Serving 486 students in grades 6-7, Southwest Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-7
- Enrollment: 486 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southwest Middle's attendance zone covers the entire Albert Lea school district, encompassing approximately 228.4 square miles. The typical drive to the school from within the zone ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, with the furthest edge located about 16 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwest Middle School's student population of 486 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-7
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
486 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
To ensure individual academic, social and emotional growth that leads to engaged citizens and lifelong learners.
School Rankings
Southwest Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Middle School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1383 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
46%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
12%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
27%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
White
53%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.6%
27.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Middle School's ranking?
Southwest Middle School is ranked #1383 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Southwest Middle School?
486 students attend Southwest Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Southwest Middle School students are White, 27% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, and 4% 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 14:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Southwest Middle School offer ?
Southwest Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-7 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Middle School part of?
Southwest Middle School is part of Albert Lea Public School District.
School Reviews
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