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Average

#3017 of 3,777 schools in FL

Southwest Middle School

Middle School · BREVARD

451 ELDRON BLVD SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909

Enrollment

899

Student-Teacher

17.3:1

Score

5.1

Grades

7th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Palm Bay

#18 of 20

public schools

Florida middle schools

#447 of 573

In district

#95 of 105

BREVARD

About Southwest Middle School

Southwest Middle School serves 899 students in grades 7 and 8 in Palm Bay, Florida. With 52 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.3:1, providing reasonably sized learning environments for middle school students. The school is currently focusing on student development, with 44% of students performing at proficient levels or above in English Language Arts and 38% demonstrating proficiency in mathematics.

While these scores indicate room for academic growth, the dedicated teaching staff works within a structured environment to support student learning across both grade levels. Southwest Middle School operates as a regular public school in Brevard County, ranking in the 28th percentile among Florida's middle schools. The school's academic programs serve a diverse student body in this mid-size city setting.

The surrounding 32909 ZIP code community reflects a stable residential area with a median household income of $71,783 and median home values around $239,100. With a population of 36,725, the neighborhood maintains a 14.9% poverty rate and has 24% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher. Southwest Middle School sits within this established Palm Bay community, serving families in a suburban Florida setting where students can focus on their critical middle school transition years.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.4Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.27 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency40%
Reading/ELA Proficiency39%
Math vs. State Avg-7.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.3 pts
Overall Proficiency40%
Expected (poverty-adj.)45%
vs. Expected-5.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
Resources & Environment6.0Above Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,368

Southwest Middle School — Students at Southwest Middle School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 42.3%
School
State
50.9%
ELA Proficiency 44.3%
School
State
50.5%

Based on 8 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
54%
ELA
51%
2021*
Math
40%
ELA
39%
2024
Math
37.5%
ELA
43.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.4/10.

How Southwest Middle School Compares

See how Southwest Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
20th percentile in FL
Academic
5.2/10
5.2/10
Growth
4.4/10
Below average
Environment
6.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
58%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
52 teachers

Location

451 ELDRON BLVD SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Southwest Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ROYAL PALM CHARTER SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is RIVIERA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 2.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PORT MALABAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Palm Bay, see our Palm Bay schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.2 mi
School Distance Rating
JOHN F. TURNER SENIOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 0.1 mi 6.2
PINEAPPLE COVE CLASSICAL ACADEMY Palm Bay 1.3 mi 5.5
CHRISTA MCAULIFFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 1.6 mi 6.7
PINEAPPLE COVE CLASSICAL ACADEMY AT LOCKMAR Palm Bay 2.0 mi 7.7
EL SINAI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Palm Bay 1.9 mi 6.1
COLUMBIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.1 mi 7.2
LOCKMAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.5 mi 7.2
ODYSSEY CHARTER SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.5 mi 5.2
JUPITER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.3 mi 7.4
GREAT LEAPS ACADEMY Palm Bay 2.9 mi 7.4
BAYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.9 mi 3.4
RIVIERA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.9 mi 7.9
PORT MALABAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.7 mi 7.9
ROYAL PALM CHARTER SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.8 mi 8.0
ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Palm Bay 2.9 mi 7.6
WESTSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palm Bay 3.3 mi 6.5
ODYSSEY PREPARATORY CHARTER ACADEMY Palm Bay 3.3 mi 7.3
LIFELINE ACADEMY Palm Bay 3.2 mi 6.0
IMAGINE SCHOOLS AT WEST MELBOURNE West Melbourne 3.6 mi 6.9
PINEAPPLE COVE CLASSICAL ACADEMY AT WEST MELBOURNE West Melbourne 4.2 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 32909 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$76,708

Median Home Value

$261,400

Median Rent

$1,502/mo

Population

39,611

College Educated

22.7%

Homeownership

83.2%

Avg Commute

28.4 min

Poverty Rate

13%

Median Age

37.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Southwest Middle School has a median household income of $76,708. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $261,400, with a median rent of $1,502/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.0%. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
AVALON MIDDLE SCHOOL Milton, FL 5.1
BARTOW MIDDLE SCHOOL Bartow, FL 5.1
CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL Dade City, FL 5.1
DR. DAVID L. ANDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Stuart, FL 5.1
EUSTIS MIDDLE SCHOOL Eustis, FL 5.1
FOREST GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL Fort Pierce, FL 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Southwest Middle School

What grades does Southwest Middle School serve?

Southwest Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.

How many students attend Southwest Middle School?

Southwest Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 899 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwest Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Southwest Middle School is 17.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Southwest Middle School rank in FL?

Southwest Middle School is ranked #3017 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Southwest Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Southwest Middle School has a composite rating of 5.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Southwest Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Southwest Middle School has 42.3% math proficiency and 44.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Southwest Middle School a charter school?

No, Southwest Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Southwest Middle School a Title I school?

No, Southwest Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Southwest Middle School?

57.5% of students at Southwest Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
Elevated (1,367/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Palm Bay). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
899
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
52
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Brevard County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

BREVARD
District Enrollment
73,810
Schools in District
109
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,100
District Rank
#95 of 105

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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