Serving 575 students in grades 6-8, South Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 42% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 575 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Middle School's student population of 575 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
575 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Rankings
South Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,084 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Middle School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1259 out of 2084 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)42%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
4%
15%
White
71%
68%
Hawaiian
2%
1%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Middle School's ranking?
South Middle School is ranked #1259 out of 2,084 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are South Middle School often compared to?
South Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Middle School, East Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend South Middle School?
575 students attend South Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of South Middle School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of South Middle School?
South Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does South Middle School offer ?
South Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Middle School part of?
South Middle School is part of Joplin Schools School District.
School Reviews
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