Serving 746 students in grades 6-8, Southwest Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 746 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southwest Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Southwest Middle School's student population of 746 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
746 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1956
Colors
Red & Black
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwest Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Middle School is 0.68, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3271 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
43%
38%
Black
24%
21%
White
29%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Middle School's ranking?
Southwest Middle School is ranked #3271 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Southwest Middle School often compared to?
Southwest Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lakeland Highlands Middle School, Crystal Lake Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Southwest Middle School?
746 students attend Southwest Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Southwest Middle School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 24% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwest Middle School?
Southwest Middle School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Southwest Middle School offer ?
Southwest Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Middle School part of?
Southwest Middle School is part of Polk School District.
In what neighborhood is Southwest Middle School located?
Southwest Middle School is located in the Southwest Lakeland neighborhood of Lakeland, FL. There are 1 other public schools located in Southwest Lakeland.
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