Where who they'll be is as important as what they'll be.
Welcome to Southside Academy Charter School
At-a-Glance
Our Academic Success by the Numbers
17
Years
Academic Excellence
Southside has outperformed the local district for the past 17 years.
#1
Top-Ranked Performance
We are ranked the #1 school in the area based on academic performance.
86%
86% of Southside Academy Charter School parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus™ program.
Meet Our Principal
A Note From Shannon Gallo
Thank you for considering Southside Academy Charter School. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and I'd welcome the chance to show you what makes ours different. Come see us in person, meet our teachers, and ask us anything.
Shannon Gallo
Principal, Southside Academy Charter School
What Sets Us Apart
Why Families Trust Southside Academy Charter School
Academic Excellence
At Southside, every student is known, challenged, and supported. Our research-backed curriculum and data-driven instruction let teachers meet each student where they are, so your child gets the right level of challenge and the support to grow with confidence. Every classroom is backed by a designated dean who helps teachers strengthen instruction and gives students extra support when they need it.
Character Development
Through our Moral Focus™ program, character development is part of every school day. Students learn and practice virtues such as respect, gratitude, perseverance, and integrity, applying them both in and out of the classroom. Lessons connect each virtue to everyday actions, so students understand the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing.
Student Responsibility
Students are held to high standards and learn to take ownership of their choices, actions, and academic growth. In many classrooms, students help create social contracts that set shared expectations for how everyone treats one another, so they see their role in building a positive learning environment.
Parent Partnership
We believe students thrive when families and schools work together. Southside Academy Charter School builds strong partnerships through progress reports each marking period, conferences throughout the year, and opportunities to volunteer and be part of the school community.
Family & Student Support
Our school leaders, teachers, and staff partner with you to support your child's academic, social, and emotional growth. From intervention services and individualized learning to resources for multilingual learners, our team works closely with families so every child feels supported and prepared to succeed. Partnerships with local organizations bring additional resources to families in our school community.
School Leadership
Meet the Leaders Behind Southside Academy Charter School
Diane Ralyea
Dean of Lower Elementary
Get Started
Your Next Step Starts Here
Start Your Application
Apply online, in person, or over the phone, and don’t hesitate to ask us questions along the way! We are here for you.
Schedule a Tour
Schedule a tour to see our school in person, meet our staff, and learn how Southside Academy Charter School helps students grow academically and build strong character.
Our Academics
See how students learn, what they study, and how teachers support them at every level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Questions From Families Like You
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Complete your child's online application right here on our website. If more students apply than we have openings during Open Enrollment, we hold a random lottery. You can still apply after Open Enrollment closes, and those applications are considered in the order received.
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Southside Academy Charter School is a public charter school open to all eligible students in grades K–8. There are no entrance exams or interviews to apply. Visit our Admissions page to learn more about eligibility.
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No. Southside Academy Charter School is a tuition-free public school, funded the same way district schools are. There is no cost to attend.
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The best way to experience Southside Academy Charter School is to see it in person. Visit our School Tour page or call 315-476-3019 to schedule a tour and see our classrooms, meet our staff, and learn more about what makes our school community unique.