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Average

#947 of 2,216 schools in MO

Top 43% in state

Southwest Middle

Middle School · PARKWAY C-2

701 WREN AVE, Ballwin, MO 63021

Enrollment

747

Student-Teacher

14.9:1

Score

6.6

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Ballwin

#7 of 12

public schools

Missouri middle schools

#168 of 390

In district

#22 of 29

PARKWAY C-2

Academic performance

7.3 / 10

Strong

About Southwest Middle

Southwest Middle serves grades six through eight in Ballwin, a large suburban community in St. Louis County. The school enrolls 747 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14.9:1, supported by 50 full-time equivalent teachers.

Academically, Southwest Middle ranks in the 79th percentile statewide, placing it #473 out of 2,234 Missouri schools. The school's academic score of 7.7/10 reflects solid overall performance. In English language arts and reading, 55% of students across the grade levels score proficient or above, while mathematics shows room for growth with 48% of students meeting proficiency benchmarks.

These results suggest the school is working to strengthen math instruction while maintaining strong literacy foundations. The middle school experience here emphasizes building on foundational skills developed in elementary school while preparing students for high school coursework. With a manageable student-teacher ratio, teachers have the opportunity to provide individualized support during this important developmental phase.

Located on Wren Avenue in Ballwin's established suburban setting, Southwest Middle draws from a community that values education and offers families convenient access to school resources and activities typical of well-developed suburban neighborhoods.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.1Above Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.89 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics7.3Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50%
Reading/ELA Proficiency49%
Overall Proficiency50%
Expected (poverty-adj.)53%
vs. Expected-3.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile60th
Resources & Environment6.3Above Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,102

Southwest Middle — Students at Southwest Middle score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

18.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MO EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 48.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 54.7%
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
53%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
58%
2022
Math
50%
ELA
49%

* 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: 6.1/10.

How Southwest Middle Compares

See how Southwest Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
57th percentile in MO
Academic
7.3/10
7.3/10
Growth
6.1/10
Above average
Environment
6.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
18%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
50 teachers

Location

701 WREN AVE, Ballwin, MO 63021

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Southwest Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. VALLEY PARK MIDDLE (rated 8.4/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Valley Park), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SOUTH MIDDLE (rated 7.5/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Manchester), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Ballwin, see our Ballwin schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
WREN HOLLOW ELEM. Ballwin 0.2 mi 8.1
SOUTH HIGH Manchester 0.3 mi 6.7
HANNA WOODS ELEM. Ballwin 0.5 mi 7.3
ACADEMY OF ST. LOUIS Manchester 0.7 mi
AL-MANARA ACADEMY Manchester 0.8 mi 7.0
SORRENTO SPRINGS ELEM. Ballwin 0.8 mi 4.2
OAK BROOK ELEM. Ballwin 1.4 mi 8.1
CARMAN TRAILS ELEM. Manchester 1.4 mi 6.7
BALLWIN ELEM. Ballwin 1.6 mi 6.0
PIERREMONT ELEM. Manchester 2.1 mi 8.4
CHRIST PRINCE OF PEACE SCHOOL Manchester 2.0 mi 6.6
HENRY ELEM. Ballwin 2.3 mi 6.6
AL-SALAM DAY SCHOOL Manchester 2.1 mi 9.3
SOUTH MIDDLE Manchester 2.3 mi 7.5
VALLEY PARK MIDDLE Valley Park 2.2 mi 8.4
VALLEY PARK ELEM. Valley Park 2.2 mi 8.3
VALLEY PARK SR. HIGH Valley Park 2.2 mi 5.5
SACRED HEART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Valley Park 2.2 mi 5.9
WOERTHER ELEM. Ballwin 2.1 mi 6.0
HOLY INFANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ballwin 2.1 mi 5.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 63021 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$113,822

Median Home Value

$324,300

Median Rent

$1,362/mo

Population

56,297

College Educated

62.1%

Homeownership

79%

Avg Commute

23.9 min

Poverty Rate

5.1%

Median Age

40.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Southwest Middle has a median household income of $113,822. It is a well-educated community where 62% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $324,300, with a median rent of $1,362/month. The local poverty rate of 5.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 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
FARMINGTON MIDDLE Farmington, MO 6.6
LINCOLN INTERMEDIATE Farmington, MO 6.6
POPLAR BLUFF JR. HIGH Poplar Bluff, MO 6.6
POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL Poplar Bluff, MO 6.6
T. S. HILL MIDDLE Dexter, MO 6.6
WEST PLAINS MIDDLE West Plains, MO 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Southwest Middle

What grades does Southwest Middle serve?

Southwest Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Southwest Middle?

Southwest Middle has an enrollment of approximately 747 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwest Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Southwest Middle is 14.9:1. 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 MO?

Southwest Middle is ranked #947 out of 2,216 schools in MO.

What is Southwest Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Southwest Middle has a composite rating of 6.6 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 Southwest Middle?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Southwest Middle has 48.3% math proficiency and 54.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

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?

18.2% 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
Average (540/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Ballwin). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
747
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
50
Free/Reduced Lunch
18.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
St. Louis County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

PARKWAY C-2
District Enrollment
16,924
Schools in District
29
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,983
District Rank
#22 of 29

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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