Monroe County

The schools in Monroe County, Alabama serve a diverse student population across 7 schools, including 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 3 alternative schools. While some schools, like Excel High School, outperform the county and state averages on academic measures, others, particularly the middle and alternative schools, struggle with low test scores and high percentages of disadvantaged students.

The data reveals stark disparities in academic performance, with a strong correlation between the racial and socioeconomic makeup of the schools and their educational outcomes. Schools with higher percentages of African American students and students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, such as Monroeville Elementary School and Monroeville Middle School, tend to have the lowest test scores and proficiency rates. In contrast, Excel High School, which is majority white, outperforms the county and state on many academic metrics.

The data also suggests that the district is making efforts to direct additional resources to the schools with the greatest needs, as the alternative schools, which serve the most disadvantaged student populations, have the highest per-student spending. However, the persistent achievement gaps and the challenges faced by the middle and alternative schools indicate a need for targeted interventions and support to ensure equitable educational outcomes for all students in Monroe County.