Average
#984 of 1,823 schools in IN
Southwestern Middle School
Middle School · Southwestern-Jefferson Co Con
169 S Main Cross St, Hanover, IN 47243
Enrollment
306
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
6.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
306
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
6.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hanover
#2 of 3
public schools
Indiana middle schools
#159 of 330
In district
#2 of 3
Southwestern-Jefferson Co Con
Academic growth
8.2 / 10
Very strong
About Southwestern Middle School
Southwestern Middle School is a regular public middle school located in Hanover, Indiana, nestled in a rural area near the town. The school serves students from sixth through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 306 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16.1:1, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention. With 19 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, Southwestern Middle School focuses on fostering a supportive learning environment.
The school's academic performance currently stands at the lower end, with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and a state ranking of #1586 out of 1831 schools in Indiana (13th percentile). Specifically, only 21% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while just 13% meet proficiency standards in Math, and no students have achieved proficiency in Science. Despite these challenges, the school is dedicated to student development and providing additional support where needed.
Southwestern Middle School is situated in a rural setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere for its students.
What Parents Should Know
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 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
62.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 15 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 8.2/10.
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 remained stable from 23% (2019) to 21.56% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 34% (2019) to 33.7% (2025).
Location
169 S Main Cross St, Hanover, IN 47243
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Southwestern Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Scottsburg Middle School (rated 7.4/10, 15.8 miles away, in nearby Scottsburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Madison Consolidated Jr High Sch (rated 7.1/10, 5.6 miles away, in nearby Madison), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Hanover, see our Hanover schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.8 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 47243 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,333
Median Home Value
$172,000
Median Rent
$922/mo
Population
6,235
College Educated
19.2%
Homeownership
74%
Avg Commute
20.9 min
Poverty Rate
9%
Median Age
33.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Southwestern Middle School has a median household income of $66,333. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $172,000, with a median rent of $922/month. The local poverty rate of 9.0% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| Cedar Crest Intermediate School Huntingburg, IN | 6.2 |
| Greencastle Middle School Greencastle, IN | 6.2 |
| Martin T Krueger Middle School Michigan City, IN | 6.2 |
| Owen Valley Middle School Spencer, IN | 6.2 |
| South Dearborn Middle School Aurora, IN | 6.2 |
| Northwest Community Middle School Indianapolis, IN | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwestern Middle School
What grades does Southwestern Middle School serve?
Southwestern Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Southwestern Middle School?
Southwestern Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 306 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwestern Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Southwestern Middle School is 16.1:1. 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 IN?
Southwestern Middle School is ranked #984 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Southwestern Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Southwestern Middle School has a composite rating of 6.2 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 20.0% math proficiency and 33.2% 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?
62.4% 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 306
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 62.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Jefferson County
- Phone
- (812) 866-6244
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Southwestern-Jefferson Co Con- District Enrollment
- 1,290
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,277
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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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