Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Summary:

Dunbar Creative Performing Arts is a public middle school in Mobile, Alabama, serving 345 students in grades 6-8. Despite being part of the Mobile County School District, which is ranked 96 out of 137 districts in the state, Dunbar Creative Performing Arts stands out as a high-performing school with a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

One of the key factors that sets Dunbar Creative Performing Arts apart is its student population, which is predominantly African American (84.06%) compared to the surrounding schools, which range from 44.29% to 97.56% African American students. Academically, the school consistently outperforms the Mobile County and Alabama state averages in English/Language Arts proficiency across all grade levels, with 85.9% of 8th-grade students proficient or better in 2023-2024, compared to 48.55% in Mobile County and 51.42% statewide.

Dunbar Creative Performing Arts' success extends beyond its overall academic performance. The school ranks among the top 25-30% of middle schools in Alabama and excels in serving specific student subgroups, ranking in the top 5% for African American students and the top 15% for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that nearly 70% of the school's students come from low-income families. Compared to nearby schools like CL Scarborough Model Middle School and Pillans Middle School, Dunbar Creative Performing Arts significantly outperforms in both proficiency rates and overall rankings, making it a standout example of educational excellence in the Mobile area.


Detail:

Public, Magnet 6-8

 500 Saint Anthony St
       Mobile, AL  36603-6123


(251) 221-2160

District: Mobile County

SchoolDigger Rank:
96th of 442 Alabama Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,458 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  16.4 Help
Number of students:  345

Racial breakdown:

African American:
84.1%
White:
10.1%
Two or more races:
2.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  69.9% Help


 See top rated Alabama middle schools

 Compare Dunbar Creative Performing Arts to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Dunbar Creative Performing Arts ranks better than 78.3% of middle schools in Alabama. It also ranks 4th among 16 ranked middle schools in the Mobile County School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 71.11. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Dunbar Creative Performing Arts has the largest middle school student body size in the Mobile County School District.  (See more...)
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts is $8,458. 8 middle schools in the Mobile County School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Dunbar Creative Performing Arts:

SchoolDigger ranks Dunbar Creative Performing Arts 96th of 442 Alabama public middle schools. (See Dunbar Creative Performing Arts in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
White students:


Mobile County:

SchoolDigger ranks Mobile County 96th of 137 Alabama school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Dunbar Creative Performing Arts?

Rank History for Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 76.48 73rd 407 82.1%
2005 78.67 54th 415 87.0%
2006 85.18 33rd 409 91.9%
2007 93.05 10th 412 97.6%
2008 89.31 17th 417 95.9%
2009 88.34 30th 425 92.9%
2010 89.22 17th 435 96.1%
2011 88.13 19th 435 95.6%
2012 89.15 14th 436 96.8%
2013 86.58 13th 436 97.0%
2014 76.43 67th 438 84.7%
2015 77.75 62nd 430 85.6%
2016 78.12 65th 432 85.0%
2017 82.81 50th 432 88.4%
2018 81.29 60th 423 85.8%
2019 72.73 87th 437 80.1%
2021 49.54 212th 440 51.8%
2022 63.56 125th 432 71.1%
2023 76.21 75th 437 82.8%
2024 71.11 96th 442 78.3%
See the entire list of Alabama Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.08 2nd 223 99.1%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 92.61 11th 349 96.8%
2018 86.18 22nd 396 94.4%
2019 80.83 39th 396 90.2%
2021 60.17 140th 415 66.3%
2022 73.53 55th 421 86.9%
2023 85.52 26th 410 93.7%
2024 80.44 60th 437 86.3%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 77.40 3rd 25 88.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Middle Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 77.93 55th 380 85.5%
2018 75.58 67th 392 82.9%
2019 66.20 104th 399 73.9%
2021 47.61 212th 415 48.9%
2022 62.36 131st 423 69.0%
2023 75.40 73rd 417 82.5%
2024 67.53 106th 426 75.1%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 79.01 55th 380 85.5%
2018 84.12 40th 397 89.9%
2019 76.95 59th 399 85.2%
2021 42.83 233rd 418 44.3%
2022 61.94 126th 427 70.5%
2023 75.82 71st 419 83.1%
2024 74.40 77th 428 82.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 92.41 11th 205 94.6%
2018 94.18 10th 247 96.0%
2019 88.98 17th 252 93.3%
2021 69.63 54th 266 79.7%
2022 82.81 31st 271 88.6%
2023 91.53 15th 263 94.3%
2024 86.59 19th 269 92.9%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 87.02 22nd 247 91.1%
2018 93.98 20th 331 94.0%
2019 94.92 15th 343 95.6%
2021 70.12 75th 369 79.7%
2022 84.73 38th 376 89.9%
2023 85.46 41st 370 88.9%
2024 85.75 43rd 373 88.5%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Alabama State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Dunbar Creative Performing Arts Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Alabama State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Saturday, December 29, 2012

