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GreatSchools Rating

Southwest Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 650 students

Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

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2 reviews of this school


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Posted September 23, 2004

SouthWest Middle School offers a nice transition from primary to high school. Our son has begun his 2nd year (as a 7th grader) there and finds the teachers, classes interesting. He attended Oakbrook Primary, which was excellent, and this has been an adjustment process, but it helps having each grade segregated from each other during the day. After school, there are extra curricular activities/clubs for all interests. The teaching style/course work is 'contemporary' or newer approaches to science, math, social studies, english. (versus traditional 3 R's). Nice mix of newer/veteran staff (teachers). Strict when it comes to timeliness/on-time homework, penalized for leaving classrooms for unscheduled bathroom breaks, the mandatory DARE (drug education) and HEALTH segments replace the popular P.E. opportunities. Lunch time is quick/brief (combined with recess) <30 min. are the only areas of suggested improvement by students we know.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2004

As a typical worrying mom sending my oldest child (daughter) off to middle school, I was apprehensive about her leaving the comfort of her elementary school. I was afraid she would be lost in the bigger school, afraid of peer pressure, etc. Soon after the school year began, my worries were laid to rest. The staff at SWMS recognize that these are our 'babies' and they nurture them and ease them into the more grown up, independent environment. They do a fantastic job of separating the grade levels - with each grade having their own hall (house). My worries about 6th grade camp (one whole week of sleeping away!) were also put to rest. The camp counselors (teachers, nurse, etc) understand all of the pressures and worries of adolescence. They do a great job of placing kids with friends or in non-threatening environs. camp chaperones(teachers) are casual/fun so camp is fun!
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Communication Arts

The state average for Communication Arts was 51% in 2012.

234 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
54%
Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

234 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
63%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math and communication arts, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The results for math, communication arts, and science are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The MAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Communication Arts

The state average for Communication Arts was 56% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 60% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
57%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math and communication arts, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The results for math, communication arts, and science are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The MAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Communication Arts

The state average for Communication Arts was 54% in 2012.

202 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
61%
Math

The state average for Math was 53% in 2012.

202 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
59%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2012.

202 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
52%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math and communication arts, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The results for math, communication arts, and science are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The MAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Communication Arts

All Students63%
Female70%
Male56%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islander90%
Hispanicn/a
White67%
Free or reduced-price lunch29%
Students with disabilities23%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a

Math

All Students66%
Female64%
Male68%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islander94%
Hispanicn/a
White70%
Free or reduced-price lunch25%
Students with disabilities23%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math and communication arts, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The results for math, communication arts, and science are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The MAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; data is not reported if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Communication Arts

All Students71%
Female80%
Male64%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
White70%
Free or reduced-price lunch47%
Students with disabilities40%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a

Math

All Students73%
Female74%
Male72%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
White73%
Free or reduced-price lunch44%
Students with disabilities47%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math and communication arts, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The results for math, communication arts, and science are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The MAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; data is not reported if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Communication Arts

All Students69%
Female79%
Male59%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
White73%
Free or reduced-price lunch33%
Students with disabilities17%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a

Math

All Students64%
Female67%
Male60%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
White69%
Free or reduced-price lunch23%
Students with disabilities20%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a

Science

All Students66%
Female74%
Male57%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
White69%
Free or reduced-price lunch26%
Students with disabilities17%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math and communication arts, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The results for math, communication arts, and science are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The MAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; data is not reported if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 57% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
99%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
95%
Government

The state average for Government was 57% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments to test high school students in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English I, English II, American History, Government, and Biology. The EOC Assessments are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Missouri for each subject. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Algebra I

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
White100%
Free or reduced-price lunchn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Missouri used the End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments to test high school students in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English I, English II, American History, Government, and Biology. The EOC Assessments are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Missouri for each subject. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; data is not reported if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group.

See Missouri's state standards

Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 72% 76%
Black 14% 18%
Asian/Pacific Islander 12% 2%
Hispanic 2% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 12%N/A39%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

701 Wren Ave
Ballwin, MO 63021
Phone: (314) 415-7300

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