Serving 596 students in grades 6-8, South Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 42% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 596 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: South Middle serves the southwest part of Joplin, MO, covering an area of approximately 27.8 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a 10-12 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located about 6.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Middle School's student population of 596 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
596 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Learning Today For A Better Tomorrow
School Rankings
South Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Middle School is 0.53, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1195 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
9%
9%
Black
6%
15%
White
67%
67%
Hawaiian
2%
1%
Two or more races
12%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.6%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Middle School's ranking?
South Middle School is ranked #1195 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are South Middle School often compared to?
South Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Middle School, East Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend South Middle School?
596 students attend South Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of South Middle School students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Middle School?
South Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does South Middle School offer ?
South Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Middle School part of?
South Middle School is part of Joplin Schools.
School Reviews
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