Southwest Middle School

300 Chestnut St
Reading, PA 19602
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 574 students in grades 5-8, Southwest 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 4% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21% (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 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 574 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 95%
  • : Bottom 50% in PA
  • : 4% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • : 10-14% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Southwest Middle School's student population of 574 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
574 students
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers

School Rankings

Southwest 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 Southwest Middle School is 0.24, 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.
This School
State Level (PA)
#2647 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
4%
38%
21%
55%
10-14%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
87%
16%
Black
7%
14%
White
5%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.24
(22-23)
37.8%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southwest Middle School's ranking?
Southwest Middle School is ranked #2647 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
4% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 21% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Southwest Middle School?
574 students attend Southwest Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Southwest Middle School students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 5% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwest Middle School?
Southwest Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Southwest Middle School offer ?
Southwest Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Middle School part of?
Southwest Middle School is part of Reading School District.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 574 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 95%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 4% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • : 10-14% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

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