Serving 422 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Southside Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 90% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 422 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 90% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southside Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Southside Elementary School's student population of 422 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
422 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
School Motto
We strive for excellence!
School Mascot
Wildcat
School Rankings
Southside Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southside Elementary School is 0.52, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#253 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
90%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)75-79%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)40-49%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
3%
19%
Black
31%
22%
White
62%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
85%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
10%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southside Elementary School's ranking?
Southside Elementary School is ranked #253 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Southside Elementary School often compared to?
Southside Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kentuck Elementary School, Chatham Elementary School, Twin Springs Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Southside Elementary School?
422 students attend Southside Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Southside Elementary School students are White, 31% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southside Elementary School?
Southside Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southside Elementary School offer ?
Southside Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is Southside Elementary School part of?
Southside Elementary School is part of Pittsylvania County School District.
School Reviews
Review Southside Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.