Southwest Academy

6200 Johnnycake Rd
Gwynn Oak, MD 21207
(School attendance zone shown in map)
2/
10
Bottom 50%
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%
  • : Bottom 50% in MD
  • : 6% (Btm 50%)
  • : 26% (Btm 50%)
  • : 26% (Btm 50%)
  • 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)
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.
This School
State Level (MD)
#1159 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
6%
27%
26%
45%
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
0.66
(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.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Sophia Lorez

Review Southwest Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 842 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 93%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 6% (Btm 50%)
  • : 26% (Btm 50%)
  • : 26% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links