Skip to main content

Average

#2941 of 3,813 schools in IL

Southwestern Middle School

Middle School · Southwestern CUSD 9

8226 Route 111, Piasa, IL 62079

Enrollment

174

Student-Teacher

12.4:1

Score

5.2

Grades

7th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Piasa

#2 of 2

public schools

Illinois middle schools

#557 of 684

In district

#4 of 5

Southwestern CUSD 9

About Southwestern Middle School

Southwestern Middle School is a rural public school located in Piasa, Illinois, serving students in seventh and eighth grade. With an enrollment of 174 students, the school offers a close-knit community environment where each student can receive individual attention from their teachers, thanks to a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.4:1. Southwestern Middle School has 14 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to providing quality education.

The school's MySchoolScout rating is 4.8 out of 10, reflecting its state ranking at #2470 among the 3819 schools in Illinois, placing it around the 35th percentile. Academically, Southwestern Middle School scores a 6.1/10, with 38% of students proficient or above in ELA and reading, and 27% proficient or above in math. These statistics suggest there is room for improvement in academic performance.

Southwestern Middle School is situated in a rural setting where the community values its small-town charm and close connections. The school plays an important role in fostering a supportive learning environment that caters to the unique needs of middle school students as they transition into their teenage years.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 174 students, Southwestern Middle School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

Located in a rural area, Southwestern Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.6Fair40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-6.13 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.4Above Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency22%
Reading/ELA Proficiency28%
Overall Proficiency25%
Expected (poverty-adj.)29%
vs. Expected-4.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile48th
Resources & Environment5.9Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,941

Southwestern Middle School — Students at Southwestern Middle School score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

43.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 27.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 38.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
32%
ELA
50%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2022
ELA
28%

* 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: 3.6/10.

How Southwestern Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.2/10
23th percentile in IL
Academic
6.4/10
6.4/10
Growth
3.6/10
Below average
Environment
5.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
44%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers

Location

8226 Route 111, Piasa, IL 62079

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Southwestern Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Medora Intermediate School (rated 7.7/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Medora), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jersey Community Middle School (rated 5.5/10, 10.1 miles away, in nearby Jerseyville), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Alton Middle School (rated 4.6/10, 14.9 miles away, in nearby Alton), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Piasa, see our Piasa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Southwestern High School Piasa 0.0 mi 7.7
Medora Intermediate School Medora 3.8 mi 7.7
Brighton North Primary School Brighton 4.8 mi 4.6
Shipman Elem School Shipman 5.2 mi 7.2
Lewis & Clark Elem School Godfrey 10.8 mi 5.7
MONTESSORI CHILDRENS HOUSE Godfrey 11.9 mi 5.8
North Elementary School Godfrey 12.1 mi 4.7
Jerseyville East Elem School Jerseyville 9.9 mi 4.7
Alton High School Alton 12.7 mi 6.4
Jersey Community Middle School Jerseyville 10.1 mi 5.5
Jersey Comm High School Jerseyville 10.1 mi 3.8
Bunker Hill High School Bunker Hill 11.1 mi 3.9
Jerseyville West Elem School Jerseyville 10.7 mi 4.5
ST AMBROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Godfrey 13.6 mi 6.1
Wolf Ridge Education Center Bunker Hill 11.3 mi 5.0
EVANGELICAL SCHOOL Godfrey 13.7 mi 4.6
Gilson Brown Elem School Godfrey 13.6 mi 6.5
Eunice Smith Elem School Alton 14.4 mi 5.8
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Alton 14.6 mi 6.6
Alton Middle School Alton 14.9 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 62079 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$129,205

Median Home Value

$234,100

Population

370

College Educated

10.5%

Homeownership

79.4%

Poverty Rate

0%

Median Age

48.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Southwestern Middle School has a median household income of $129,205. It is a community where 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $234,100. The local poverty rate of 0.0% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Cottage Grove Upper Grade Center Ford Heights, IL 5.2
East Alton Middle School East Alton, IL 5.2
Georgetown Middle School Marquette Hts, IL 5.2
Sumner Attendance Center Sumner, IL 5.2
Brookwood Middle School Glenwood, IL 5.3
Hardin County Jr High School Elizabethtown, IL 5.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Southwestern Middle School

What grades does Southwestern Middle School serve?

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

How many students attend Southwestern Middle School?

Southwestern Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 174 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Southwestern Middle School is 12.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Southwestern Middle School rank in IL?

Southwestern Middle School is ranked #2941 out of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Southwestern Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Southwestern Middle School has a composite rating of 5.2 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 Southwestern Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Southwestern Middle School has 27.0% math proficiency and 38.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Southwestern Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Southwestern Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

43.7% of students at Southwestern 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

County Safety
Low (173/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
174
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
43.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Macoupin County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Southwestern CUSD 9
District Enrollment
1,162
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,053
District Rank
#4 of 5

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

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.