Houston County

The schools in Houston County, Alabama include 4 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 1 alternative school, serving students from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. The data reveals stark differences in academic performance across the district, with some schools, like Wicksburg Elementary School and Rehobeth High School, consistently outperforming others, such as Houston County High School.

The top-performing schools, Wicksburg Elementary and Rehobeth High, have exceptional test scores, with over 70% of students proficient in core subjects. These schools also have relatively low free and reduced lunch rates, indicating a more economically advantaged student population. In contrast, the high-poverty schools, like Houston County High, struggle with much lower proficiency rates, suggesting a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance.

While the data highlights the disparities within the district, it also suggests that factors beyond just funding and demographics, such as school culture and leadership, play a significant role in student outcomes. By studying the practices of the highest-performing schools and implementing targeted interventions in the lower-performing ones, the Houston County district can work to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or the school they attend.