Is Sweetwater Middle a good school?

Sweetwater Middle ranks in the bottom 19.1% of Texas middle schools.

How many students attend Sweetwater Middle?

In the 2023-24 school year, 423 students attended Sweetwater Middle.

What is the racial makeup of Sweetwater Middle?

Students at Sweetwater Middle are 52% Hispanic, 39% White, 4% African American, 4% Two or more races.

What high school do graduates of Sweetwater Middle attend?

Students who attend Sweetwater Middle usually go on to attend Sweetwater High School

Sweetwater Middle

Summary:

Sweetwater Middle School is a public middle school in Sweetwater, Texas, serving 431 students in grades 6-8. The school is part of the Sweetwater Independent School District, which is ranked 813 out of 968 school districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Academically, Sweetwater Middle School faces significant challenges, with student performance consistently below the state average across all grade levels and subject areas. The school's STAAR test scores show that only 39.62% to 43.55% of students are proficient or better in Reading, and just 20.29% to 24.37% are proficient in Mathematics, compared to state averages of 54.09% to 54.45% and 31.89% to 40.23%, respectively. However, the school's performance in STAAR Algebra I stands out as a relative strength, with 80% of students proficient or better, significantly higher than the district and state averages.

The school's student population is diverse, with a majority of Hispanic (51.97%) and White (39.68%) students, and smaller percentages of African American (5.1%) and Asian (0.46%) students. While the school has maintained relatively low dropout rates, its academic performance varies significantly across different student subgroups, with White and multi-racial students generally performing better than their Hispanic and African American peers. English Language Learners, Special Education students, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds have the lowest rankings and performance levels compared to their peers in Texas.

Detail:

Public 6-8

305 Lamar
Sweetwater, TX 79556-5208

(325) 236-6303

District: Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
1911^th of 2,361 Texas Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,553

Students who attend Sweetwater Middle usually attend:

High:

Sweetwater High School

Feeder schools for Sweetwater Middle:

Elementary:	East Ridge Elementary
	Southeast Elementary
	Sweetwater Intermediate

Student/teacher ratio: 13.5

Number of students: 423

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

52.5%

White:

38.8%

African American:

4.3%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 71.9%

See top rated Texas middle schools

Compare Sweetwater Middle to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Sweetwater Middle ranks worse than 80.9% of middle schools in Texas. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 23.96. (See more...)

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (52.5%), White (38.8%), African American (4.3%). (See more...)

Compare Details 71.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Sweetwater Middle is 13.5. (See more...)

Compare Sweetwater Middle employs 31.2 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Sweetwater Middle is $10,553.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Sweetwater Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Sweetwater Middle 1911^th of 2361 Texas public middle schools. (See Sweetwater Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Multi-racial students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd) 813^th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)

What do you think?

Your rating for Sweetwater Middle?

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Rank History for Sweetwater Middle

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Rank History for all students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2004	37.95	1158^th	1573	26.4%
2005	62.58	583^rd	1582	63.1%
2006	66.53	497^th	1585	68.6%
2007	61.48	657^th	1684	61.0%
2008	55.62	831^st	1718	51.6%
2009	49.83	1035^th	1763	41.3%
2010	61.13	698^th	1803	61.3%
2011	55.61	957^th	1895	49.5%
2012	59.54	772^nd	1951	60.4%
2013	43.68	1225^th	1973	37.9%
2014	31.56	1485^th	1987	25.3%
2015	36.15	1429^th	2043	30.1%
2016	22.58	1689^th	1987	15.0%
2017	21.71	1711^th	2027	15.6%
2018	35.93	1353^rd	2080	35.0%
2019	21.92	1842^nd	2193	16.0%
2021	23.37	1786^th	2252	20.7%
2022	22.65	1860^th	2254	17.5%
2023	32.78	1631^st	2330	30.0%
2024	23.96	1911^th	2361	19.1%

