Dale County

The Dale County school district in Alabama serves students from preschool through 12th grade across 7 schools, including 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district showcases a mix of high-performing and average-performing schools, with several standouts that consistently outpace state averages in academic achievement.

George W Long High School ranks among the top 35 high schools in Alabama, earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. It boasts strong test scores, particularly in math and science, and an impressive 90% 4-year graduation rate. Similarly, Ariton School, an alternative school, has outstanding test scores and a 90% 4-year graduation rate. GW Long Elementary School also stands out, ranking among the top 93 elementary schools in the state with consistently high test scores in English language arts.

While the schools in Dale County generally perform better than the state average on standardized tests, the district faces a challenge with high chronic absenteeism rates across all schools, which can impact student learning and achievement. Additionally, the schools in the district serve a diverse socioeconomic population, with free and reduced lunch rates ranging from 43.68% at George W Long High School to 78.99% at Midland City Elementary School. The district's focus on addressing chronic absenteeism and ensuring equitable resource allocation could be key areas for improvement.