle schools	Ranks 1047^th of 1177 Middle schools	2.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Southside Middle School)	30	20	10%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)	47	43	4%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	54	52	2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Southside Middle School)	24	23	1%
6th Grade Mathematics (Duval)	51	41	10%
6th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	55	49	6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Southside Middle School)	18	22	4%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)	44	42	2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	52	48	4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Southside Middle School)	33	28	5%
7th Grade Mathematics (Duval)	47	41	6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	54	46	8%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Southside Middle School)	24	22	2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)	49	42	7%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	49	7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Southside Middle School)	13	23	10%
8th Grade Mathematics (Duval)	32	28	4%
8th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	46	42	4%
8th Grade Science (Southside Middle School)	6	10	4%
8th Grade Science (Duval)	40	35	5%
8th Grade Science (Florida)	48	44	4%
End of Course Biology 1 (Southside Middle School)	53	90	37%
End of Course Biology 1 (Duval)	68	66	2%
End of Course Biology 1 (Florida)	67	63	4%
End of Course Civics (Southside Middle School)	46	33	13%
End of Course Civics (Duval)	69	63	6%
End of Course Civics (Florida)	71	66	5%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Southside Middle School)	66	89	23%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Duval)	60	55	5%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Florida)	62	54	8%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	870	844	3%
African American	310	210	32.3%
American Indian	5	7	40%
Asian	68	70	2.9%
Hispanic	258	370	43.4%
Pacific Islander	2	1	50%
White	207	153	26.1%
Two or More Races	20	33	65%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	65.4%	57%	8.4%

Schools Near Southside Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)			FAST Math (2024)			Statewide Science Science (2024)	EOC Algebra 1 (2024)	EOC Geometry (2024)	EOC Biology 1 (2024)	EOC Civics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Southside Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	2948 Knights Ln E	Jacksonville	32216	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	Yes	(904) 739-5238	814	41	19.8	50.9%	119 (14.6%)	189 (23.2%)	408 (50.1%)	66 (8.1%)	7 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (3.1%)	9.3	1112^th of 1196 public middle schools	7.0%		14.3	1047^th of 1177 public middle schools	11.0%	65	23.0	18.0	19.0	22.0	29.0	22.0	8.0	97.0		81.0	25.0	$9,802	$2,541	$7,262
Alfred I. Dupont Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	2710 Dupont Ave	Jacksonville	32217	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	Yes	(904) 739-5200	611	36	16.9	57.8%	128 (20.9%)	197 (32.2%)	230 (37.6%)	29 (4.7%)	9 (1.5%)	2 (0.3%)	16 (2.6%)	7.9	1125^th of 1196 public middle schools	5.9%		16.7	1022^nd of 1177 public middle schools	13.2%	103	19.0	17.0	26.0	27.0	11.0	18.0	10.0	84.0		86.0	34.0	$11,656	$3,516	$8,140
Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development S	Public, Magnet	6-8	1819 Thacker Ave	Jacksonville	32207	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	No	(904) 346-5650	861	41	21.0	18.6%	399 (46.3%)	113 (13.1%)	83 (9.6%)	211 (24.5%)	6 (0.7%)	5 (0.6%)	44 (5.1%)	91.7	64^th of 1196 public middle schools	94.6%		92.3	61^st of 1177 public middle schools	94.8%	3	85.0	85.0	83.0	91.0		73.0	63.0	93.0	100.0	99.0	92.0	$8,107	$1,090	$7,018
Arlington Middle School	Public	6-8	8141 Lone Star Rd	Jacksonville	32211	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 720-1680	699	42	16.6	67.5%	129 (18.5%)	357 (51.1%)	154 (22.0%)	17 (2.4%)	5 (0.7%)	4 (0.6%)	33 (4.7%)	11.1	1099^th of 1196 public middle schools	8.1%		12.5	1063^rd of 1177 public middle schools	9.7%	36	24.0	17.0	29.0	20.0	24.0	21.0	21.0	85.0		82.0	48.0	$10,542	$3,008	$7,534
Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	1424 Franklin St	Jacksonville	32206	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	Yes	(904) 630-6700	622	28	22.2	83.8%	25 (4.0%)	524 (84.2%)	40 (6.4%)	1 (0.2%)	4 (0.6%)	3 (0.5%)	25 (4.0%)	12.4	1084^th of 1196 public middle schools	9.4%		6	1112^th of 1177 public middle schools	5.5%	28	19.0	14.0	22.0	11.0	20.0	37.0	31.0	61.0			56.0	$9,820	$3,120	$6,700
Mandarin Middle School	Public	6-8	5100 Hood Rd	Jacksonville	32257	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	No	(904) 292-0555	1,143	57	20.0	33.0%	624 (54.6%)	186 (16.3%)	224 (19.6%)	34 (3.0%)	9 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	66 (5.8%)	52.1	558^th of 1196 public middle schools	53.3%		53.7	513^th of 1177 public middle schools	56.4%	45	58.0	51.0	56.0	45.0	29.0	55.0	53.0	86.0	97.0	94.0	69.0	$9,123	$1,459	$7,663
Twin Lakes Academy Middle School	Public	6-8	8050 Point Meadows Dr	Jacksonville	32256	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	No	(904) 538-0825	975	48	20.3	46.9%	279 (28.6%)	372 (38.2%)	208 (21.3%)	38 (3.9%)	9 (0.9%)	4 (0.4%)	65 (6.7%)	23.6	950^th of 1196 public middle schools	20.6%		27.2	879^th of 1177 public middle schools	25.3%	71	29.0	30.0	41.0	27.0	20.0	44.0	39.0	71.0	93.0	100.0	70.0	$7,911	$1,072	$6,839
Mattie V Rutherford Alt Educational Center	Public	4-8	1514 Hubbard St	Jacksonville	32206	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 630-6782	74	12	6.1	81.1%	11 (14.9%)	56 (75.7%)	5 (6.8%)	1 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.4%)	2.5	1184^th of 1196 public middle schools	1.0%		2.9	1157^th of 1177 public middle schools	1.7%	27	4.0	8.0	9.0	0.0	6.0	10.0	2.0				13.0
Lavilla School Of The Arts	Public, Magnet	6-8	501 N Davis St	Jacksonville	32202	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	No	(904) 633-6069	993	53	18.7	28.0%	436 (43.9%)	361 (36.4%)	118 (11.9%)	20 (2.0%)	1 (0.1%)	3 (0.3%)	54 (5.4%)	75	261^st of 1196 public middle schools	78.2%		77.4	231^st of 1177 public middle schools	80.4%	30	71.0	63.0	74.0	51.0	72.0	46.0	64.0	84.0	100.0	100.0	81.0	$9,423	$1,353	$8,070
Springfield Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	2034 Hubbard St	Jacksonville	32206	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	No	(904) 630-6600	875	45	19.4	46.6%	96 (11.0%)	687 (78.5%)	39 (4.5%)	18 (2.1%)	3 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	31 (3.5%)	44.6	665^th of 1196 public middle schools	44.4%		49.2	575^th of 1177 public middle schools	51.1%	90	51.0	46.0	49.0	59.0	24.0	33.0	48.0	81.0	83.0	90.0	59.0	$8,425	$1,196	$7,228

Southside Middle School

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Rank History for Southside Middle School

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Enrollment information for Southside Middle School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Southside Middle School

Student/Teacher Ratio Southside Middle School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Southside Middle School

Impact of COVID-19 on Southside Middle School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Southside Middle School