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Below Average

#1148 of 1,284 schools in KY

Western Middle School for the Arts

Middle School · Jefferson County

2201 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40212

Enrollment

618

Student-Teacher

17.2:1

Score

4.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Louisville

#124 of 147

public schools

Kentucky middle schools

#187 of 216

In district

#126 of 149

Jefferson County

School environment

7.0 / 10

Strong

About Western Middle School for the Arts

Western Middle School for the Arts is a vibrant public middle school located in Louisville, Kentucky. Serving students from sixth through eighth grade, this bustling campus has an enrollment of 618 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 17.2:1, ensuring that each student receives individual attention. The dedicated faculty consists of 36 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to foster creativity and academic growth.

Western Middle School for the Arts is known for its strong arts programs, offering students unique opportunities to explore their creative interests while meeting rigorous academic standards. However, the school's recent performance on standardized tests shows that there is room for improvement in both ELA/Reading (46% proficiency) and Math (22% proficiency). Despite this, the school remains committed to focusing on student development and providing a supportive learning environment.

Located in a large city setting within Jefferson County, Western Middle School for the Arts benefits from its urban surroundings, offering students access to cultural events, community resources, and diverse perspectives. This dynamic location enhances the educational experience by integrating real-world applications into classroom learning.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.5Fair40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-6.28 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.0Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency20%
Reading/ELA Proficiency39%
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)42%
vs. Expected-12.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile21th
Resources & Environment7.0Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,376

Western Middle School for the Arts — Students at Western Middle School for the Arts score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

56.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KY EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 22.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 45.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from KY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
9%
ELA
41%
2022
Math
20%
ELA
39%

* 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: 3.5/10.

How Western Middle School for the Arts Compares

See how Western Middle School for the Arts performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.5/10
11th percentile in KY
Academic
4.0/10
4.0/10
Growth
3.5/10
Below average
Environment
7.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
56%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers

Location

2201 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40212

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Western Middle School for the Arts may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Grace M. James Academy of Excellence (rated 8.3/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Johnson Traditional Middle (rated 2.1/10, 1.8 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Louisville, see our Louisville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Byck Elementary Louisville 0.4 mi 6.9
EMMA L. MINNIS JUNIOR ACADEMY Louisville 0.7 mi 5.0
Atkinson Academy Louisville 0.7 mi 6.8
Grace M. James Academy of Excellence Louisville 0.9 mi 8.3
Dr. William H. Perry Elementary School Louisville 1.0 mi 6.9
Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary Louisville 1.1 mi 5.7
Central High Magnet Career Academy Louisville 1.2 mi 8.5
Portland Elementary Louisville 1.3 mi 3.9
Brandeis Elementary Louisville 1.4 mi 7.5
Young Elementary Louisville 1.3 mi 6.3
Jefferson Regional Juvenile Detention Ce Louisville 1.3 mi
Johnson Traditional Middle Louisville 1.8 mi 2.1
The Academy @ Shawnee Louisville 1.6 mi 5.2
Maupin Elementary Louisville 2.0 mi 6.3
PRESENTATION ACADEMY Louisville 2.0 mi 8.6
ST FRANCIS SCHOOL Louisville 1.9 mi 8.2
WEST END SCHOOL Louisville 2.1 mi 6.3
J. Graham Brown School Louisville 2.0 mi 7.6
Ahrens Educational Resource Center Louisville 2.0 mi 7.2
King Elementary Louisville 2.0 mi 6.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 40212 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$35,389

Median Home Value

$78,100

Median Rent

$917/mo

Population

15,160

College Educated

12.7%

Homeownership

49.8%

Avg Commute

22.2 min

Poverty Rate

34.8%

Median Age

38.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Western Middle School for the Arts has a median household income of $35,389. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $78,100, with a median rent of $917/month. The area has a poverty rate of 34.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 22 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
Franklin-Simpson Middle School Franklin, KY 4.5
Muhlenberg North Middle Greenville, KY 4.5
Stuart Pepper Middle School Brandenburg, KY 4.5
College View Middle School Owensboro, KY 4.6
East Hardin Middle School Elizabethtown, KY 4.6
North Middle School Radcliff, KY 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Western Middle School for the Arts

What grades does Western Middle School for the Arts serve?

Western Middle School for the Arts serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Western Middle School for the Arts?

Western Middle School for the Arts has an enrollment of approximately 618 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Middle School for the Arts?

The student-teacher ratio at Western Middle School for the Arts is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Western Middle School for the Arts rank in KY?

Western Middle School for the Arts is ranked #1148 out of 1,284 schools in KY.

What is Western Middle School for the Arts's MySchoolScout rating?

Western Middle School for the Arts has a composite rating of 4.5 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 Western Middle School for the Arts?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Western Middle School for the Arts has 22.0% math proficiency and 45.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Western Middle School for the Arts a charter school?

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

Is Western Middle School for the Arts a Title I school?

No, Western Middle School for the Arts is not currently a Title I school.

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

56.1% of students at Western Middle School for the Arts 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 (0/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
618
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Free/Reduced Lunch
56.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Jefferson County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Jefferson County
District Enrollment
94,793
Schools in District
171
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,200
District Rank
#126 of 149

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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