Serving 842 students in grades 6-8, Southwest Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland 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 Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 842 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MD
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southwest Academy serves the southwest part of Gwynn Oak, MD, covering an area of approximately 6.5 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.9 miles from the school to the zone's edge, and the furthest point being 3.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwest Academy's student population of 842 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
842 students
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Rankings
Southwest Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Academy is 0.66, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1159 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
15%
7%
Hispanic
24%
24%
Black
51%
32%
White
7%
31%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.8%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
46%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Academy's ranking?
Southwest Academy is ranked #1159 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
How many students attend Southwest Academy?
842 students attend Southwest Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Southwest Academy students are Black, 24% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Asian, 7% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwest Academy?
Southwest Academy has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southwest Academy offer ?
Southwest Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southwest Academy part of?
Southwest Academy is part of Baltimore County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Best school ever!!! I have enjoyed all the awesome school programs here and the students are mostly black while I am Spanish so yeah. I really enjoyed reading this review of Southwest academy.
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