History of Southside Elementary

Southside Elementary opened in the fall of 1979 to serve pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade.  Southside students had previously attended John S. Jones Elementary in Rainbow City.  Overcrowding in the school and growing population in Southside proved the need for an elementary school in this community.

As pupil enrollment increased, additional space was made available in the spring of 1985 with the construction of a new wing for the upper grades.  This wing included twelve classrooms, restroom facilities, and a workroom.  In 1989, with the help of the PTO, a gymnasium was constructed to provide space for physical Education classes.

As enrollment continued to climb sixth grade was relocated to Rainbow Middle School in 2000.  In the year 2003 another wing was added to accommodate the continuing growth of the school.  This wing houses six kindergarten classroom, restroom facilities, and a workroom.

Altogether, the facility provides for 33 classrooms, areas for special services, guidance, a spacious library media center, two computer labs, and a cafetorium with a stage used for meetings and programs. The surrounding grounds are used by the school during the school day and by the community after hours.  The track has facilitated meets, walk-a-thons, and even helicopters.  Both front and back playgrounds are in constant use.  The school is truly an important part of the community.

The administration, faculty, students, and parents take pride in Southside Elementary School. The quality of education for the students is evidenced by the continued increase in student enrollment.  Enrollment for the 2008-2009 school year is 630.