Featuring grades 7–10, it was eventually converted to a high school in 1959 upon graduating its first senior class.

Due to Southwest being built to alleviate crowding at Gables, a rivalry was naturally formed between the 2 schools.

This rivalry began to show up due to the construction of South Miami High School, which removed the boundary border that Southwest shared with Gables.

In the 2010s, Southwest removed 2 parking lots on its north side, removed portable classrooms, and constructed a new 2 story building which now houses classes such as cosmetology, gaming, Artificial Intelligence, Art, AP, and SPED classes.

For the 2021-2022 school year, a General Obligation bond project by the county funded renovations.

The $16.3 million project included campus-wide window replacement, restroom renovations and installation of a parent drop-off area.

[8] Southwest has the fourth largest Hispanic population of public high schools in Miami Dade.

The Royal Lancer marching band performs in the rival and homecoming football game.