See the entire list of Texas Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	7.79	709^th	720	1.5%
2019	3.16	750^th	753	0.4%
2023	49.53	390^th	817	52.3%
2024	62.30	247^th	812	69.6%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2021	40.03	914^th	1592	42.6%
2022	25.31	1408^th	1643	14.3%
2023	16.82	1621^st	1720	5.8%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	36.74	981^st	1597	38.6%
2019	23.48	1456^th	1626	10.5%
2021	26.29	1477^th	1712	13.7%
2022	25.20	1545^th	1757	12.1%
2023	20.58	1710^th	1815	5.8%
2024	28.30	1501^st	1881	20.2%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	31.69	1545^th	2039	24.2%
2019	19.42	1891^st	2073	8.8%
2021	20.85	1920^th	2172	11.6%
2022	17.10	2047^th	2220	7.8%
2023	27.14	1802^nd	2251	19.9%
2024	18.47	2030^th	2224	8.7%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	32.78	1435^th	2008	28.5%
2019	16.47	1882^nd	2047	8.1%
2021	22.93	1746^th	2151	18.8%
2022	22.56	1861^st	2221	16.2%
2023	35.18	1516^th	2241	32.4%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	63.94	555^th	1430	61.2%
2019	63.92	581^st	1446	59.8%
2021	46.79	952^nd	1501	36.6%
2022	56.27	784^th	1488	47.3%
2023	66.25	535^th	1481	63.9%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for At Risk students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	29.09	1621^st	2008	19.3%
2019	15.13	1995^th	2058	3.1%
2021	19.25	1989^th	2118	6.1%
2022	23.13	1919^th	2182	12.1%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for Male students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	38.48	1229^th	2030	39.5%
2019	27.72	1599^th	2069	22.7%
2021	25.52	1677^th	2168	22.6%
2022	23.66	1832^nd	2228	17.8%
2023	31.22	1613^th	2245	28.2%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	20.75	1035^th	1167	11.3%
2019	15.28	1134^th	1193	4.9%
2021	10.31	1205^th	1213	0.7%
2022	11.19	1236^th	1251	1.2%
2023	20.13	1129^th	1273	11.3%
2024	22.36	1107^th	1271	12.9%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	38.73	1141^st	1895	39.8%
2019	19.52	1753^rd	1935	9.4%
2021	20.81	1791^st	2043	12.3%
2022	17.03	1912^th	2077	7.9%
2023	22.66	1806^th	2116	14.7%
2024	17.93	1933^rd	2108	8.3%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Sweetwater Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	TX State Percentile
2018	35.45	1159^th	1673	30.7%
2019	22.91	1437^th	1684	14.7%
2021	22.34	1470^th	1700	13.5%
2022	26.62	1407^th	1723	18.3%
2023	37.18	1196^th	1749	31.6%
2024	22.04	1488^th	1724	13.7%

See the entire list of Best Texas Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Texas Education Agency, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Texas Education Agency

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Enrollment information for Sweetwater Middle

