Serving 591 students in grades 6-8, West Middle School - 37 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 41% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 53% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 591 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 53% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Middle School serves the northwest part of Rapid City, SD, covering an area of approximately 66.2 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 10 to 15 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 10.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Middle School - 37's student population of 591 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
591 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Rankings
West Middle School - 37 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Middle School - 37 is 0.47, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#352 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
7%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
9%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
71%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.9%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Middle School - 37's ranking?
West Middle School - 37 is ranked #352 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are West Middle School - 37 often compared to?
West Middle School - 37is often viewed alongside schools like Southwest Middle School - 38, South Middle School - 36 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 53% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend West Middle School - 37?
591 students attend West Middle School - 37.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of West Middle School - 37 students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Middle School - 37?
West Middle School - 37 has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does West Middle School - 37 offer ?
West Middle School - 37 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is West Middle School - 37 part of?
West Middle School - 37 is part of Rapid City Area School District 51-4.
School Reviews
Review West Middle School - 37. 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
