South Side High School

Summary:

South Side High School is a public high school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving 1,423 students in grades 9-12 and is part of the Fort Wayne Community Schools district, which is ranked 281 out of 381 districts in the state.

Compared to nearby schools, South Side High School has a more diverse student population, with higher percentages of African American (29.94%) and Hispanic (35.35%) students. However, the school consistently ranks in the bottom quarter of Indiana high schools, with a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. Its academic performance is significantly lower than the district and state averages, particularly in mathematics, where only 6.51% of 11th-grade students were proficient or better in 2023-2024. The school's four-year graduation rate has fluctuated between 79.5% and 87.7% over the past five years, which is lower than the state and district averages. Additionally, South Side High School has a high chronic absenteeism rate, ranging from 33.5% to 36.2% over the past three years, and a high percentage of students (73.37%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a higher proportion of students from low-income families.

When compared to nearby high schools in the Fort Wayne Community Schools district, South Side High School consistently underperforms academically. For example, in 2023-2024, only 25.08% of 11th-grade students at South Side High School were proficient or better in SAT/Evidence-based Reading and Writing, compared to 37.64% at Northrop High School and 44.93% at R. Nelson Snider High School. The school's performance is particularly concerning for certain student subgroups, such as Asian students, who rank in the bottom 10% of Indiana high schools, and African American and Hispanic students, who rank in the bottom third.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 3601 S Calhoun St
       Fort Wayne, IN  46807


(260) 467-2600

District: Fort Wayne Community Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
368th of 431 Indiana High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,865 Help


Feeder schools for South Side High School:

Elementary:    Fairfield Elementary School
    Harrison Hill Elementary School
    Indian Village Elementary School
    Merle J Abbett Elementary School
    More...
Middle:    Kekionga Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.3 Help
Number of students:  1,423

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
35.3%
African American:
29.9%
White:
18.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  73.4% Help


 See top rated Indiana high schools

 Compare South Side High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details South Side High School ranks worse than 85.4% of high schools in Indiana. It also ranks last among 5 ranked high schools in the Fort Wayne Community Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 15.69. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at South Side High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
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
Help
Compare Details Student population at South Side High School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (35.3%), African American (29.9%), White (18.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 73.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Fort Wayne Community Schools District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South Side High School is 18.3. 2 high schools in the Fort Wayne Community Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare South Side High School employs 77.6 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at South Side High School is $12,865, which is the highest among 5 high schools in the Fort Wayne Community Schools District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

South Side High School:

SchoolDigger ranks South Side High School 368th of 431 Indiana public high schools. (See South Side High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Fort Wayne Community Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Fort Wayne Community Schools 283rd of 381 Indiana school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for South Side High School?

Rank History for South Side High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 13.49 319th 349 8.6%
2006 8.76 329th 349 5.7%
2007 12.59 329th 354 7.1%
2008 13.70 334th 360 7.2%
2009 15.36 329th 364 9.6%
2010 19.97 321st 362 11.3%
2011 9.72 345th 364 5.2%
2012 7.76 357th 373 4.3%
2013 7.45 335th 353 5.1%
2014 2.83 367th 379 3.2%
2015 8.95 365th 400 8.8%
2016 15.96 350th 394 11.2%
2017 12.11 339th 380 10.8%
2018 16.15 338th 385 12.2%
2019 15.94 340th 389 12.6%
2021 18.24 335th 388 13.7%
2022 10.14 366th 409 10.5%
2023 14.99 352nd 398 11.6%
2024 15.69 368th 431 14.6%
See the entire list of Indiana High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 16.28 80th 94 14.9%
2023 15.39 97th 104 6.7%
2024 14.54 92nd 102 9.8%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 36.83 43rd 74 41.9%
2024 25.80 79th 94 16.0%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 25.97 236th 285 17.2%
2024 19.10 261st 289 9.7%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 16.66 336th 379 11.3%
2024 17.67 326th 377 13.5%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 14.78 342nd 388 11.9%
2024 14.62 345th 392 12.0%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 14.11 346th 383 9.7%
2024 12.95 355th 392 9.4%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 7.22 41st 44 6.8%
2023 4.44 47th 49 4.1%
2024 5.54 44th 47 6.4%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 16.99 108th 125 13.6%
2023 28.46 86th 125 31.2%
2024 25.79 103rd 132 22.0%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 15.05 146th 164 11.0%
2023 20.09 140th 166 15.7%
2024 22.85 150th 184 18.5%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at South Side High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 34.61 260th 378 31.2%
2023 37.49 229th 375 38.9%
2024 34.27 257th 381 32.5%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for White Students!

