Serving 661 students in grades 5-8, Southern Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 661 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southern Middle School's student population of 661 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
661 students
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
School Rankings
Southern Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Middle School is 0.25, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2633 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
86%
16%
Black
8%
14%
White
4%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)42.8%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Middle School's ranking?
Southern Middle School is ranked #2633 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Southern Middle School often compared to?
Southern Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central Middle School, Northwest Middle School, Northeast Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Southern Middle School?
661 students attend Southern Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Southern Middle School students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 4% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Middle School?
Southern Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Southern Middle School offer ?
Southern Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southern Middle School part of?
Southern Middle School is part of Reading School District.
School Reviews
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