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1988	381	39	1	233	n/a	n/a	n/a	654
1989	375	44	0	247	0	n/a	n/a	666
1990	399	51	0	255	0	n/a	n/a	705
1991	352	42	1	269	2	n/a	n/a	666
1992	347	44	2	257	2	n/a	n/a	652
1993	370	46	1	271	0	n/a	n/a	688
1994	395	48	1	252	1	n/a	n/a	697
1995	358	48	1	254	1	n/a	n/a	662
1996	358	48	1	254	1	n/a	n/a	662
1997	337	44	1	241	0	n/a	n/a	623
1998	347	43	1	265	1	n/a	n/a	657
1999	320	51	0	236	1	n/a	n/a	608
2000	307	54	0	237	0	n/a	n/a	598
2001	293	57	0	228	0	n/a	n/a	578
2002	290	45	0	210	0	n/a	n/a	545
2003	290	45	0	210	0	n/a	n/a	545
2004	285	47	0	183	0	n/a	n/a	515
2005	289	41	0	167	2	n/a	n/a	499
2006	267	46	0	173	1	n/a	n/a	487
2007	257	42	0	178	0	n/a	n/a	477
2008	268	40	1	194	0	n/a	n/a	503
2009	258	45	1	189	1	n/a	n/a	494
2010	256	47	1	184	1	n/a	n/a	489
2011	230	39	0	206	1	0	5	481
2012	198	39	0	229	0	0	9	475
2013	179	31	0	244	0	0	11	465
2014	169	27	0	248	1	0	10	455
2015	189	23	1	254	1	0	13	481
2016	184	24	1	252	1	0	10	472
2017	165	33	2	273	0	0	10	483
2018	173	43	2	292	0	0	11	521
2019	183	33	5	277	1	0	15	514
2020	177	33	6	258	1	0	10	485
2021	169	24	5	268	1	0	11	478
2022	186	23	4	255	0	0	10	478
2023	171	22	2	224	0	0	12	431
2024	164	18	3	222	0	0	16	423

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 Sweetwater Middle

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	654	39.0	16.7	n/a
1989	666	n/a	n/a	n/a
1990	705	43.0	16.3	n/a
1991	666	43.4	15.3	n/a
1992	652	40.4	16.1	44.8
1993	688	46.0	15.0	50.6
1994	697	49.5	14.1	42.8
1995	662	59.5	11.1	41.5
1996	662	59.5	11.1	41.5
1997	623	58.2	10.7	41.4
1998	657	58.5	11.2	43.7
1999	608	54.2	11.2	52
2000	598	54.9	10.9	53
2001	578	53.3	10.8	52.1
2002	545	51.8	10.5	54.9
2003	545	51.8	10.5	54.9
2004	515	52.4	9.8	53.6
2005	499	50.9	9.8	56.3
2006	487	49.6	9.8	59.8
2007	477	48.3	9.9	57.9
2008	503	47.9	10.5	57.1
2009	494	44.0	11.2	59.1
2010	489	43.0	11.3	58.7
2011	481	41.6	11.5	62.4
2012	475	35.5	13.3	63.2
2013	465	34.8	13.3	66.2
2014	455	37.1	12.2	65.9
2015	481	36.0	13.3	66.7
2016	472	36.0	13.1	69.5
2017	483	34.9	13.8	70
2018	521	36.1	14.4	68.9
2019	514	30.3	16.9	72.2
2020	485	31.2	15.5	71.1
2021	478	35.2	13.5	71.1
2022	478	31.9	14.9	66.9
2023	431	36.1	11.9	66.6
2024	423	31.2	13.5	71.9

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 Sweetwater Middle

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	654	39.0	16.7	n/a
1989	666	n/a	n/a	n/a
1990	705	43.0	16.3	n/a
1991	666	43.4	15.3	n/a
1992	652	40.4	16.1	44.8
1993	688	46.0	15.0	50.6
1994	697	49.5	14.1	42.8
1995	662	59.5	11.1	41.5
1996	662	59.5	11.1	41.5
1997	623	58.2	10.7	41.4
1998	657	58.5	11.2	43.7
1999	608	54.2	11.2	52
2000	598	54.9	10.9	53
2001	578	53.3	10.8	52.1
2002	545	51.8	10.5	54.9
2003	545	51.8	10.5	54.9
2004	515	52.4	9.8	53.6
2005	499	50.9	9.8	56.3
2006	487	49.6	9.8	59.8
2007	477	48.3	9.9	57.9
2008	503	47.9	10.5	57.1
2009	494	44.0	11.2	59.1
2010	489	43.0	11.3	58.7
2011	481	41.6	11.5	62.4
2012	475	35.5	13.3	63.2
2013	465	34.8	13.3	66.2
2014	455	37.1	12.2	65.9
2015	481	36.0	13.3	66.7
2016	472	36.0	13.1	69.5
2017	483	34.9	13.8	70
2018	521	36.1	14.4	68.9
2019	514	30.3	16.9	72.2
2020	485	31.2	15.5	71.1
2021	478	35.2	13.5	71.1
2022	478	31.9	14.9	66.9
2023	431	36.1	11.9	66.6
2024	423	31.2	13.5	71.9

