At a glance
Reported students
574
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
47.77
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
12:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
05–08
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Pennsylvania middle enrollment
52nd percentile
Compared with 514 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
590
Southwest MS: 574 reported students.
State peer staffing position
34th percentile
12:1 reported; state peer median 12.8:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 677
- Teachers (FTE)
- 47
- Student–teacher ratio
- 14.4:1
What the reported data says about Southwest MS
Southwest MS is a public middle school serving grades 05–08 in Reading. It is one of 19 current school records connected to Reading SD. NCES reports 574 students for 2024–25.
Among 514 middle schools in Pennsylvania with comparable records, this school is close in size to the reported median of 562.5 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 52nd percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 12:1, close to the Pennsylvania median of 12.8:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Hispanic or Latino (86.8%) and Black (7.3%). English learners represent 35.7% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 33.1%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Southwest MS
- 1How do the reported 12:1 student–teacher ratio and 47.77 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 2 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 35.7%
- Students with disabilities
- 33.1%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 2
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White5.1%
- Hispanic86.8%
- Black7.3%
- Asian0%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial0.9%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Reading SD
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Southern MS
Middle · Grades 05–08
661 reported students
Northwest MS
Middle · Grades 05–08
821 reported students
Northeast MS
Middle · Grades 05–08
868 reported students
Central MS
Middle · Grades 05–08
1,785 reported students
Tenth & Green El Sch
Elementary · Grades PK–04
564 reported students
Millmont El Sch
Elementary · Grades PK–04
590 reported students
Public schools near Southwest MS
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern MS Middle · Reading SD | 05–08 | 661 | 0.7 mi |
| West Reading El Ctr Middle · Wyomissing Area SD | 05–06 | 310 | 0.8 mi |
| Central MS Middle · Reading SD | 05–08 | 1,785 | 1.1 mi |
| Northwest MS Middle · Reading SD | 05–08 | 821 | 1.3 mi |
| Northeast MS Middle · Reading SD | 05–08 | 868 | 1.8 mi |
| Kerry C. Hoffman Intermediate Sch Middle · Antietam SD | 04–08 | 434 | 2.2 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Southwest MS
What grades does Southwest MS serve?
Southwest MS reports grades 05–08 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a middle school in Reading SD.
How many students attend Southwest MS?
Southwest MS reported 574 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 52nd percentile among 514 Pennsylvania middle schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 677 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Southwest MS?
The calculated ratio is 12:1, based on 574 students and 47.77 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Pennsylvania median for the same school level is 12.8:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Southwest MS a public, charter, or magnet school?
Southwest MS is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Reading SD attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
Which school district is Southwest MS in?
Southwest MS is part of Reading SD, based in Reading, PA, which operates 19 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Southwest MS?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Southern MS (0.7 mi), West Reading El Ctr (0.8 mi), Central MS (1.1 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.