Serving 614 students in grades 6-8, Southwest Middle School - 38 ranks in the top 10% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 59% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 614 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southwest Middle School - 38 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Southwest Middle School - 38's student population of 614 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
614 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Campus Size
700 acres
School Motto
Inspire – Innovate – Excel
School Rankings
Southwest Middle School - 38 ranks within the top 10% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Middle School - 38 is 0.40, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#52 out of 619 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
6%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
77%
66%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Middle School - 38's ranking?
Southwest Middle School - 38 is ranked #52 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Southwest Middle School - 38 often compared to?
Southwest Middle School - 38is often viewed alongside schools like South Middle School - 36, West Middle School - 37 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Southwest Middle School - 38?
614 students attend Southwest Middle School - 38.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Southwest Middle School - 38 students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwest Middle School - 38?
Southwest Middle School - 38 has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Southwest Middle School - 38 offer ?
Southwest Middle School - 38 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southwest Middle School - 38 part of?
Southwest Middle School - 38 is part of Rapid City Area School District 51-4.
School Reviews
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