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%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
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
Review Southwest Middle School - 38. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
