Average
#1411 of 1,992 schools in MN
Southwest Middle
Middle School · ALBERT LEA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
1601 W FRONT ST, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Enrollment
455
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
5.4
Grades
6th – 7th
Enrollment
455
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
5.4
Grades
6th – 7th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Minnesota schools
#1,411 of 1,992
In Albert Lea
#5 of 8
public schools
In district
#5 of 8
ALBERT LEA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
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Southwest Middle
Middle School in Albert Lea · grades 6th – 7th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sibley Elementary
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Lakeview Elementary
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Southwest Middle
Southwest Middle is a public middle school in Albert Lea, MN, part of ALBERT LEA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. Southwest Middle serves approximately 455 students, and covers grades 6th-7th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Southwest Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,411 of 1,992 schools in MN.
Structured state assessment records for Southwest Middle show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.4 · Average
- MN avg 5.8
What Parents Should Know
32% of students at Southwest Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Southwest Middle — Students at Southwest Middle score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
60.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from MN 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: 4.9/10.
How Southwest Middle Compares
See how Southwest Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1601 W FRONT ST, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Southwest Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ST THEODORE'S EL (rated 7.9/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY (rated 7.4/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HALVERSON ELEMENTARY (rated 7.4/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Albert Lea, see our Albert Lea schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SIBLEY ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 0.1 mi | 5.4 |
| LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 1.0 mi | 7.4 |
| ST THEODORE'S EL Albert Lea | 1.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Brookside Early Childhood Sp Ed Albert Lea | 1.8 mi | 5.9 |
| HALVERSON ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 1.9 mi | 7.4 |
| HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 2.0 mi | 4.9 |
| Albert Lea Area Learning Center Albert Lea | 3.1 mi | 4.8 |
| ALBERT LEA SENIOR HIGH Albert Lea | 3.0 mi | 4.4 |
| GLENVILLE EMMONS ELEMENTARY Glenville | 7.2 mi | 4.8 |
| Success East Austin | 7.2 mi | — |
| GLENVILLE-EMMONS SECONDARY Glenville | 7.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Success West Austin | 7.7 mi | — |
| First Step Alden Austin | 9.4 mi | — |
| Enrich Alden Austin | 9.4 mi | — |
| ALDEN-CONGER ELEMENTARY Alden | 9.4 mi | 6.9 |
| ALDEN-CONGER SECONDARY Alden | 9.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Next Step West (Alden) Alden | 9.5 mi | — |
| HOLLANDALE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hollandale | 12.3 mi | 6.2 |
| NRHEG ELEMENTARY Ellendale | 16.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Northwood-Kensett MIddle/High School Northwood | 15.5 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 56007 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,479
Median Home Value
$161,100
Median Rent
$843/mo
Population
21,467
College Educated
18.1%
Homeownership
76.1%
Avg Commute
18.9 min
Poverty Rate
10.6%
Median Age
44
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| FARIBAULT MIDDLE Faribault, MN | 5.4 |
| Minnesota Virtual Academy Middle Houston, MN | 5.5 |
| Seven Hills - Richfield Middle Richfield, MN | 5.5 |
| Franklin Middle Minneapolis, MN | 5.3 |
| Hidden River Middle School Saint Paul, MN | 5.3 |
| Hopkins West Middle School Minnetonka, MN | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwest Middle
What grades does Southwest Middle serve?
Southwest Middle serves students in grades 6th through 7th.
How many students attend Southwest Middle?
Southwest Middle has an enrollment of approximately 455 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwest Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Southwest Middle is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Southwest Middle rank in MN?
Southwest Middle ranks #1,411 of 1,992 schools in MN.
What is Southwest Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Southwest Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Southwest Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Southwest Middle has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Southwest Middle a charter school?
No, Southwest Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Southwest Middle a Title I school?
No, Southwest Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Southwest Middle?
60.4% of students at Southwest Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 7th
- Enrollment
- 455
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 32
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 60.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Freeborn County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 31.6%
- Phone
- (507) 379-5240
Resources & Links
District
ALBERT LEA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 3,338
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,107
- District Rank
- #5 of 8
Other Schools in This District
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