Summary:
The 35401 zip code of Tuscaloosa, Alabama is home to 6 schools serving students from elementary through high school, all part of the Tuscaloosa City school district. While the data reveals some standout schools, the overall academic performance of these institutions is concerning, with significant gaps compared to district and state averages.
Central High School and Oakdale Elementary School stand out as the lowest-performing schools in the data set, with test scores well below state and district levels. These schools serve predominantly African American and economically disadvantaged student populations, with over 75% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. In contrast, University Place Elementary is the highest-performing school, though its proficiency rates still lag behind state averages.
Across the board, the schools in this zip code struggle with low test scores, high poverty rates, and resource allocation challenges. Student-teacher ratios are relatively high, and higher-spending schools do not necessarily translate to better academic outcomes. These disparities raise concerns about equity and access to quality education for underrepresented minority groups in the Tuscaloosa area, and addressing these issues should be a priority for the Tuscaloosa City school district and the broader community.
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