South Middle School

Q: Is South Middle School a good school?

South Middle School ranks 88 th of 337 Iowa middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

South Middle School is a public middle school located in Waukee, Iowa, serving grades 6-7 with a student population of 909. It is part of the Waukee Community School District, which is ranked 44 out of 309 school districts in Iowa and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

South Middle School consistently ranks among the top middle schools in Iowa, with a statewide ranking between 46 and 123 over the past 5 years. The school's proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics are significantly higher than the state averages, with 6th and 7th-grade students outperforming the district and state in both subjects. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 83% of 6th-grade students and 86% of 7th-grade students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 74.5% and 77.3%, respectively.

While Waukee Middle School and ADM Middle School also demonstrate strong academic performance, South Middle School stands out for its consistent academic excellence, racial diversity, and socioeconomic diversity. The school's high test scores, statewide rankings, and comparisons to nearby schools highlight its commitment to providing a quality education for all students.

Detail:

Public 6-7

2350 SE LA Grant Parkway
Waukee, IA 50263

(515) 987-3222

District: Waukee Community School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
88^th of 337 Iowa Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $12,239

Students who attend South Middle School usually attend:

High:

Waukee High School

Feeder schools for South Middle School:

Elementary:	Brookview Elementary School
	Eason Elementary School
	Maple Grove Elementary School
	Woodland Hills Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 14.6

Number of students: 913

Racial breakdown:

White:

65.4%

Asian:

11.4%

African American:

8.3%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 25.8%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details South Middle School ranks better than 73.9% of middle schools in Iowa. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 69.67. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (65.4%), Asian (11.4%), African American (8.3%). (See more...)

Compare Details 25.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South Middle School is 14.6. (See more...)

Compare South Middle School employs 62.3 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at South Middle School is $12,239.

Schooldigger Rankings:

South Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks South Middle School 88^th of 337 Iowa public middle schools. (See South Middle School in the ranking list.)

Waukee Community School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Waukee Community School District 44^th of 309 Iowa school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for South Middle School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	IA State Percentile
2012	87.90	7^th	349	98.0%
2013	86.46	7^th	350	98.0%
2014	83.49	20^th	337	94.1%
2015	83.84	18^th	349	94.8%
2016	86.89	7^th	343	98.0%
2017	83.74	15^th	327	95.4%
2018	78.08	40^th	318	87.4%
2019	84.48	21^st	342	93.9%
2021	79.02	46^th	324	85.8%
2022	73.09	76^th	337	77.4%
2023	62.99	123^rd	334	63.2%
2024	69.67	88^th	337	73.9%

See the entire list of Iowa Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Iowa Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Iowa Department of Education

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Reviews:
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Enrollment information for South Middle School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2011	641	35	24	25	4	1	18	748
2012	688	37	32	28	4	1	21	811
2013	715	45	46	45	1	1	22	875
2014	741	51	61	39	1	1	29	923
2015	797	59	65	41	1	2	32	997
2016	550	32	54	32	1	1	28	698
2017	541	44	73	49	3	0	24	734
2018	574	45	68	54	3	0	46	790
2019	593	56	67	60	2	1	53	832
2020	554	69	83	64	1	2	58	831
2021	556	65	86	67	4	2	65	845
2022	582	81	90	62	3	2	72	892
2023	571	79	105	76	1	1	76	909
2024	597	76	104	66	1	0	69	913

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at South Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2011	748	57.0	13.1	14.4
2012	811	61.5	13.1	13.8
2013	875	65.0	13.4	15.1
2014	923	67.0	13.7	18
2015	997	68.0	14.6	17.8
2016	698	50.0	13.9	19.3
2017	734	52.4	14.0	22.2
2018	790	54.4	14.5	22.9
2019	832	58.4	14.2	23.4
2020	831	58.6	14.1	25
2021	845	59.1	14.2	21.3
2022	892	63.5	14.0	22
2023	909	60.9	14.9	25.6
2024	913	62.3	14.6	25.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio South Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2011	748	57.0	13.1	14.4
2012	811	61.5	13.1	13.8
2013	875	65.0	13.4	15.1
2014	923	67.0	13.7	18
2015	997	68.0	14.6	17.8
2016	698	50.0	13.9	19.3
2017	734	52.4	14.0	22.2
2018	790	54.4	14.5	22.9
2019	832	58.4	14.2	23.4
2020	831	58.6	14.1	25
2021	845	59.1	14.2	21.3
2022	892	63.5	14.0	22
2023	909	60.9	14.9	25.6
2024	913	62.3	14.6	25.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for South Middle School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$285 (2.3%)	$11,954 (97.7%)	$12,239

Data source: Iowa Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on South Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 21^st of 342 Middle schools	Ranks 123^rd of 334 Middle schools	30.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (South Middle School)	82.1	79.8	2.3%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Waukee Community School District)	84.5	83	1.5%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)	67.5	72.7	5.2%
6th Grade Mathematics (South Middle School)	82.6	80.5	2.1%
6th Grade Mathematics (Waukee Community School District)	87.6	83.1	4.5%
6th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)	69.4	69.9	0.5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (South Middle School)	86.4	77.7	8.7%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Waukee Community School District)	87.1	84.1	3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)	69.9	74.2	4.3%
7th Grade Mathematics (South Middle School)	86.4	70.4	16%
7th Grade Mathematics (Waukee Community School District)	86.3	78.1	8.2%
7th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)	70.1	68.9	1.2%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	832	909	9.3%
African American	56	79	41.1%
American Indian	2	1	50%
Asian	67	105	56.7%
Hispanic	60	76	26.7%
Pacific Islander	1	1
White	593	571	3.7%
Two or More Races	53	76	43.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	23.4%	25.6%	2.2%

