Lincoln Southwest High School is a Lincoln Public high school located 74 acres adjacent to Wilderness Park in Lincoln, Nebraska. The school opened in August 2002 and was designed to hold around 1,500 students. The student population as of the 2023-24 school year is 2,199 students in grades 9-12.
Serving 2,049 students in grades 9-12, Southwest High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Nebraska for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 58%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 63% (which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Nebraska state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,049 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 50% in NE)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 62% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southwest High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Nebraska for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Southwest High School's student population of 2,049 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,049 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Year Founded
2002
Colors
Green, Silver, Forest Green
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwest High School ranks within the top 50% of all 901 schools in Nebraska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest High School is 0.42, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#323 out of 901 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
58%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
62%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
10%
22%
Black
5%
7%
White
75%
62%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sylvester Silver Hawk
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest High School's ranking?
Southwest High School is ranked #323 out of 901 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Nebraska.
What schools are Southwest High School often compared to?
Southwest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln Southeast High School, Lincoln East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 58% NE state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% NE state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southwest High School?
The graduation rate of Southwest High School is 88%, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 87%.
How many students attend Southwest High School?
2,049 students attend Southwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Southwest High School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwest High School?
Southwest High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 12:1.
What grades does Southwest High School offer ?
Southwest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest High School part of?
Southwest High School is part of Lincoln School District.
School Reviews
Review Southwest High School. 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
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
