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Western Middle School for the Arts

Q: Is Western Middle School for the Arts a good school?

Western Middle School for the Arts ranks 154 th of 320 Kentucky middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public, Magnet Grades 6-8

154^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 320 Kentucky Middle Schools

Better than 52% of Kentucky middle schools

Summary

Western Middle School for the Arts is a public magnet middle school in Louisville, Kentucky, serving 618 students in grades 6-8. The school is part of the Jefferson County school district, which is ranked 140 out of 157 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Western Middle School for the Arts has shown inconsistent academic performance over the years, with its statewide ranking ranging from 154 to 290 out of 320-337 Kentucky middle schools. In the 2024-2025 school year, the school ranked 154th in the state and received a 3-star rating, indicating it is performing slightly above average compared to other Kentucky middle schools. However, the school's performance has been declining in recent years, with a 1-star rating in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Compared to the surrounding schools, Western Middle School for the Arts generally outperforms the lower-ranked schools like Frederick Law Olmsted Academy South and Johnson Traditional Middle, but lags behind the higher-performing schools like Noe Middle and Barret Traditional Middle.

The school has shown some strengths in its performance for specific student subgroups, with Hispanic and White students consistently ranking in the top 5-36 and 26-75 out of 119-131 and 314-320 Kentucky middle schools, respectively. However, the school has struggled with the performance of other subgroups, such as English Language Learners and Special Education students, ranking in the bottom 1-35 out of 35-38 Kentucky middle schools in recent years. Additionally, Western Middle School for the Arts has relatively low dropout rates but high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 25.0% to 38.1% in the past few years, which is significantly higher than the state and district averages.

665

Students ?

15.7

Student/teacher ratio ?

$21,202

Per pupil spending ?

59.1%

Free/discounted lunch ?

2201 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40212

(502) 485-8345

District: Jefferson County

Students who attend Western Middle School for the Arts usually attend:

High:

Seneca High

Racial breakdown:

African American:

49.6%

White:

34.1%

Hispanic:

8.9%

See top rated Kentucky middle schools

Compare Western Middle School for the Arts to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 14th percentile in 2015 → 52nd in 2025

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 38 percentile points since 2015

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Jefferson County

✓Above the Kentucky median (52nd percentile)

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school44%

District avg30%

Kentucky avg43%

154^th of 320

Kentucky public middle schools ?

Top 48%▲ up 38 pts since 2015

From bottom 14% (2015) to top 48% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Kentucky Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

5^th of 22Middle Schools in the Jefferson County

140^th of 157Jefferson County among Kentucky districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	49.3	154 of 320	51.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	24.6	251 of 324	22.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	31.6	232 of 327	29.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	35.8	213 of 320	33.4%	★★☆☆☆
2021	39.3	158 of 282	44.0%	★★☆☆☆
2019	35.2	240 of 335	28.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	46.2	179 of 322	44.4%	★★☆☆☆
2017	35.2	230 of 330	30.3%	★★☆☆☆
2016	36.0	236 of 331	28.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2015	20.7	290 of 337	13.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2014	36.6	238 of 335	29.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	32.0	259 of 335	22.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2012	13.7	296 of 319	7.2%	☆☆☆☆☆
2011	0.3	304 of 304	0.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2010	0.6	299 of 299	0.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2009	0.8	289 of 289	0.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2008	0.3	287 of 287	0.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2007	0.6	284 of 284	0.0%	☆☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	57.0	29 of 83	65.1%	★★★☆☆
2024	46.7	45 of 80	43.8%	★★☆☆☆
2023	47.8	35 of 79	55.7%	★★★☆☆
2022	54.0	33 of 84	60.7%	★★★☆☆
2019	65.3	23 of 96	76.0%	★★★★☆
2018	80.1	9 of 96	90.6%	★★★★★