Open Quote It's a great school, and I personally LOVED it.
There aren't any problems that I had with the school, and they're very tolerant. They have wide selections for electives, and all of them are interesting and fun.
The teachers are very kind, and they love working with kids and helping kids out.
It's an AMAZING school, and they give you chances to really find and love your talent. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 436 436
1989 4 395 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 400
1990 0 386 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 386
1991 242 221 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 465
1992 313 285 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 599
1993 304 320 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 624
1994 308 323 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 632
1995 355 406 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 767
1996 355 406 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 767
1997 352 370 12 3 1 n/a n/a 0 738
1998 312 387 7 3 1 n/a n/a 0 710
1999 231 380 2 2 1 n/a n/a 1 617
2000 227 358 3 2 1 n/a n/a 1 592
2001 218 305 6 0 0 n/a n/a 1 530
2002 233 298 6 5 3 n/a n/a 0 545
2003 233 298 6 5 3 n/a n/a 0 545
2004 278 359 9 6 1 n/a n/a 0 653
2005 291 335 12 9 3 n/a n/a 0 650
2006 259 347 21 8 2 n/a n/a 1 638
2007 264 318 17 3 1 n/a n/a 1 604
2008 236 345 14 4 0 n/a n/a 0 599
2009 200 299 10 6 0 n/a n/a 0 515
2010 185 299 10 9 2 n/a n/a 0 505
2011 202 322 8 9 2 0 0 0 543
2012 224 293 9 17 2 0 2 0 547
2013 231 278 10 21 3 0 2 0 545
2014 216 324 6 20 2 0 7 0 575
2015 202 308 4 19 2 0 15 0 550
2016 178 323 3 21 1 0 5 0 531
2017 126 362 4 16 3 0 8 0 519
2018 98 350 5 11 1 0 9 0 474
2019 65 401 2 9 1 0 16 0 494
2020 56 417 2 6 1 2 12 0 496
2021 47 413 2 5 0 1 8 0 476
2022 44 355 1 9 0 0 8 0 417
2023 35 290 1 9 0 0 10 0 345

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 436 21.0 20.7 0
1989 400 21.0 19.0 n/a
1990 386 21.0 18.3 0
1991 465 26.0 17.8 n/a
1992 599 28.0 21.3 n/a
1993 624 32.0 19.5 n/a
1994 632 31.9 19.8 n/a
1995 767 36.8 20.8 n/a
1996 767 36.8 20.8 n/a
1997 738 40.2 18.4 32.2
1998 710 42.3 16.8 32.5
1999 617 41.0 15.0 47.9
2000 592 40.0 14.8 36.7
2001 530 38.0 13.9 52.6
2002 545 36.0 15.1 64.8
2003 545 36.0 15.1 64.8
2004 653 39.7 16.4 63.4
2005 650 39.0 16.7 63.2
2006 638 38.0 16.8 70.3
2007 604 37.4 16.1 58.7
2008 599 37.4 16.0 57.9
2009 515 33.6 15.1 56.9
2010 505 41.0 12.3 62.6
2011 543 44.8 12.1 69.4
2012 547 42.4 12.9 72.8
2013 545 40.4 13.4 73.2
2014 575 27.0 21.2 70.1
2015 550 29.0 18.9 37.5
2016 531 28.0 18.9 38.6
2017 519 27.0 19.2 41.2
2018 474 24.0 19.7 70
2019 494 25.0 19.7 70
2020 496 25.0 19.8 70
2021 476 24.0 19.8 70
2022 417 19.0 21.9 69.8
2023 345 21.0 16.4 69.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 436 21.0 20.7 0
1989 400 21.0 19.0 n/a
1990 386 21.0 18.3 0
1991 465 26.0 17.8 n/a
1992 599 28.0 21.3 n/a
1993 624 32.0 19.5 n/a
1994 632 31.9 19.8 n/a
1995 767 36.8 20.8 n/a
1996 767 36.8 20.8 n/a
1997 738 40.2 18.4 32.2
1998 710 42.3 16.8 32.5
1999 617 41.0 15.0 47.9
2000 592 40.0 14.8 36.7
2001 530 38.0 13.9 52.6
2002 545 36.0 15.1 64.8
2003 545 36.0 15.1 64.8
2004 653 39.7 16.4 63.4
2005 650 39.0 16.7 63.2
2006 638 38.0 16.8 70.3
2007 604 37.4 16.1 58.7
2008 599 37.4 16.0 57.9
2009 515 33.6 15.1 56.9
2010 505 41.0 12.3 62.6
2011 543 44.8 12.1 69.4
2012 547 42.4 12.9 72.8
2013 545 40.4 13.4 73.2
2014 575 27.0 21.2 70.1
2015 550 29.0 18.9 37.5
2016 531 28.0 18.9 38.6
2017 519 27.0 19.2 41.2
2018 474 24.0 19.7 70
2019 494 25.0 19.7 70
2020 496 25.0 19.8 70
2021 476 24.0 19.8 70
2022 417 19.0 21.9 69.8
2023 345 21.0 16.4 69.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,071 (12.7%) $7,376 (87.2%) $8,458

Data source: Alabama Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 87th of 437 Middle schoolsRanks 75th of 437 Middle schools
 2.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Dunbar Creative Performing Arts)57.732.6
 25.1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Mobile County)40.323.9
 16.4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Alabama)45.330.8
 14.5%
7th Grade Mathematics (Dunbar Creative Performing Arts)56.515.5
 41.1%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Mobile County)37.614.6
 23.1%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Alabama)43.121
 22.1%
8th Grade Mathematics (Dunbar Creative Performing Arts)49.734.5
 15.2%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Mobile County)39.114.9
 24.2%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Alabama)44.721.1
 23.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students494345
 30.2%
African American401290
 27.7%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian21
 50%
Hispanic99
Pacific Islander00
White6535
 46.2%
Two or More Races1610
 37.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients70%69.9%
 0.2%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Dunbar Creative Performing Arts

Students at Dunbar Creative Performing Arts are 84% African American, 10% White, 3% Two or more races, 3% Hispanic.

In the 2022-23 school year, 345 students attended Dunbar Creative Performing Arts.

Dunbar Creative Performing Arts ranks 96th of 442 Alabama middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.


Rate Dunbar Creative Performing Arts!



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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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