Serving 685 students in grades 9-12, Southwest High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 685 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwest High School's student population of 685 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
685 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Southwest High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest High School is 0.66, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1377 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
15%
21%
Black
18%
25%
White
53%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest High School's ranking?
Southwest High School is ranked #1377 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Southwest High School often compared to?
Southwest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Richlands High School, Jacksonville High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southwest High School?
The graduation rate of Southwest High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Southwest High School?
685 students attend Southwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Southwest High School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwest High School?
Southwest High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southwest High School offer ?
Southwest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest High School part of?
Southwest High School is part of Onslow County Schools School District.
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