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 Sweetwater Middle

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,273 (14.0%)	$7,849 (86.0%)	$9,122
2020	$1,268 (12.5%)	$8,892 (87.5%)	$10,160
2021	$2,529 (24.0%)	$8,024 (76.0%)	$10,553

Data source: Texas Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Sweetwater Middle

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 1842^nd of 2193 Middle schools	Ranks 1631^st of 2330 Middle schools	14%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade Reading (Sweetwater Middle)	26	50	24%
6th Grade Reading (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	26	50	24%
6th Grade Reading (Texas)	35	50	15%
6th Grade Mathematics (Sweetwater Middle)	29	32	3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	29	32	3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Texas)	45	37	8%
7th Grade Reading (Sweetwater Middle)	33	31	2%
7th Grade Reading (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	33	31	2%
7th Grade Reading (Texas)	47	52	5%
7th Grade Mathematics (Sweetwater Middle)	22	14	8%
7th Grade Mathematics (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	22	14	8%
7th Grade Mathematics (Texas)	41	35	6%
8th Grade Reading (Sweetwater Middle)	33	51	18%
8th Grade Reading (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	33	51	18%
8th Grade Reading (Texas)	53	56	3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Sweetwater Middle)	30	35	5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	30	35	5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Texas)	55	44	11%
8th Grade Science (Sweetwater Middle)	34	24	10%
8th Grade Science (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	34	24	10%
8th Grade Science (Texas)	49	45	4%
8th Grade Social Studies (Sweetwater Middle)	14	27	13%
8th Grade Social Studies (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	14	27	13%
8th Grade Social Studies (Texas)	35	31	4%
End of Course Algebra I (Sweetwater Middle)	90	92	2%
End of Course Algebra I (Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd))	37	23	14%
End of Course Algebra I (Texas)	62	45	17%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	514	431	16.1%
African American	33	22	33.3%
American Indian	1	0	100%
Asian	5	2	60%
Hispanic	277	224	19.1%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	183	171	6.6%
Two or More Races	15	12	20%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	72.2%	66.6%	5.6%

Schools Near Sweetwater Middle

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				STAAR EOC Algebra I (2024)	STAAR Reading (2024)			STAAR Mathematics (2024)			STAAR Science (2024)	STAAR Social Studies (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2021)
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	STAAR EOC Algebra I End of Course	STAAR Reading 6th Grade	STAAR Reading 7th Grade	STAAR Reading 8th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 6th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 7th Grade	STAAR Mathematics 8th Grade	STAAR Science 8th Grade	STAAR Social Studies 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Sweetwater Middle	Public	6-8	305 Lamar	Sweetwater	79556	Nolan County	Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd)	No	No	(n/a)	No	(325) 236-6303	423	31	13.5	71.9%	164 (38.8%)	18 (4.3%)	222 (52.5%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (3.8%)	24	1911^th of 2361 public middle schools	19.1%		32.8	1631^st of 2330 public middle schools	30.0%	280	80.0	42.0	43.6	39.6	24.4	21.3	20.3	17.8	8.3	$10,553	$2,529	$8,024

Sweetwater Middle

Sweetwater Middle:

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Sweetwater Independent School District (Isd):

What do you think?

Rank History for Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for all students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for Special Education students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for Female students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for At Risk students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for Male students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for African American students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for Hispanic students at Sweetwater Middle

Rank History for White students at Sweetwater Middle

Enrollment information for Sweetwater Middle

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Sweetwater Middle

Student/Teacher Ratio Sweetwater Middle

Per Pupil Expenditures for Sweetwater Middle

Impact of COVID-19 on Sweetwater Middle

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Sweetwater Middle