Serving 474 students in grades 6-7, Southwest Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 27% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 45%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 38% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-7
- Enrollment: 474 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 43%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwest Middle School's student population of 474 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-7
Total Students
474 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Southwest Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,860 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Middle School is 0.60, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1402 out of 1860 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
45%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
51%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
11%
7%
Hispanic
25%
11%
Black
4%
12%
White
57%
62%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Middle School's ranking?
Southwest Middle School is ranked #1402 out of 1,860 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 45% MN state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Southwest Middle School?
474 students attend Southwest Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of Southwest Middle School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwest Middle School?
Southwest Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southwest Middle School offer ?
Southwest Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-7
What school district is Southwest Middle School part of?
Southwest Middle School is part of Albert Lea Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Southwest Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
Explore how public schools are integrating cloud computing into their educational frameworks. Understand the advantages such as enhanced collaboration, cost savings, and accessibility, as well as the challenges schools face in adopting this technology.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.