Disabled

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2019	50.1	82 of 226	63.7%	★★★☆☆
2018	42.7	97 of 219	55.7%	★★★☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2022	80.3	1 of 6	83.3%	★★★★★
2019	30.3	33 of 38	13.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	18.3	35 of 35	0.0%	☆☆☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	45.9	159 of 298	46.6%	★★☆☆☆
2024	21.3	254 of 300	15.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	24.4	234 of 295	20.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	30.3	221 of 299	26.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	41.8	127 of 233	45.5%	★★☆☆☆
2019	40.9	194 of 299	35.1%	★★☆☆☆
2018	52.4	133 of 290	54.1%	★★★☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	91.3	4 of 131	96.9%	★★★★★
2024	31.8	92 of 123	25.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	63.6	36 of 119	69.7%	★★★★☆
2022	49.4	55 of 120	54.2%	★★★☆☆
2019	43.4	70 of 120	41.7%	★★☆☆☆
2018	43.6	66 of 116	43.1%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	43.3	173 of 314	44.9%	★★☆☆☆
2024	19.8	269 of 311	13.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	37.7	186 of 309	39.8%	★★☆☆☆
2022	35.7	206 of 310	33.5%	★★☆☆☆
2021	37.8	129 of 224	42.4%	★★☆☆☆
2019	38.4	202 of 303	33.3%	★★☆☆☆
2018	49.2	136 of 285	52.3%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	47.8	144 of 303	52.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	24.8	237 of 304	22.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	45.0	158 of 307	48.5%	★★☆☆☆
2022	26.5	238 of 304	21.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	14.0	283 of 303	6.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	17.6	269 of 293	8.2%	☆☆☆☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	36.0	61 of 101	39.6%	★★☆☆☆
2024	47.0	44 of 99	55.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	68.9	16 of 95	83.2%	★★★★☆
2022	53.8	38 of 98	61.2%	★★★☆☆
2019	67.0	20 of 87	77.0%	★★★★☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2019	29.8	229 of 294	22.1%	★☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Kentucky percentile	Rating
2025	86.0	26 of 314	91.7%	★★★★★
2024	71.6	64 of 316	79.7%	★★★★☆
2023	68.8	75 of 320	76.6%	★★★★☆
2022	72.5	56 of 314	82.2%	★★★★☆
2021	91.5	10 of 213	95.3%	★★★★★
2019	67.1	65 of 266	75.6%	★★★★☆
2018	76.5	41 of 253	83.8%	★★★★☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Hispanic (2025)97th percentile+45 vs school

White (2025)92nd percentile+40 vs school

English Language Learner (2022)83rd percentile+50 vs school

African American (2025)65th percentile+13 vs school

Disabled (2019)64th percentile+35 vs school

Male (2025)52nd percentile~ school

Female (2025)47th percentile-5 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)45th percentile-7 vs school

Multi-racial (2025)40th percentile-12 vs school

Special Education (2019)22nd percentile-6 vs school

By subject vs Kentucky (2024-2025) ?

Editing and Mechanics56%+7 vs state

Writing50%~ state avg

Reading49%~ state avg

Social Studies42%+3 vs state

Mathematics37%-4 vs state

Science33%+4 vs state

5.0

2 ratings · 2 written reviews

5★2

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a teacher
Thursday, September 29, 2016

Kids are allowed to be themselves and excel in academics and the arts at Western Middle! Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, October 22, 2014

My child is being challenged academically, and is thriving. We came from an MST elementary school where the academic culture was very strong, and he has seen continued success at Western.

The Performing Arts program has allowed my child to broaden his view of school, and it is inspiring him in new ways. He's learning that his potential is not only vast, but limitless. The class size allows him plenty of attention, the staff is pro-active and compassionate, and the Principal, Dr. Kym Rice, is fully engaged, informed, and caring for Every child.

We are very happy that we chose Western Middle School. They are truly turning the program around in a positive and major way!! We are confident that our child will be fully prepared to succeed in high school and beyond. Close Quote

