Serving 149 students in grades 6-8, Southwest Valley Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is approximately equal to the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 149 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southwest Valley Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Southwest Valley Middle School's student population of 149 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
149 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwest Valley Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Valley Middle School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#860 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
13%
Black
1%
7%
White
93%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Valley Middle School's ranking?
Southwest Valley Middle School is ranked #860 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Southwest Valley Middle School?
149 students attend Southwest Valley Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Southwest Valley Middle School students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwest Valley Middle School?
Southwest Valley Middle School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southwest Valley Middle School offer ?
Southwest Valley Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Valley Middle School part of?
Southwest Valley Middle School is part of Villisca Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Southwest Valley 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
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
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.
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.
