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
Enrollment
174
Student-Teacher
12.4:1
Score
5.2
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Southwestern Middle School — Students at Southwestern Middle School score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
43.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 22% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 50% (2019) to 28% (2022).
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (618) 372-3813
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Southwestern CUSD 9- District Enrollment
- 1,162
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,053
- District Rank
- #4 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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