Schools Near Western Middle School for the Arts

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				KSA Mathematics (2025)				KSA Reading (2025)				KSA Science (2025)	KSA Writing (2025)	KSA Social Studies (2025)	KSA Editing and Mechanics (2025)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
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 (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	KSA Mathematics 6th Grade	KSA Mathematics 7th Grade	KSA Mathematics 8th Grade	KSA Mathematics 10th Grade	KSA Reading 6th Grade	KSA Reading 7th Grade	KSA Reading 8th Grade	KSA Reading 10th Grade	KSA Science 7th Grade	KSA Writing 8th Grade	KSA Social Studies 8th Grade	KSA Editing and Mechanics 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures: Total	Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Non-Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Personnel Spending from State and Local Funds	Non-Personnel from State and Local Funds	Sub-total Spending from State and Local Funds
Western Middle School for the Arts	Public, Magnet	6-8	2201 West Main Street	Louisville	40212	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	Yes	(502) 485-8345	665	42	15.7	59.1%	227 (34.1%)	330 (49.6%)	59 (8.9%)	7 (1.1%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	41 (6.2%)	49.3	154^th of 320 public middle schools	51.9%		24.6	251^st of 324 public middle schools	22.5%	97	31.0	45.0	36.0		50.0	54.0	43.0		33.0	50.0	42.0	56.0	$21,202	$1,151	$1,932	$3,083	$14,408	$3,711	$18,119
Grace M. James Academy of Excellence	Public, Magnet	6-10	1615 West Broadway	Louisville	40203	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	Yes	(502) 485-8123	440	34	13.1	65.2%	26 (5.9%)	348 (79.1%)	24 (5.5%)	7 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	35 (8.0%)	49.8	149^th of 320 public middle schools	53.4%		29.6	236^th of 324 public middle schools	27.2%	87	28.0	36.0	34.0	44.0	65.0	63.0	52.0	58.0	22.0	36.0	44.0	61.0	$25,351	$908	$2,019	$2,927	$17,800	$4,625	$22,424
Dr. J. Blaine Hudson Middle School	Public	6-7	3526 West Muhammad Ali Bouleva	Louisville	40212	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(502) 485-8187	615	26	23.6	89.6%	21 (3.4%)	558 (90.7%)	19 (3.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (2.6%)								(n/a)					7.0								$42,889	$740	$2,039	$2,780	$24,561	$15,548	$40,110
Johnson Traditional Middle	Public, Magnet	6-8	2509 Wilson Ave	Louisville	40210	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	Yes	(502) 485-8277	516	26	19.6	74.8%	88 (17.1%)	336 (65.1%)	41 (7.9%)	21 (4.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	29 (5.6%)	4.2	314^th of 320 public middle schools	1.9%		4.6	316^th of 324 public middle schools	2.5%	2	6.0	20.0	17.0		18.0	30.0	18.0		7.0			28.0	$19,086	$1,061	$1,699	$2,760	$12,669	$3,657	$16,326
Meyzeek Middle	Public, Magnet	6-8	828 South Jackson Street	Louisville	40203	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	No	(502) 485-8299	847	51	16.7	50.5%	182 (21.5%)	293 (34.6%)	96 (11.3%)	231 (27.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	45 (5.3%)	45.4	169^th of 320 public middle schools	47.2%		73.3	61^st of 324 public middle schools	81.2%	108	35.0	48.0	46.0		41.0	50.0	43.0		35.0	36.0	39.0	49.0	$19,145	$646	$1,798	$2,444	$13,038	$3,663	$16,701
Noe Middle	Public, Magnet	6-8	121 West Lee Street	Louisville	40208	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	No	(502) 485-8307	1,155	59	19.7	42.8%	593 (51.3%)	276 (23.9%)	108 (9.4%)	106 (9.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	71 (6.1%)	87.6	23^rd of 320 public middle schools	92.8%		79.9	41^st of 324 public middle schools	87.3%	18	67.0	58.0	60.0		77.0	60.0	66.0		43.0	60.0	63.0	69.0	$18,667	$714	$1,769	$2,483	$12,560	$3,625	$16,184
Jefferson County Traditional Middle	Public, Magnet	6-8	1418 Morton Ave	Louisville	40204	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	No	(502) 485-8272	813	44	18.3	53.1%	325 (40.0%)	331 (40.7%)	74 (9.1%)	21 (2.6%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	61 (7.5%)	32.1	224^th of 320 public middle schools	30.0%		45.4	166^th of 324 public middle schools	48.8%	58	40.0	48.0	34.0		48.0	48.0	36.0		24.0	25.0	28.0	38.0	$18,626	$412	$1,689	$2,101	$12,968	$3,558	$16,525
Barret Traditional Middle	Public, Magnet	6-8	2561 Grinstead Drive	Louisville	40206	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	No	(502) 485-8207	579	36	16.3	46.5%	257 (44.4%)	195 (33.7%)	37 (6.4%)	45 (7.8%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	44 (7.6%)	77.6	51^st of 320 public middle schools	84.1%		80.6	39^th of 324 public middle schools	88.0%	12	56.0	62.0	52.0		71.0	58.0	62.0		39.0	46.0	51.0	64.0	$19,200	$505	$1,533	$2,038	$13,774	$3,389	$17,163
Highland Middle	Public, Magnet	6-8	1700 Norris Place	Louisville	40205	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	Yes	(502) 485-8266	639	50	12.8	56.0%	341 (53.4%)	143 (22.4%)	76 (11.9%)	19 (3.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	60 (9.4%)	31.1	229^th of 320 public middle schools	28.4%		21.8	263^rd of 324 public middle schools	18.8%	34	31.0	43.0	24.0		53.0	55.0	34.0		29.0	14.0	29.0	39.0	$21,403	$1,129	$1,574	$2,703	$15,159	$3,540	$18,700
Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North	Public, Magnet	6-8	4530 Bellevue Avenue	Louisville	40215	Jefferson County	Jefferson County	No	Yes	No	Yes	(502) 485-8331	470	36	13.2	78.3%	89 (18.9%)	216 (46.0%)	103 (21.9%)	29 (6.2%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (6.6%)	2.5	315^th of 320 public middle schools	1.6%		2.3	322^nd of 324 public middle schools	0.6%	7	15.0	16.0			16.0	7.0	15.0				19.0	18.0	$25,904	$1,859	$2,112	$3,971	$17,918	$4,016	$21,933

Frequently Asked Questions about Western Middle School for the Arts

How many students attend Western Middle School for the Arts?

In the 2024-25 school year, 665 students attended Western Middle School for the Arts.

What district is Western Middle School for the Arts in?

Jefferson County

What high school do graduates of Western Middle School for the Arts attend?

Students who attend Western Middle School for the Arts usually go on to attend Seneca High

What is the racial makeup of Western Middle School for the Arts?

Students at Western Middle School for the Arts are 50% African American, 34% White, 9% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

Is Western Middle School for the Arts a good school?

Western Middle School for the Arts ranks 154^th of 320 Kentucky middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Rate Western Middle School for the Arts!

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