South Side Middle School

720 Columbiana Waterford Rd
Columbiana, OH 44408
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
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South Side Middle School Photo #1 - Columbiana Middle School's Team 44408E, "The Almighty Cheeto Puffs," won the State Teamwork Challenge Title and the Design Award, making them double qualifiers for the World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in May 2025!
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South Side Middle School Photo #1 - Columbiana Middle School's Team 44408E, "The Almighty Cheeto Puffs," won the State Teamwork Challenge Title and the Design Award, making them double qualifiers for the World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in May 2025!
South Side Middle School Photo #2 - Columbiana South Side Middle School Celebrates as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
South Side Middle School Photo #3 - Columbiana Middle School rewards positive student behaviors with our new VIC (Very Important Clipper Lounge).Kristen Orr, Morgan Sauerwein, Riley Fridley, and Madison Kurtz were recently recognized by Principal Dr. Martin at the March Board of Education meeting for their commitment to building a school culture centered around respect, responsibility, and kindness.
South Side Middle School Photo #4 - Elizabeth Siembida presents Principal Dr. Martin with a check to maintain the new Gaga Pit that was recently added to the Columbiana Middle School playground this year as part of Elizabeth's Gold Award project for Girl Scouts. Superintendent Dr. Mook and Mrs. Siembida Boggs served as mentors. Siembida earned her Gold Award in 2024.
South Side Middle School Photo #5 - Columbiana Middle School students enjoy a break from study hall to play chess with classmates on our recently refinished stage.
South Side Middle School Photo #6 - Columbiana Middle School students take a lunch break with teaching staff after a morning of serving as teachers for the day. This PBIS fundraiser also provided students with experience with professional communication skills.
South Side Middle School Photo #7 - Students show off their collaborative artwork, designed by 8th-grade student Alyssa Parker.
South Side Middle School Photo #8 - Students react to guest speaker, comedian, and magician David McCreary's message about kindness.
Serving 289 students in grades 5-8, South Side Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Ohio for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 85% (which is higher than the Ohio state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the Ohio state average of 60%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Ohio state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Ohio state average of 35% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 289 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 7%
  • : Top 20% in OH
  • : 85% (Top 10%)
  • : 78% (Top 20%)
  • : 75-79% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

South Side Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Ohio for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

South Side Middle School's student population of 289 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
289 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers

School Rankings

South Side Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,181 schools in Ohio (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Side Middle School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (OH)
#354 out of 3181 schools
(Top 20%)
85%
54%
78%
60%
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
4%
8%
Black
n/a
17%
White
93%
65%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
0.13
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
5%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • Our 2024 Blue Ribbon School has worked effortlessly to ensure parents have options that work for their families while continuing toprovide a solid foundation for our students. This foundation willserve as a catalyst for future success.The collaborative efforts of Columbiana Middle School's learning community have increased student achievement.
  • Columbiana Middle School houses Grades5-8 and offers a full range of fundamental, gifted, and special education curricula. We promote building strong relationships and making lasting memories for our students by offering a wide variety of educational programming and extra- and co-curricularactivities, including a well-rounded selection of musicand sports opportunities.
  • The vision for Columbiana Middle School is to provide students with a positive and safe middle school experience, academic rigor, and life skills development. We strive to foster a culture of academic excellence where high expectations are established to ensure student and staff success. Moreover, Columbiana Middle School promotes communication, collaboration, instructional differentiation, career exploration, academic distinction, and the social and emotional well-being of everyone within our learning community. Further, as a learning community, we strive to establish a positive environment where learning is exciting, enjoyable, and memorable for all students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Side Middle School's ranking?
South Side Middle School is ranked #354 out of 3,181 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Ohio.
What schools are South Side Middle School often compared to?
South Side Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Crestview Middle School, Leetonia Elementary K-6 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% OH state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% OH state average).
How many students attend South Side Middle School?
289 students attend South Side Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of South Side Middle School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Side Middle School?
South Side Middle School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Ohio state average of 17:1.
What grades does South Side Middle School offer ?
South Side Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Side Middle School part of?
South Side Middle School is part of Columbiana Exempted Village School District.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 289 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 7%
  • : Top 20%
  • : 85% (Top 10%)
  • : 78% (Top 20%)
  • : 75-79% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education

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