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

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

South Side High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 




Data source: Indiana Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.8)
75%

25%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a citizen
Friday, September 12, 2014

Open Quote South Side has been described as a school with low standards. The city of Fort Wayne finds it to be one of the worst schools in the city. I find it very sad. All the news that is broadcasted out into the public gives South Side a rough and "dangerous" vibe. There's rarely any good that is brought up upon this school. I am currently a junior and I'm apart of the class of 2016. Throughout my three years of attending the school, I feel as if I have received a huge benefit from just receiving my education at South Side. I'm involved in the International Baccalaureate program. My school is the only one in the entire city of Fort Wayne that offers that program. It is a high level, rigorous program intended for students who want to go above and beyond the academic curriculum. I feel proud. Many citizens of the city probably even have no idea what the program is.
My school is a place worth looking into and joining in. I don't enjoy the worries that my friends from other schools have towards me. They have this idea in their head that one day I'm not going to make it out of my school safely. I think to myself, there is absolutely no need for me to feel scared as I attend my school, because in the end I know that I'm entering a safe learning environment as it should be. I'm glad of it. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, February 13, 2009

Open Quote South Side provides an excellent education in a caring diverse environment. My children graduated from South Side and were well prepared for college. Close Quote



Enrollment information for South Side High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 780 365 35 75 1 n/a n/a 0 1256
1989 698 378 29 70 2 n/a n/a 0 1177
1990 632 388 31 68 2 n/a n/a 0 1121
1991 568 387 33 61 2 n/a n/a 0 1051
1992 590 417 34 62 2 n/a n/a 0 1105
1993 582 436 50 64 2 n/a n/a 0 1134
1994 571 489 54 71 3 n/a n/a 0 1188
1995 633 570 45 96 0 n/a n/a 0 1344
1996 633 570 45 96 0 n/a n/a 0 1344
1997 669 601 51 104 2 n/a n/a 0 1427
1998 679 567 46 111 2 n/a n/a 0 1405
1999 688 569 50 132 5 n/a n/a 0 1444
2000 674 521 47 162 5 n/a n/a 0 1409
2001 617 501 70 171 6 n/a n/a 0 1365
2002 593 538 61 213 3 n/a n/a 0 1408
2003 593 538 61 213 3 n/a n/a 0 1408
2004 599 586 54 218 2 n/a n/a 0 1459
2005 556 629 42 255 3 n/a n/a 0 1485
2006 565 662 27 273 1 n/a n/a 0 1528
2007 539 634 32 282 5 n/a n/a 29 1521
2008 531 622 38 299 4 n/a n/a 42 1536
2009 504 605 57 307 6 n/a n/a 40 1519
2010 495 596 85 347 6 n/a n/a 49 1578
2011 498 583 91 358 7 1 58 0 1596
2012 428 571 97 340 7 1 76 0 1520
2013 389 514 99 378 4 1 94 0 1479
2014 366 480 95 372 6 0 81 0 1400
2015 279 456 99 420 5 1 98 0 1358
2016 303 505 79 437 2 1 115 0 1442
2017 269 516 90 412 3 2 117 0 1409
2018 250 454 99 425 0 3 127 0 1358
2019 264 435 109 424 0 2 124 0 1358
2020 262 431 102 469 0 2 125 0 1391
2021 268 424 98 486 1 2 136 0 1415
2022 269 420 102 460 1 1 132 0 1385
2023 262 426 103 503 2 1 126 0 1423

