Jackson County

The schools in Jackson County, Alabama include 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 high school, and 5 alternative schools, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. The district has a mix of high-performing and lower-performing schools, with some standout institutions like Dutton Elementary School and Bridgeport Middle School ranking among the top schools in the state.

Dutton Elementary and Bridgeport Middle are both rated 4 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger and have impressive test scores, with 80% of 3rd graders at Dutton proficient or better in English and 55.56% of 8th graders at Bridgeport proficient or better in science. The district's alternative high schools, such as Skyline High School, also stand out with high test scores, suggesting the alternative school model is effectively meeting the needs of some students. However, the data reveals significant disparities in academic performance across the district, with some schools like Hollywood Elementary struggling with low proficiency rates.

The high rates of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 49.23% to 83.06%, indicate a significant level of economic need in the community. While higher spending per student does not necessarily translate to better academic performance, the variation in spending and outcomes across the district suggests that factors beyond just funding, such as instructional practices and community engagement, play a crucial role in student success. Addressing issues of equity and targeting interventions to support the district's most vulnerable students will be key to improving outcomes for all children in Jackson County.