Very Good
#576 of 1,823 schools in IN
Top 32% in state
South Side High School
High School · Fort Wayne Community Schools
3601 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46807
Enrollment
1,459
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,459
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fort Wayne
#26 of 74
public schools
Indiana high schools
#110 of 388
In district
#17 of 49
Fort Wayne Community Schools
Academic growth
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About South Side High School
South Side High School serves 1,459 students in grades 9-12 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 supported by 91 full-time equivalent teachers. The school operates as a regular public high school in Allen County and currently faces significant academic challenges, with room for substantial growth in student achievement. Academic performance indicates the school is working to improve outcomes, particularly in mathematics where 8% of students demonstrate proficiency across grade levels.
With a MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 out of 10 and ranking in the 4th percentile statewide, South Side High School represents an institution focused on student development and support. The school draws from a diverse community where the median household income is $57,625 and median home values average $121,400. About 31% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while 16% of families experience poverty, reflecting the varied socioeconomic landscape the school serves.
Located on South Calhoun Street, South Side High School sits in Fort Wayne's urban environment, providing education within Indiana's second-largest city. The school's substantial enrollment makes it a significant educational institution serving the south side community, where students and families work together toward academic progress and personal growth.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at South Side High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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South Side High School — Students at South Side High School score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
68.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.8/10.
How South Side High School Compares
See how South Side High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 13% (2019) to 8% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 37% (2019) to 39% (2021).
Location
3601 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46807
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Side High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. John S Irwin Elementary School (rated 8.9/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is BISHOP LUERS HIGH SCHOOL (rated 8.4/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST PAUL'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Fort Wayne, see our Fort Wayne schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46807 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,341
Median Home Value
$133,500
Median Rent
$970/mo
Population
16,285
College Educated
29.8%
Homeownership
60%
Avg Commute
21.7 min
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Median Age
32.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Side High School has a median household income of $56,341. It is an area where 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $133,500, with a median rent of $970/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.8%. The average commute for residents is 22 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kankakee Valley High School Wheatfield, IN | 7.1 |
| Lebanon Senior High School Lebanon, IN | 7.1 |
| Lowell Senior High School Lowell, IN | 7.2 |
| Columbus East High School Columbus, IN | 6.9 |
| Jefferson High School Lafayette, IN | 6.9 |
| New Prairie High School New Carlisle, IN | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Side High School
What grades does South Side High School serve?
South Side High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend South Side High School?
South Side High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,459 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Side High School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Side High School is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Side High School rank in IN?
South Side High School is ranked #576 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is South Side High School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Side High School has a composite rating of 7.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at South Side High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Side High School has 11.0% math proficiency and 38.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Side High School a charter school?
No, South Side High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Side High School a Title I school?
No, South Side High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Side High School?
68.9% of students at South Side High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,459
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 91
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 68.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Allen County
- Phone
- (260) 467-2600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Fort Wayne Community Schools- District Enrollment
- 28,506
- Schools in District
- 50
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,569
- District Rank
- #17 of 49
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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