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 South Side High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1256 55.3 22.7 18.2
1989 1177 54.9 21.4 n/a
1990 1121 55.7 20.1 19.1
1991 1051 53.0 19.8 25.9
1992 1105 75.4 14.6 31.8
1993 1134 82.0 13.8 36.1
1994 1188 83.6 14.2 38.6
1995 1344 62.5 21.5 35
1996 1344 62.5 21.5 35
1997 1427 63.8 22.4 33.4
1998 1405 66.6 21.1 35.7
1999 1444 67.0 21.6 38.6
2000 1409 68.1 20.7 41.4
2001 1365 67.6 20.2 43.3
2002 1408 64.0 22.0 54.5
2003 1408 64.0 22.0 54.5
2004 1459 64.5 22.6 55
2005 1485 72.9 20.4 60.4
2006 1528 69.3 22.0 61.7
2007 1521 n/a n/a 65.6
2008 1536 72.7 21.1 67.2
2009 1519 70.4 21.6 69.4
2010 1578 73.0 21.6 71
2011 1596 79.0 20.1 73.5
2012 1520 72.9 20.8 77.8
2013 1479 104.0 14.2 79.4
2014 1400 65.5 21.3 79.9
2015 1358 64.0 21.2 80.3
2016 1442 62.0 23.2 78.4
2017 1409 68.1 20.6 78.4
2018 1358 74.9 18.1 81.4
2019 1358 68.4 19.8 69.1
2020 1391 71.9 19.3 72.5
2021 1415 73.1 19.3 73.2
2022 1385 77.5 17.8 75.6
2023 1423 77.6 18.3 73.4

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 South Side High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1256 55.3 22.7 18.2
1989 1177 54.9 21.4 n/a
1990 1121 55.7 20.1 19.1
1991 1051 53.0 19.8 25.9
1992 1105 75.4 14.6 31.8
1993 1134 82.0 13.8 36.1
1994 1188 83.6 14.2 38.6
1995 1344 62.5 21.5 35
1996 1344 62.5 21.5 35
1997 1427 63.8 22.4 33.4
1998 1405 66.6 21.1 35.7
1999 1444 67.0 21.6 38.6
2000 1409 68.1 20.7 41.4
2001 1365 67.6 20.2 43.3
2002 1408 64.0 22.0 54.5
2003 1408 64.0 22.0 54.5
2004 1459 64.5 22.6 55
2005 1485 72.9 20.4 60.4
2006 1528 69.3 22.0 61.7
2007 1521 n/a n/a 65.6
2008 1536 72.7 21.1 67.2
2009 1519 70.4 21.6 69.4
2010 1578 73.0 21.6 71
2011 1596 79.0 20.1 73.5
2012 1520 72.9 20.8 77.8
2013 1479 104.0 14.2 79.4
2014 1400 65.5 21.3 79.9
2015 1358 64.0 21.2 80.3
2016 1442 62.0 23.2 78.4
2017 1409 68.1 20.6 78.4
2018 1358 74.9 18.1 81.4
2019 1358 68.4 19.8 69.1
2020 1391 71.9 19.3 72.5
2021 1415 73.1 19.3 73.2
2022 1385 77.5 17.8 75.6
2023 1423 77.6 18.3 73.4

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 South Side High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $776 (7.7%) $9,308 (92.3%) $10,084
2020 $1,275 (11.6%) $9,754 (88.4%) $11,029
2021 $1,915 (15.7%) $10,263 (84.3%) $12,179
2022 $1,866 (14.5%) $11,000 (85.5%) $12,865

Data source: Indiana Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on South Side High 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 340th of 389 High schoolsRanks 352nd of 398 High schools
 1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Biology (South Side High School)17.19.2
 7.9%
   End of Course Biology (Fort Wayne Community Schools)26.215.4
 10.8%
   End of Course Biology (Indiana)38.629
 9.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students13581423
 4.8%
African American435426
 2.1%
American Indian02
Asian109103
 5.5%
Hispanic424503
 18.6%
Pacific Islander21
 50%
White264262
 0.8%
Two or More Races124126
 1.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients69.1%73.4%
 4.2%


Schools Near South Side High School









Frequently Asked Questions about South Side High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,423 students attended South Side High School.

Students at South Side High School are 35% Hispanic, 30% African American, 18% White, 9% Two or more races, 7% Asian.

South Side High School ranks in the bottom 14.6% of Indiana high schools.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Indiana Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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