Serving 813 students in grades 6-8, Southwest Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 68% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 813 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MD
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwest Academy's student population of 813 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
813 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
School Rankings
Southwest Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Academy is 0.64, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1159 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
16%
7%
Hispanic
19%
23%
Black
55%
33%
White
7%
32%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
58%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Academy's ranking?
Southwest Academy is ranked #1159 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
How many students attend Southwest Academy?
813 students attend Southwest Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Southwest Academy students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Asian, 7% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwest Academy?
Southwest Academy has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southwest Academy offer ?
Southwest Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southwest Academy part of?
Southwest Academy is part of Baltimore County School District.
School Reviews
5 9/14/2020
Best school ever!!! I have enjoyed all the awesome school programs here and the students are mostly black while I am Spanish so yeah. I really enjoyed reading this review of Southwest academy.
Review Southwest Academy. 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
