Northwest Middle School

5301 Pleasant Ridge Rd
Knoxville, TN 37912
(School attendance zone shown in map)
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 798 students in grades 6-8, Northwest Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 7% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 798 students
  • Minority Enrollment: 71%
  • : Bottom 50% in TN
  • : 7% (Btm 50%)
  • : 15% (Btm 50%)
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : Northwest Middle School serves the west part of Knoxville, TN, covering an attendance zone of approximately 16 square miles. Families typically live within a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 2.3 miles from the school to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 3.7 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education

School Overview

Northwest Middle School's student population of 798 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
798 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
64 teachers
School Motto
To provide excellent and accessible learning opportunities that empower all students to realize their full potential.

School Rankings

Northwest Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwest Middle School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (TN)
#1615 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
7%
34%
15%
37%
18%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
41%
16%
Black
22%
20%
White
29%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
71%
0.70
(22-23)
35%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northwest Middle School's ranking?
Northwest Middle School is ranked #1615 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Northwest Middle School often compared to?
Northwest Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bearden Middle School, Whittle Springs Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 15% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Northwest Middle School?
798 students attend Northwest Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Northwest Middle School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 22% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Northwest Middle School offer ?
Northwest Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest Middle School part of?
Northwest Middle School is part of Knox County School District.

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 798 students
  • Minority Enrollment: 71%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 7% (Btm 50%)
  • : 15% (Btm 50%)
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : Northwest Middle School serves the west part of Knoxville, TN, covering an attendance zone of approximately 16 square miles. Families typically live within a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 2.3 miles from the school to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 3.7 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education

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