Average
#856 of 2,221 schools in MO
Top 39% in state
South Middle
Middle School · JOPLIN SCHOOLS
PO BOX 128, Joplin, MO 64802
Enrollment
575
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
6.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
575
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
6.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Missouri schools
#856 of 2,221
In Joplin
#4 of 15
public schools
In district
#4 of 15
JOPLIN SCHOOLS
Academic growth
8.5 / 10
Excellent
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South Middle
Middle School in Joplin · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Stapleton Elem.
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Kelsey Norman Elem.
1.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Middle
South Middle is a public middle school in Joplin, MO, part of JOPLIN SCHOOLS. South Middle serves approximately 575 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. South Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #856 of 2,221 schools in MO.
Structured state assessment records for South Middle show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.9 · Average
- District avg 4.8
- MO avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
South Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
South Middle — Students at South Middle score 47% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
47.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MO MAP (2024-25)
Based on 42 test records from MO 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: 8.5/10.
How South Middle Compares
See how South Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO BOX 128, Joplin, MO 64802
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ST PETERS MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 3.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is NORTH MIDDLE (rated 3.8/10, 4.2 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, EAST MIDDLE (rated 3.6/10, 3.9 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Joplin, see our Joplin schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| STAPLETON ELEM. Joplin | 1.0 mi | 7.9 |
| KELSEY NORMAN ELEM. Joplin | 1.9 mi | 8.5 |
| MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL Joplin | 2.0 mi | 6.4 |
| JOPLIN HIGH Joplin | 2.5 mi | 5.8 |
| IRVING ELEMENTARY Joplin | 2.3 mi | 4.2 |
| JOPLIN EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR. Joplin | 2.4 mi | 3.4 |
| GATEWAY SCHOOL Joplin | 3.1 mi | — |
| ST PETERS MIDDLE SCHOOL Joplin | 3.4 mi | 7.5 |
| CECIL FLOYD ELEM. Joplin | 3.1 mi | 7.1 |
| MCAULEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Joplin | 3.4 mi | 7.6 |
| EASTMORLAND ELEM. Joplin | 3.4 mi | 3.6 |
| MCKINLEY ELEM. Joplin | 3.7 mi | 6.8 |
| NORTH MIDDLE Joplin | 4.2 mi | 3.8 |
| EAST MIDDLE Joplin | 3.9 mi | 3.6 |
| SOARING HEIGHTS ELEM. Joplin | 4.0 mi | 6.4 |
| JEFFERSON ELEM. Joplin | 4.5 mi | 4.4 |
| Dover Hill Elementary Joplin | 4.9 mi | 6.4 |
| ROYAL HEIGHTS ELEM. Joplin | 5.2 mi | 6.7 |
| THOMAS JEFFERSON INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL Joplin | 5.0 mi | 7.8 |
| COLLEGE VIEW SCHOOL Joplin | 5.2 mi | — |
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CENTRAL MIDDLE Park Hills, MO | 6.9 |
| JOHN B. LANGE MIDDLE Columbia, MO | 6.9 |
| MILL CREEK UPPER ELEM. Belton, MO | 6.9 |
| PERSHING MIDDLE Springfield, MO | 6.9 |
| RIDGEWOOD MIDDLE Arnold, MO | 6.9 |
| CEDAR RIDGE INTERMEDIATE Branson, MO | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Middle
What grades does South Middle serve?
South Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend South Middle?
South Middle has an enrollment of approximately 575 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at South Middle is 14:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Middle rank in MO?
South Middle ranks #856 of 2,221 schools in MO.
What is South Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
South Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 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 South Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Middle has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is South Middle a charter school?
No, South Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Middle a Title I school?
No, South Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Middle?
47.3% of students at South 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 575
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 47.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Newton County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 19.3%
- Phone
- (417) 625-5250
Resources & Links
District
JOPLIN SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 7,746
- Schools in District
- 16
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,792
- District Rank
- #4 of 15
Other Schools in This District
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