Schools Near South Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				ISASP English Language Arts (2024)			ISASP Mathematics (2024)			ISASP Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ISASP English Language Arts 6th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 7th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 8th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 6th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 7th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 8th Grade	ISASP Science 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
South Middle School	Public	6-7	2350 SE LA Grant Parkway	Waukee	50263	Dallas County	Waukee Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 987-3222	913	62	14.6	25.8%	597 (65.4%)	76 (8.3%)	66 (7.2%)	104 (11.4%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	69 (7.6%)	69.7	88^th of 337 public middle schools	73.9%		63	123^rd of 334 public middle schools	63.2%	35	83.0	86.0		82.2	74.2			$12,239	$285	$11,954
Waukee Middle School	Public	6-7	905 S. Warrior Lane	Waukee	50263	Dallas County	Waukee Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 987-5177	701	60	11.6	15.8%	530 (75.6%)	36 (5.1%)	51 (7.3%)	42 (6.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	42 (6.0%)	77.7	46^th of 337 public middle schools	86.4%		84.3	19^th of 334 public middle schools	94.3%	27	85.5	89.6		81.9	81.2			$11,676	$209	$11,466
Trailridge School	Public	6-7	1455 NW Douglas Parkway	Waukee	50263	Dallas County	Waukee Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(515) 987-5161	440	10	46.1	9.5%	342 (77.7%)	25 (5.7%)	19 (4.3%)	34 (7.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (4.5%)	86.2	15^th of 337 public middle schools	95.5%					(n/a)	86.0	91.9		93.0	87.2
Van Meter Middle School	Public	6-8	520 1st Ave	Van Meter	50261	Dallas County	Van Meter Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 996-2221	241	7	36.4	7.1%	224 (92.9%)	2 (0.8%)	8 (3.3%)	2 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (2.1%)	90.1	6^th of 337 public middle schools	98.2%		91.3	4^th of 334 public middle schools	98.8%	2	94.3	95.8	90.4	87.4	93.0	90.4	90.4	$7,390	$259	$7,131
Indian Hills Junior High School	Public	7-8	9401 Indian Hills Dr	Clive	50325	Polk County	West Des Moines Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 633-4700	653	55	11.8	33.2%	333 (51.0%)	77 (11.8%)	149 (22.8%)	55 (8.4%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (5.8%)	59.8	149^th of 337 public middle schools	55.8%		65.5	109^th of 334 public middle schools	67.4%	40		83.2	77.3		78.9	81.3	64.5	$15,125	$193	$14,931
Dc-G Oak View	Public	7-8	1300 SW County Line Rd	Grimes	50111	Polk County	Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 986-0105	565	35	16.0	19.3%	498 (88.1%)	27 (4.8%)	16 (2.8%)	8 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.4%)	14 (2.5%)	79.6	39^th of 337 public middle schools	88.4%		80.7	34^th of 334 public middle schools	89.8%	5		87.6	90.2		79.7	82.8	82.1	$11,541	$246	$11,295
Stilwell Junior High School	Public	7-8	1601 Vine St	West Des Moines	50265	Polk County	West Des Moines Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 633-6000	644	48	13.4	29.0%	404 (62.7%)	81 (12.6%)	92 (14.3%)	24 (3.7%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	42 (6.5%)	52.1	189^th of 337 public middle schools	43.9%		56.8	166^th of 334 public middle schools	50.3%	23		76.9	79.3		66.2	82.0	67.2	$15,102	$192	$14,909
ADM Middle School	Public	7-8	801 Nile Kinnick Dr. S.	Adel	50003	Dallas County	Adel DeSoto Minburn Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 993-3490	344	25	13.9	18.9%	318 (92.4%)	3 (0.9%)	11 (3.2%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (2.9%)	69.9	86^th of 337 public middle schools	74.5%		81.7	31^st of 334 public middle schools	90.7%	55		90.4	91.4		74.4	74.2	72.2	$10,460	$110	$10,351
Urbandale Middle School	Public	6-8	7701 Aurora Avenue	Urbandale	50322	Polk County	Urbandale Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 457-6600	869	57	15.2	37.1%	553 (63.6%)	80 (9.2%)	116 (13.3%)	65 (7.5%)	1 (0.1%)	3 (0.3%)	51 (5.9%)	49.3	201^st of 337 public middle schools	40.4%		49.1	197^th of 334 public middle schools	41.0%	4	72.8	81.8	80.3	71.1	70.7	74.0	61.7	$8,993	$119	$8,874
Summit Middle School	Public	6-7	9500 Windsor Parkway	Johnston	50131	Polk County	Johnston Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 986-0318	1,135	69	16.4	29.5%	727 (64.1%)	126 (11.1%)	80 (7.0%)	139 (12.2%)	3 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	54 (4.8%)	68.9	96^th of 337 public middle schools	71.5%		74.6	62^nd of 334 public middle schools	81.4%	34	82.3	84.0		82.9	75.4			$11,977	$474	$11,503

Frequently Asked Questions about South Middle School

What district is South Middle School in?

Waukee Community School District

How many students attend South Middle School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 913 students attended South Middle School.

What high school do graduates of South Middle School attend?

Students who attend South Middle School usually go on to attend Waukee High School

What is the racial makeup of South Middle School?

Students at South Middle School are 65% White, 11% Asian, 8% African American, 8% Two or more races, 7% Hispanic.

Is South Middle School a good school?

South Middle School ranks 88^th of 337 Iowa middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Iowa Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.