Southwood Middle School Center for the Arts, more commonly known as Southwood Middle School, is a public secondary school located on 16301 Southwest 80th Avenue in Palmetto Bay, Florida. Its principal is Raul Garcia. The mascot for the school is the SuperStar, a cartoonish star who wears a top hat and carries a cane.
Serving 1,063 students in grades 6-8, Southwood Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 71% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 72% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,063 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 72% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 64% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southwood Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Southwood Middle School's student population of 1,063 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,063 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
1975
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Motto
We are an 'A' School
School Rankings
Southwood Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwood Middle School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#520 out of 3662 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
63%
38%
Black
17%
21%
White
16%
34%
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.7%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Superstar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwood Middle School's ranking?
Southwood Middle School is ranked #520 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Southwood Middle School often compared to?
Southwood Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Palmetto Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 72% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Southwood Middle School?
1,063 students attend Southwood Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Southwood Middle School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 16% of students are White, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwood Middle School?
Southwood Middle School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Southwood Middle School offer ?
Southwood Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwood Middle School part of?
Southwood Middle School is part of Miami-Dade School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I love this school. The pro about this school is that the food is great and the staff is very nice. But, the cons of this school is that it could get a little bit overcrowded
Review Southwood Middle School. 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
