Serving 759 students in grades 6-8, Southern Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 759 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in KY
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 23% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southern Middle School serves the southwest part of Lexington, KY, covering an area of approximately 5.5 square miles, with a typical drive time of 5 to 10 minutes and an average distance of 1.4 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone. The furthest edge of this zone is about 2.2 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southern Middle School's student population of 759 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
759 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1966
School Motto
SMS provides ALL students with high levels of academic instruction while developing strong character and independence.
School Rankings
Southern Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Middle School is 0.68, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#753 out of 1250 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
17%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
24%
11%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
48%
71%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.4%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
55%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Middle School's ranking?
Southern Middle School is ranked #753 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Southern Middle School often compared to?
Southern Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tates Creek Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
How many students attend Southern Middle School?
759 students attend Southern Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Southern Middle School students are White, 24% of students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Middle School?
Southern Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southern Middle School offer ?
Southern Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southern Middle School part of?
Southern Middle School is part of Fayette County School District.
School Reviews
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