Serving 832 students in grades 6-8, Southwest Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 832 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southwest Middle serves the southwest part of Gastonia, NC, covering an area of approximately 49.4 square miles. Students typically have a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being about 4 miles and the furthest edge extending up to 8.3 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwest Middle School's student population of 832 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
832 students
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Rankings
Southwest Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Middle School is 0.71, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1971 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)37%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
36%
22%
Black
34%
24%
White
22%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.3%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Middle School's ranking?
Southwest Middle School is ranked #1971 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Southwest Middle School often compared to?
Southwest Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like W P Grier Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Southwest Middle School?
832 students attend Southwest Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Southwest Middle School students are Hispanic, 34% of students are Black, 22% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwest Middle School?
Southwest Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southwest Middle School offer ?
Southwest Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Middle School part of?
Southwest Middle School is part of Gaston County Schools.
School Reviews
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